Wow...they look so much better in person!

[shay2nak]

the car is really, really nice in person...that's what I've been saying all along!

[cdn_alien]

Thanks for posting, Joe. Now I really feel like a wus for missing out because I didn't want to drive through rush hour traffic in the heat on the Loop 101 yesterday to go look at the car.

I saw the silver one at the LA auto show, and Abe was gracious enough to let me walk onto the turntable, to get a closer look. The smell and feel of the leather was intoxicating. I'll take mine in Aspen White with the white leather. Anybody have $75,000 they can lend me?

[Sweet Adrenaline]

Thank you so much for all the picts and your comments...I thought I was sold before, but after that I really must satisfy this craving...ahhhh! I really dig the White one...spectacular! and I will be on the look out for anymore info on the driving experience...input need more input
I'm going to UK in September - Lotus Factory - praying I can drive one...please! please! please! I will be good

[the1sen]

You are welcome Mike, you wus. It was worth the trip - They offered to let me sit in it, but I was so distracted that I couldn't even take decent photos of the car - I am glad I declined the generous offer.

As for the driving experience, all 5 Lotus guys said the same thing:

"Yeah, it's bigger, and it's a tad bit slower than a stock Elise, but you will be shocked at how much it drives like an Elise/Exige."

There is no doubt that the engine is stout - seriously. The Lotus guys just ranted and raved about how much they liked it. They didn't mention anything beefier being added in the way of a SC - and frankly, I don't know how they would fit it in there. The black one had the sportier close ratio tranny, and the red one had the stock tranny. Both are the same in 1st and 2nd, but the black one has closer gears and more UMPH in any gear upward as a result. 0-60 times are the same.

They were loving the creature comforts as well - zero issues for them when driving across country even when the temp sensor went up beyond 45C

Ara, you are truly right. This car is engaging, even when not in motion.

[Darth G-F]

Nice car. I will consider the SC version when it comes out.

[the1sen]

They didn't mention anything beefier being added in the way of a SC - and frankly, I don't know how they would fit it in there. There was ZERO room to work - at all - and I can't fathom where the intake would go.

[Spudboy]

So Clarkson said it was rather cheap in some regards (paraphrasing), did you guys see evidence of corners cut in fit/finish, or quality of materials?

[Allan Gibbs]

It's supposedly coming in 2011-2012. I'm waiting for the pricing and if over $65K then the SC version too.

[imoz]

How's the access to the back seats? Could I fit a rear facing car seat in there? How hard would it be to get junior in and out? This would solve the primary dilemma I have with the wife/in-laws.

[the1sen]

RE: SC, I heard nothing about it, aside from the fact that they are very happy with the current engine configuration.

IMHO - no. Fit and finish were top notch. HQ Leather, supple feel to everything in the cabin. Even the cupholders were well placed.

There were a few Porsche 911's and Ferrari's in the showroom to compare. The Ferrari by comparison was much flashier, confusing, and frankly on the gaudy side. The Porsche were not as gaudy, but were definitely confusing with switches and dials all over the place. Leathers were similar in all 3, although the Lotus felt softer to the touch, and interior materials of all 3 were again similar in that they were chosen in good taste. The Lotus was simple, direct, elegant. I loved it immediately because I understood what every control was for right away. Good luck doing that in the Ferrari or Porsche.

Similarly, to buy a Caymen equally equipped to the Evora, one would spend more money on arguably a less capable, less drivable car. Forget about a similarly equipped 911 in that price range, won't happen unless it's used. And the Ferrari?

The Alpine side of things in the Evora was strikingly positive as well. The Nav system is excellent. If you have driven an Acura or Honda with Nav, you have experienced the Alpine Sat/Nav. The backup camera is excellent. The Blue Tooth compatibility is unrivaled. The backup sensors are quality. The speakers are high quality. Alpine did a great job of taking the "niceties" out of Lotus' hands and offering a simple solution to many small electronic questions which added a nominal amount of weight (mostly in wiring) and a large degree of convenience.

I believe they did the same with the appliance-like-reliable Toyota powerplant and transmission. They took a great engine, tuned it for a sports car, and are giving it to us in a form factor of a car that you can drive every day. Conveniently. Without reservations. This comes in GREAT contrast to the Porsche and Ferrari, which were both beautiful, and both completely impractical for the cost conscious.

