It's finally here — the Lotus Evora 2+2 sports car. Powered by Toyota's aluminum-block 3.5-liter V-6 (continuing Lotus's relationship with the Japanese automaker whose 2ZZ inline-4 powers Elise and Exige models) the Evora will be very quick. The V-6 produces 280 bhp, plenty of power to move the Evora with speed. The chassis is aluminum, with a tubular steel rollover structure that also serves for seatbelt anchorage. Lotus says that the 2+2 laps the Nürburgring "considerably faster" than the Elise, and is more stable at speed than an Exige. Top is speed is 160 mph, and the car hits 0–60 in less than 5 seconds.
The Evora certainly looks like its smaller 4-cylinder brothers, with more prominent rear haunches and dramatically sculpted rocker panels. Its technically a 2+2, but those rear seats are sized for children. We suspect most buyers will order the car as a 2-seater with the rear area devoted to a luggage shelf.
Leather upholstery will be standard, as will edge-lit flush-mounted buttons and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Lotus plans to build 2000 per year, with deliveries starting in spring 2009. Look for a convertible and an ultra-high-performance derivative at a later date.
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