March 10 Press Release Evora

[Randy Chase]

All-New 2010 Lotus Evora Product Content and Packaging Details

First deliveries of the eagerly anticipated all-new 2010 Lotus Evora will be made to customers in Europe starting in May 2009 following an extensive and rapid development program that enabled the whole project to be completed in an extraordinary 27 months, almost unprecedented in the automotive industry.

Note: Following is a mild revision of a press release distributed by the PR Department of Group Lotus plc last Tuesday, March 3rd regarding the upcoming launch of the all-new 2010 Lotus Evora in the UK and European markets. Standard and optional product content packaging for the Lotus Evora in the United States and Canadian markets should be quite close to the information contained herein, but is still subject to potential change. Pricing of the Evora in the United States and Canada should be announced in the fall of 2009 and the Evora is scheduled for arrival in North America in early 2010.

All-New 2010 Lotus Evora Prepares for Launch
The first production Lotus Evoras have already started down the assembly line at Lotus’ high-tech manufacturing facilities in Worcester UK (where the advanced extruded and bonded aluminum chassis is made by Lotus Lightweight Structures) and at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel UK. Build volumes are expected to ramp up steadily over the next few months with a target of 34 Lotus Evoras being made each week by July 2009. This manufacturing volume is in addition to the current build volume for the Lotus small car platform vehicles (Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven) of 44 per week building to 55-60 per week in the run up to the northern hemisphere summer.

The Lotus Evora in Summary
The Lotus Evora will enter the sports car market as the only mid-engined 2+2 in production. The new car is a more holistic offering than the Elise and Exige models that have been so massively popular and iconic. The Lotus Evora is designed for people who desire the exotic sports car characteristics of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. However, it offers real-world usability and a unique sense of occasion as well. Powered by a 3.5-litre V-6 producing 276 hp at 6,400 rpm and 252 lb./ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, the Evora employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure all-around exceptional dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition.

Straight line performance is spectacular, with the 0 – 60 mph sprint taking place in approximately 5 seconds and a top speed of over 160 mph (prototype figures). Economy and emissions figures are class leading with the Official European Combined Cycle fuel economy being just 8.7 liters/100 km (equivalent to 27 mpg) and the emissions being just 205 g/km CO2 (equivalent to 11.6 ounces/mile CO2). The other fuel economy figures are equally impressive with Official European Urban Cycle figures of 12.4 liters/100 km (equivalent to 19 mpg) and 6.5 liters/100 km (equivalent to 36 mpg) for the Official European Extra Urban Cycle.

[Randy Chase]

Inside, the Lotus Evora cocoons occupants with sumptuous leather surfaces juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver-focused instrumentation, the occupants sit in cockpit-like surroundings. A beautifully appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED halos and a stylized speedometer and rev counter ensuring that controls are both attractive and easily accessible. Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Evora’s sophisticated and attention-grabbing lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sports car belying its real exterior and internal space. Along with being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the Evora will also be available as a two-seater (2+0), the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the long-term future, including availability of an automatic transmission and a convertible version in later model years.

For peace of mind, the Lotus Evora has a 3 year 100,000 km (60,000 miles) whole vehicle warranty with an 8 year chassis perforation warranty for EU markets.

Details on the 2010 Lotus Evora’s standard and extra-cost optional equipment for the UK and European markets are listed below. Standard and optional product content details for North American specification 2010 Evoras should be quite close to these, but are still subject to potential change:

Lotus Evora Standard and Optional Equipment

S = Standard
O = Optional


Engine and transmission:
276 hp 3.5 liter V-6 engine with VVT-I S
6-speed manual transmission S
Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission O
Optimal gear shift-point display S
Twin polished exhaust tailpipe S

Handling technology:
Fully independent suspension layout S
Forged aluminum unequal length double wishbones with integral joint S
Bilstein mono-tube gas dampers (front and rear) S
Eibach coaxial coil springs (front and rear) S
Anti-roll bars (front and rear) S
Yokohama Advan Sport LTS tires (225/40 ZR18 front and 255/35 ZR19 rear) S
Hydraulically-assisted power steering S
BOSCH Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) S
Switchable traction control S

[Randy Chase]

Safety Technology:
Lotus lightweight deformable bonded front structure S
Lotus all-aluminum safety monocoque 'tub' S
Lotus welded galvanized deformable rear structure S
Lotus side impact safety structure S
Stainless steel fuel tank, sheltered within safety shell S
2-stage airbags for driver and front passenger S
Isofix child seat fastening system in the rear S (on 2+2 seating configuration only)
AP racing 4-piston fixed aluminum alloy 2-piece calipers S
Ventilated brake discs (350 mm front and 332 mm rear) S
BOSCH ABS with servo assisted brakes featuring:
• Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) S
Key located remote central locking system and trunk release S
Immobilizer and key activated alarm S
3rd central brake light – high mounted S
Rear windscreen defroster S
Insulated double glazed rear window, filled with Argon gas S

Wheels:
Silver cast alloy wheels (18" front and 19" rear) S
Silver forged alloy wheels (18" front and 19" rear) O
Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels (18" front and 19" rear) O
Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels (18" front and 19"rear) O

