Richard Hammond on Evora - LotusTalk

Randy Chase · 03-13-2009, 09:33 AM

Job well done for new Lotus Seater - Cars and Motorbikes - Mirror.co.uk

Job well done for new Lotus Seater
By Richard Hammond on Mar 12, 09 06:31 PM in Richard Hammond's Friday column

Quote:

Lotus seater! Lotus could have thought of a sexier name for its new sports car but otherwise it looks like a job well done. Very well done, in fact.

How many mid-engined cars can you think of that are able to carry a couple of extra people in the back? Correct, none.

True, the back seats of the Evora are more Hammond-sized than tall adult but they're big enough for kids or for a run down to the pub. Lotus is also building a two-seat-only version that it's calling the 2+0. It's cheaper, too, at £47,500 (the 2+2 is £49,875).

These prices put the Evora firmly in Porsche Cayman territory. Lotus has been plagued in the past by a dodgy reputation when it comes to interiors. The Esprit, for example, was an absolutely fabulous car to drive but sometimes bits didn't work - like electric windows - or trim came away if you went over a speed bump.

The new car, however, should make amends - it looks just fantastic inside, with neat aluminium instrument mounts and quality plastic parts. The Evora also looks stunning from the outside - just wait until you see one in the metal.

The model is powered by a Toyota 3.5-litre V6 with 280bhp but that doesn't mean the engine has been plucked straight out of a Toyota. Lotus boffins in Norfolk have fiddled extensively with the engine to make it suitable for a proper sports car and, in the process, have managed to get its emissions down to 205g/km, which is pretty impressive for a biggish motor. But you want to know how fast it'll go, don't you? I know I do.

Lotus is claiming a zippy 0-60mph time of about 5.0sec as well as a top speed of around 170mph - plenty quick enough, in other words. But this model isn't just about tearing away from the traffic lights.

Because it's a Lotus it will handle like a racing car while also offering a ride that's not so stiff it will knock your teeth out. In fact, I can't think of a car that I'm more looking forward to driving than this new Lotus. It'll have a job on its hands to beat the fantastic Porsche Cayman.

But it's a Lotus - and it's built in Britain by British craftsman - so even if it can't out-corner a Cayman, it's still going to be a top-quality motor. And if that doesn't make you come over all patriotic I honestly don't know what will.

fzust · 03-13-2009, 09:47 AM

The more I read and see, the more I want. Esp with the TVS SC S version. Its like a 911 with personality.

Vishus_1 · 03-13-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

...just wait until you see one in the metal.

Is the Evora metal? I thought it was fiberglass.

Randy Chase · 03-13-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fzust

The more I read and see, the more I want. Esp with the TVS SC S version. Its like a 911 with personality.

Yeah, me too. I was on board with getting one, then went away from that. Now rethinking it. Maybe I do want one.

shay2nak · 03-13-2009, 10:47 AM

I would be surprised if I read any bad thing about this car.

Lawy'du · 03-13-2009, 10:51 AM

I want I want I want

mjf · 03-13-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Hammond

Lotus is also building a two-seat-only version that it's calling the 2+0

Somehow that had escaped my notice before. Presumably it will be faster with the reduced weight.

mikester · 03-13-2009, 11:48 AM

Nice find, thanks Randy !

Sounds very good for sure.

Randy Chase · 03-13-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjf

Somehow that had escaped my notice before. Presumably it will be faster with the reduced weight.

It has been mentioned before.

There are a number of variants. Folding retractable top (replaces the rear seats) is another one.

BUELL XB12R · 03-13-2009, 01:19 PM

Lotus Seater? I don't get it. It's called the Evora

Randy Chase · 03-13-2009, 01:21 PM

I assumed it was a typo and meant to be "Lotus 4 seater"

BUELL XB12R · 03-13-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

I assumed it was a typo and meant to be "Lotus 4 seater"

OK that makes sense.

JLSELISE · 03-13-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

Is the Evora metal? I thought it was fiberglass.

FYI, this is just a "UK'ism" way of differentiating between how a car looks in pics vs how it looks in real life as a 3-D solid--no matter what it's made of

.

mjf · 03-13-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

Is the Evora metal? I thought it was fiberglass.

