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.
+ LA 2008: LOTUS EVORA NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT
+ Lotus Omnivore Flex-Fuel Engine Concept of 2009 Geneva Auto Show
+ V8-Powered Lotus Extrema Created by UK Garage
+ 2008 London Motor Show Photos: Lotus Solar-Powered Eco Elise
+ 2008 British Motor Show: Lotus Eco Elise
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.
