Loch Lomond in Scotland saw the two-week long press launch of the long-awaited new Lotus Evora. The company called it a huge success and we agree - it's a huge success for every driver. We love it!
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First deliveries of the eagerly anticipated Lotus Evora will be made to customers in Europe in May 2009 (sorry our American friends :-)) following an extensive and rapid development programme, enabling the whole project to be completed in an extraordinary 27 months. The specification we have here are for EU and Switzerland but we hope the new Lotus will sail accross the Atlantic very soon.
The first 450 Evora cars will be built to a high level standard specification. To put it in English that means the following equipment: 2+2 seating configuration, Tech Pack, Premium Pack, Sport Pack, Hi-power silver cast alloy wheels, i-Xenon Headlamps, Alpine Imprint Audio System, Reversing Camera and Electric Powerfold Mirrors. The Launch Edition includes either Ardent Red or British Racing Green as standard, and all other colours from the Lotus range are available as a cost option.
Following on from these first 450 Lotus Evora Launch Edition sport cars, customers will have the opportunity to spec to a more personal level – but of course they will not be part of the select few who will be among the first to own Britain's latest sport car and one of the most anticipated cars of the year, complete with a unique Evora commemorative build plate in the cabin.
Powered by a 3.5- litre V6 producing 280 PS and 342 Nm of torque, the new car employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure all-round dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition. Straight line performance is spectacular, with the zero to 100 km/h sprint taking place in just over 5 seconds with a top speed of over 260 km/h (prototype figures). Economy and emissions figures are class leading with the Official European Combined Cycle fuel economy being just 8.7 litres per 100 km.
Inside, the Lotus Evora cocoons passengers with sumptuous leather surfaces juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver focused instrumentation the occupants sit in cockpit-esque surroundings. A beautifully appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED haloes and a stylised speedometer and rev counter ensuring that controls are both attractive and accessible.
Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Evora’s sophisticated and attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sport car belying its real exterior and internal space. The car will also be available as a two-seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the long term future, including a convertible and a version with automatic transmission. ■