Exterior equipment:
Halogen headlights S
Bi-Xenon headlights with headlight washing system O
Solar glass windscreen S
Body colored, heated, electric door mirrors S
Body colored, heated, electric, power-fold door mirrors O
Aerodynamically optimized rear diffuser and wing S
Body colored door handles O
Chrome ‘LOTUS’ and model designation badges S

Interior specification:
Air conditioning system S
Adjustable Recaro Black leather sport seats (front). Recline tilt and slide. S
Flat-bottomed leather and magnesium steering wheel S
Manual steering column adjustment for length and height S
Bespoke aluminum illuminated control knobs and switches S
Electric windows S
Leather gear shift knob S
Leather handbrake cover S
Remote release glove box S
Door storage bins & integrated cup holders S
12-V interior accessory socket S
12-V trunk mounted battery accessory socket S
Lotus command center with auxiliary trip computer S

[Randy Chase]

Entertainment:
Alpine CD/MP3/WMA receiver including:
• 2x45W High Power Amp (6.25” coaxial 2-way speakers & dash mounted tweeters)
• CD-R/-RW/MP3 playback capability S
Full speed connection for iPod touch, iPod nano and all iPod models with dock connector S
Full speed AUX input S
Quick search S
Lightweight fractal radio aerial S

Tech pack: O
Upgraded stereo system with:
• Alpine Mobile Media Station
• DVD±R/±RW/MP3/AAC/WMA/DivX Playback
• 2x50W High Power Amp (6.25” coaxial 2-way speakers & dash mounted tweeters)
• Alpine lightweight amp with lightweight 150 W subwoofer
• 7" WVGA Touch Screen display
• Alpine BlackBird Portable Satellite Navigation
• Bluetooth mobile phone connection
• USB connection for various iPod models and selected other MP3 player and memory sticks
• iPod connection and docking cradle in glove box
• Full speed AUX input
• Quick search
• Cruise Control, included in steering wheel
• Rear parking sensors
• Tire pressure monitoring system

Tech pack upgrades:
• Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound with Specialized Advanced fine-tuning
• Optimization of sound reproduction
• Enhanced sound staging and definition within the car O
Alpine Reversing camera (day & night) with 138 degree Field of View O

Premium pack: O
• Accent lighting
• Leather trimmed tailgate insert panel
• Evora Logo on dash
• Premium floor mats
• Choice of seat leather color
- Charcoal
- Oyster
- Paprika
- Chestnut
• Leather door paneling below trim band
• Leather trimmed door pockets
• Leather footwell side panels
• Leather trimmed armrest
• Fully leather trimmed centre console

Sport pack: O
Switchable sports mode featuring:
• Enhanced Throttle response and RPM limit
• Sports traction control mode with increased yaw and slip thresholds
• Sports diffuser
• Titanium sports exhaust tailpipe
• Cross-drilled brake discs
• Black painted brake calipers
• Engine oil cooler**

Paints:
Solid Paint Colors: S
• Ardent Red
• British Racing Green
Metallic Paint Colors: O
• Starlight Black
• Liquid Blue
• Persian Blue
• Canyon Red
• Arctic Silver
• Storm Titanium
• Solar Yellow
Lifestyle Paint Colors: O
• Phantom Black
• Aquamarine
• Laser Blue
• Isotope Green
• Carbon Grey
• Graphite Grey
• Chrome Orange
• Quartz Silver
• Aspen White
• Saffron Yellow
Premium Paint Colors: O
• Burnt Orange
• Ice White

Warranty EU Markets: S
3 year 100,000 km (60,000 miles) whole vehicle warranty. 8 years
chassis perforation warranty. Customers’ statutory rights not affected.

[IsellLotus]

Thanks Randy!!!!!

[Randy Chase]

Images

[qu1Z]

God I love lotus. Reliable, tons of colors to choose from, fast, and constantly getting better and better.

[spectre]

Still think the front, top, back and interior look fantastic but the side is a deal breaker. Looks like a huge thick body on small wheels...the proportions are very off.

[MickOpalak]

[charliex]

Paprika?

[Randy Chase]

Spicy!

[BUELL XB12R]

I'll take a Solar Yellow one please.

[JayJ]

Thanks Randy, I can't wait to see one in person.

[Cali]

I'll take a solar yellow with Paprika interior! It looks better every time I see it. I still can't believe it's so quick to 60 with almost 3000 pounds and 276 hp...

[Bob Dz.]

Lotus mentions that the first 450 will be sold to the UK/Europe market and that US sales to start early 2010. So if the recession in those markets pushes the first 450 out, will this delay the US market release? I've been hearing that their recession is much worse than it is here in the US. I guess the hope is that if they hit (say) 300 by end of year, they will switch over to the US reg cars to ensure they meet the early 2010 US launch?

My guess is that there will, therefore, be no Evora at LOG??? Does Lotus want to ship a UK spec Evora over to the US where they can't sell it (for road use anyway) or maybe they will make one US spec to bring over and raffle it off at $5.00 a ticket. That would be cool!!!!

[Randy Chase]

I believe Log is too early to see real Evora

[SweetDaddyD]

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

I believe Log is too early to see real Evora

Guess you guys will have to come and see.

Word on the streets is one is coming.

[Randy Chase]

We hear different words.

[DeanG]

I guess the horrid brown Evora in the background of the 2nd picture is a custom color

[Abe]

Originally Posted by DeanG

I guess the horrid brown Evora in the background of the 2nd picture is a custom color

I believe that's a Tesla.