Lotus has just announced the introduction of the Evora Cup car, which will compete in its own spec series in 2010. Stripped-down and powered-up, the Evora Cup car weighs just 2,645 lbs and features a larger 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes an impressive 395-hp.
The race car is built to FIA GT4 specs and will be eligible to run in many international racing series, as well as in the Lotus Evora Cup, which will take place at several racetracks throughout Europe in 2010, with plans to expand the series for 2011 already in place.
Lotus is supporting the series with €100,000 ($160,000) in prizes. As for the car itself, it will cost £120,000 ($175,000).
The Lotus Evora Cup car will first be shown at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham, England this weekend, with full details being released at the Geneva Auto Show in March.
On display at the Detroit Auto Show, Lotus showed its new flagship sports car, the Evora, alongside another rare British auto, the Morgan AeroMax. The AeroMax sports a BMW sourced 4.8-liter V8 engine and can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It retails for a whopping $180,000.
As for the Evora, it’s Lotus’ all-new 2+2 sports car, aimed at delivering the same Lotus driving experience with added functionality. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 276-hp, it can hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and gets over 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Options include items like a $1,990 Premium Package that includes a more extensive leather interior and lets the owner choose the leather color. There’s also a Sport Package for $1,275 that includes a new diffuser, titanium exhaust tips, black brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors as well as a Sports Mode with more aggressive throttle response, a higher RPM limit and a more limited level of interference by the traction and stability control programs. For $2,995, there’s a technology package with an upgraded audio system, a 7-inch LCD screen with navigation, all the iPod and USB connectivity you could want, as well as reverse parking sensors and steering wheel mounted cruise control. And for $1,500 owners can opt for a close ratio six-speed manual transmission.
Currently on-sale in Europe, the Evora is set to hit dealerships later this year in the U.S., with a base price of $73,500.
In addition to the new Evora, Lotus had on display a new Exige S 260 model in a stunning red paint scheme, as well as an Elise with an equally impressive red Alcantara interior. The Exige S 260 is pwered by a supercharged 1.8-liter engine and makes 257-hp and 174 ft-lbs of torque. It weighs just 2,020 lbs. thanks to a... [Read More]
Subdued in 2009, America's most important auto show is back on track at the start of a new and more optimistic year. General Motors and Ford will take center stage with a long list of new and important products including the 2011 Ford Focus, 2011 Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, 2011 Chevrolet Aveo, Buick Regal GS, GMC Granite Concept, Cadillac XTS Concept and Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. As for Chrysler, it doesn't have any press conference scheduled, but it will display a rebadged five-door hatchback from Fiat's Lancia brand, as well as a lineup of Fiat 500 models, including a convertible, electric version and a sporty Abarth model. Now under Fiat's wing, the Chrysler booth with also display amazing machines from both Ferrari and Maserati.
Other important vehicles debuting at the show include the Honda CR-Z Hybrid, a dedicated hybrid concept from Toyota, the 2011 BMW 3 Series, BMW Z4 sDrive35is, 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, MINI Beachcomber Concept and the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet.
There's sure to be plenty more as well, so check back often as we update this page with the latest breaking news from the Detroit Auto Show starting January 11th.
Plus: Don't forget to sign on to get email updates from AutoGuide.com's live coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
The North American International Auto Show, hosted each year in Detroit, appears set to return to its former glory for 2010. Many of the automakers absent from last year will be displaying and introducing models, while fears of bankruptcy for the U.S. manufacturers have been realized and have now subsided thanks to generous government aid and the help of foreign partners, the cooperation of the unions and a lot of tough decisions.
Important debuts for the first auto show of 2010 include the Honda CR-Z hybrid sports car, a Dedicated Hybrid Concept from Toyota, the BMW Z4 sDrive35i, the MINI Moke Concept and the 2011 Ford Mustang GT.
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