This is Lotus’s 4th global product and since the success of the 1stgeneration Elise (launched some 15 years ago) there has been no stopping this Proton owned company. Lotus has grown in volume and recognition, especially in markets where previous models were never introduced. Here in Malaysia, the Evora arrives just about a year after it was given to UK journalists to test drive the near production version. We find this surprising as we in Malaysia should have been one of the 1st to test this Malaysian company owned sports car where even our southern neighbors were given a run in the car late last year (and they don’t even sell half as much Lotus cars as we do here).
The basic structure is similar to every other modern Lotus: mid-engine, lightweight and smaller than most every other supercar on the road. Like the Europa, the Evora has a sloped rear window and a fixed roof, although a convertible will arrive at a later date, and Lotus hints at further variants.
Power is from a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing, tuned to produce 276 horsepower and 342Nm of torque, and Lotus says the car clears the 0-to-60-mph sprint in just 5.1 seconds and tops out around 261km/h easily with a weight of just 1350kg.
Selling price in Malaysia is,
· Sports Spec RM442,480
· Tech Spec RM463,650
· Sport and Tech Spec RM472,110
· Launch Spec Edition: RM490,210
This puts the Evora pricing much lower than the Porsche Boxster or even Cayman whilst providing an equal or bigger fun driving experience. Also, the supercar looks are not to be forgotten also. Tree huggers will also appreciate the Evora’s fuel efficiency which is 8.7-liters to every 100 km driven while emitting only 199g/km of CO2 emissions. This may not be a big issus for many possible owners today but it will be soon.