I could be wrong, but I think aluminium counts. =)

Roger · 03-14-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

I assumed it was a typo and meant to be "Lotus 4 seater"

Lotus Seater......say it and it sounds like Lotus Eater. Google Lotus Eater.

It's British humour, sorry if you don't get it.

Randy Chase · 03-14-2009, 10:59 AM

heh... makes sense. Not really funny, but makes sense.

Parramint · 03-14-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger

Lotus Seater......say it and it sounds like Lotus Eater. Google Lotus Eater.

It's British humour, sorry if you don't get it.

'British humour'......ah yes, I remember that.........

dickedup · 03-14-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

Job well done for new Lotus Seater
By Richard Hammond on Mar 12, 09 06:31 PM in Richard Hammond's Friday column.

You're putting great stock into what the... Fridge Magnet has to say?

Shirp · 03-14-2009, 08:59 PM

Hmm...I wonder if my lotus buying button can remain under glass until this comes out. I wont have a job until December and it will probably take a year and half or more before I'd even find one to test drive....decisions decisions...

Things look promising though!

9doors · 03-15-2009, 05:42 PM

Yes...I want to wait until 2011 to buy one (saving the pennies as you read). But will I pull the trigger early and get an SC Elise, an Exige, or a long coveted S4S Esprit...? Hopefully, I can hang on.

03-13-2009, 09:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
fzust 2009 XP National Champion Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 1,537	The more I read and see, the more I want. Esp with the TVS SC S version. Its like a 911 with personality. __________________ 2008,2009 X Prepared Solo National Champion

03-13-2009, 10:47 AM	#5 (permalink)
shay2nak I <3 chicken, I <3 liver Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Land of da 1000 Oaks, CA Posts: 15,055	I would be surprised if I read any bad thing about this car. __________________ save ~10 lbs gain 1 hp EQ: Y=(190X) / (1984-X) where Y is (HP) and X is (lbs) '07 EXIGE S * MY CAR ** VIDEOS! '08 ACURA TSX 6-speed http://www.makeNYNYagain.com

03-13-2009, 10:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
Lawy'du Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington D.C./ San Diego Posts: 73	I want I want I want __________________ 03 Infiniti G35, Vortech Supercharged by Relentless Autosports, Custom dual HKS carbon ti exhaust, 19" Gunmetal Volk GT-C's, Kinnetix SSV, Greddy Catch can, BC Sports coilovers, SPL A-arms, SPC rear arms, TS front, CF fenders, etc.

03-13-2009, 11:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
mikester Registered Shmoozer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 4,597	Nice find, thanks Randy ! Sounds very good for sure. __________________ Covered in Brandy and Lard

03-13-2009, 01:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
BUELL XB12R No, it's not Italian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hobbs NM Posts: 494 Images: 1	Lotus Seater? I don't get it. It's called the Evora __________________ 2005 Elise Saffron yellow, Touring, LSS, SS, Hard Top 2004 Buell XB12R 2004 RX-8 2002 Z06 (Sold) 2002 Boxster S (Sold)

03-13-2009, 01:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	I assumed it was a typo and meant to be "Lotus 4 seater" __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

03-14-2009, 10:59 AM	#16 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	heh... makes sense. Not really funny, but makes sense. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

03-14-2009, 08:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
Shirp Plans2biLotusAfterCollege Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: The Woodlands/College Station Tx Posts: 93	Hmm...I wonder if my lotus buying button can remain under glass until this comes out. I wont have a job until December and it will probably take a year and half or more before I'd even find one to test drive....decisions decisions... Things look promising though! __________________ My Prelude rebuild. http://www.preludepower.com/forums/s...d.php?t=256458

03-15-2009, 05:42 PM	#20 (permalink)
9doors Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Redlands, CA Posts: 7	Yes...I want to wait until 2011 to buy one (saving the pennies as you read). But will I pull the trigger early and get an SC Elise, an Exige, or a long coveted S4S Esprit...? Hopefully, I can hang on. __________________ 01 Acura NSX 98 Ford Explorer (Daily Driver/Farm Vehicle)

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