Lotus

Vehicle: 2011 Lotus Evora
Price as tested: CDN$95000

Handling: While no one in this world has ever doubt about Lotus’s engineering prowess on tuning lightweight sports car which handles like a dream on a racetrack, its always been their harsh ride quality that’s been heavily penned. Lotus has claimed the new Evora is equally capable on a racetrack while comfortable enough for daily driving. As we have found out over the day we drove the Evora through the racetrack and on the black top twisties, its equally at home at both places. The steering is sharp, precise and provide exceptional feedback to all the driver input. All have done without the over sensitivity as we have experienced with the Elise and Exiga. That’s even if you press the “sport” button which change Evora’s already sporty demeanor into an aggressive one. The lightweight aluminum chassis is solid and rigid, which is perfect for Lotus car building philosophy. Light makes might, which means lightweight equals proper sports car. Regardless of how many horses one has to put through the wheel, its hard to beat the weight which sacifices both performance and efficiency. When compares to other Lotus, Evora’s ride quality is more compliant over rough pavements and expansion joints. It only feels harsh over washboard pavement, however, Evora’s peers feel much more planted over those roads. Both Cayman and 911 ride more sublime without losing any of their handling prowess, over the same sketches of roads. When pushed the Evora, its cornering is flat and composed. Safe understeer surfaces right before encountering any oversteer.

Performance: The Evora uses Toyota’s proven 3.5 liter DOHC V6 24-valve with VVT-i as its mid-ship configuration. In Evora’s case, its good for 276hp and 252 lb/ft of torque working through a smooth shifting 6-speed manual gearbox. While the engine is smooth, refined and tune with sporty engine note; its the low-end torque and high rev that are most impressive with the Lotus tuning. With only 2976 lb moving 276hp mean there are plenty of performance all the way right from standstill up to redline. The mid-range is equally good either. The throttle reponse is quick and linear. Best of all, 6-speed manual provides excellent throw and gates are well-defined. Clutch provides exceptional feedback while very progressive over the entire travel.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Evora’s stopping power certainly match its handling abilities. The stopping distance is short, while it has one of the best brake pedal feedback I have ever experienced. It always feels crisp and alive without any complaints. ABS only steps in necessarily is an added bonus.

Interior: As with other Lotus, Evora only got what you need in a sports car. That means great sets of Recaro sports seats, as well as air conditioning and a generally acceptable stereo system. However, getting in and out of the Evora still need a bit of skills. If you have a date and want to drive the Evora out for a nice dinner, perhaps its a better idea to take another car.

There are enough luggage space for a set of golf clubs. If there are two persons who are intended to go for a weekend getaway, please be well-prepared for compact handbags with your Lotus.

Conclusion: The Evora is certainly a welcome addition to the Lotus family. Its not only it looks great, its handling and performance are certainly well worth the Lotus emblem on the hood. Its surprising ride quality will definitely be an added value when its time to compare to other great sports cars.

Competitions:
Porsche Cayman S
Porsche 911 Carrera
Tesla Roadster S

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Lotus Evora
=====================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Vehicle(s): 2006 Lotus Elise Touring and Track Pkgs
Price as tested: Estimated CDN$65000-68000

Performance: The North American-bound Elise is motivated by only one engine. The same engine that found underneath Toyota Celica GTS’s 1.8L 16-valver VVTL-i DOHC. Although it has only 138 lb/ft of torque at a high 6800 rpm, it feels surprisingly docile around town thanks to Elise’s 2000 lb weight. Even if you still have to rev into high rpm to squeeze the performance out of this torqueless powerplant, it doesn’t have that string pulling feel as in Celica. In the high rpm, this variable valve timing with lift electronically control is simply a gem. Thanks to Elise’s lack of engine insulation, the engine notes are simply astonishing to hear when you push the sensitive throttle. While the clutch is light and progressive, my biggest beef has to deal with its 6-speed stick shift which has a long throw even with well-defined gates.

Handling: Simply put. The Elise has to be the most fun car I have ever driven. Touring package’s standard suspension has a compliance ride quality without losing the sharp handling of this street go-kart. Its a pleasant surprise because Track package’s sports suspension rides rough in comparison. The sports suspension feels rough on both small and large bumps. With sports setting, Elise is definitely not a car for daily driver. However, Touring package is civilized enough as daily driver. The Elise’s body rolls are simply non-existence. Both understeer and oversteer are easy to control even without any sorts of electronic stability controls. Steering is the best yet, with surgically precision and delightful response that are simply a joy to drive.

Brakes: Thanks to Elise’s lightweight and standard ABS, the braking performance is nothing short of impressive. Everything from pedal feel and stopping distance are just astonishing. Not only does it stops on a dime but the pedal is the most responsive and sensitive ever.

Interior: Elise’s interior is more of a race car than a luxury car. All the switches are all at the right places. There aren’t anything unnecessary to distract the driver. Touring package’s leather seats are very supportive and hug the driver like no tomorrow through corners. Nothing fancy, just a true race car interior best sums up Elise’s interior. The most unfortuate thing about Elise’s interior is there are lots of rattles and cracks in our tester.

Conclusion: If you are looking for a roadster that is as capable as a go-kart, there is nothing else out there that is able to challenge the dynamic abilities of an Elise. It has to be the best fun and memorable sports car I have ever driven ever.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 LOTUS ELISE
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5

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