[MattSB]

Totally random speculation (as is most of this thread given the lack of quantitative testing done on the Evora, and the lack of US pricing) is that Lotus prioritized its microscopic engineering budget (what other company proclaims that designing a car in a short period of time is a good thing) on the things that make a Lotus a Lotus, namely handling and steering quality and dealing with the biggest problem with their existing offering (ergonomics and interior quality) and deferred one thing until they had made some money off the first couple of years' production: Engine improvements.

If they hadn't spent their money on handling and ergonomics, nobody would have bought the car except the people who have to own the latest brit-thing. If they don't spend their money on an engine, they'll still sell out.