The Evora is a real winner in every way possible. Did I mention that I want a black one with a red interior like my Elise?

PS - I spoke at great length with the Lotus gentlemen, so feel free to ask questions.

[the1sen]

Originally Posted by imoz

How's the access to the back seats? Could I fit a rear facing car seat in there? How hard would it be to get junior in and out? This would solve the primary dilemma I have with the wife/in-laws.

The seat has a small lever at the top which moves it out of the way for entry purposes. It is simple and direct. The seat would work in an emergency, or for little people quite easily. I think if the front seats were moved forward far enough for a shorter person (like me) it would easily accommodate 4 people under 5'8"

Don't quote me on that - I have short legs, so it's easy for me to speculate my seats would be far forward.

[cdn_alien]

Originally Posted by the1sen

They didn't mention anything beefier being added in the way of a SC - and frankly, I don't know how they would fit it in there. There was ZERO room to work - at all - and I can't fathom where the intake would go.

Just eat into the trunk space? The carry-on luggage can go in the back seat.

[DeanG]

th1sen - thanks for posting your impressions.

I was able to sit in the red car for a bit at LOG 29. I thought that the interior was honest. Nothing was fake. It had a sense of style. It felt like a sports/GT car.

At the LOG 28 Evora presentation the Lotus executives did admit that a boosted version was being planned. The big question seemed to be was the order of release of the 3 major changes: convertible, automatic transmission and boosted.

[the1sen]

quite nifty - you forgot that one.

curious. they were almost offended by mention of the engine modification. I suppose when everyone asks the same question it can be a bit taxing.

[chapster5]

Originally Posted by Sweet Adrenaline

Thank you so much for all the picts and your comments...I thought I was sold before, but after that I really must satisfy this craving...ahhhh! I really dig the White one...spectacular! and I will be on the look out for anymore info on the driving experience...input need more input
I'm going to UK in September - Lotus Factory - praying I can drive one...please! please! please! I will be good

Youll be even more happy to know, the white has a kind of pearlescent effect to it, that really makes it "pop"

[DeanG]

Originally Posted by the1sen

quite nifty - you forgot that one.

curious. they were almost offended by mention of the engine modification. I suppose when everyone asks the same question it can be a bit taxing.

I gather that they are focused on selling what they have. Lotus probably doesn't want to put off any prospective buyers with a "Wait a while, the new improved version will be out in a ...".

[Rei]

You could always get the NA first then trade it in once the boosted offering is available least that's what I'm planning. The car is just too nice to pass up on.

Question do they have any two tone seat options? Or is the interior just one color throughout?? I like how Porsche has a two tone where the seat itself is black where you sit and the seat backs are white. If not it's just going to be all black interior for me.

Another Dumb question how about storage within easy reach of the driver. Does it have cointrays, little pockets in the doors etc... Let us all know most photos are of the exterior and no one ever bothered mentioning about the interior storage.

[the1sen]

Without driving it - I would have zero reservations buying one. SC or not. It's 100% Lotus, and 20% other stuff too.

I'm still reeling from my visit on Friday.

[the1sen]

Originally Posted by Rei

You could always get the NA first then trade it in once the boosted offering is available least that's what I'm planning. The car is just too nice to pass up on.

Question do they have any two tone seat options? Or is the interior just one color throughout?? I like how Porsche has a two tone where the seat itself is black where you sit and the seat backs are white. If not it's just going to be all black interior for me.

Another Dumb question how about storage within easy reach of the driver. Does it have cointrays, little pockets in the doors etc... Let us all know most photos are of the exterior and no one ever bothered mentioning about the interior storage.

I didn't see any 2 toned options. Both of these were black interiors. I would get red with Black exterior. Have I mentioned I want one?

Storage was surprisingly well done. Some within reach, a couple of cup holders in the doors, a real glove box, a rear seat... I was most surprised about how small the boot was. I suppose you COULD fit stuff in there... but why bother with the rear seats so convenient.

The interior was really special to me. It felt just like my Elise, and then not. Hard to explain.

[DeanG]

Originally Posted by Rei

Question do they have any two tone seat options? Or is the interior just one color throughout?? I like how Porsche has a two tone where the seat itself is black where you sit and the seat backs are white. If not it's just going to be all black interior for me.

The answer to that is ordering the car with the interior customized by the "Lotus Trim Shop". Any colors, any style. I have seen some wild designs done to very high standards.