Lotus Evora Re-visited

Yes sir I read that article and was very pleased. The Elise and Evora models both use Toyota engines so realiability imho is a non-issue.

 

just drove an Evora S press car...MUCH better than I was expecting. very quick. feels lighter on its feet than my 911. only issues were a longer shift throw than I'm used to (911 has the short shifter) and way over-assisted brakes.

 

Chas,
Your opinion of the shifter throw is shared by most testers in the mags. I believe the 2012 model offers a sequential gear box (from the Camry) and offers some improvement. Strictly speaking for myself I would stay manual and install a 'short throw' shift kit. Concerning the brakes I'm uncertain as I have never driven one and my opinion could possibly be different but overall I am not a fan of ABS.

 

it wasn't an ABS issue, it just has too much power assist. Townsend Bell agreed with me

I agree, there are numerous Elise/Exige short throw kits out there so I assume the aftermarket will make one for the Evora. As I understand it the "sequential" box is a torque converter auto, not a dual clutch. no thanks.

 

I used ABS in an 'overall' terminology, sorry. Without shuffling through my mags or the internet I believe you are correct about the tranny. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

no worries

it's been so long since I've driven anything without ABS I don't remember what it's like

 

The new Exige S uses the same engine as the Evora S -- it just happens to weigh ~440lbs less! Naturally, the US is not getting the new Exige . . .

 

yeah I'm pretty bummed we're not getting the new Exige

 

Why does the US keep getting screwed?

 

As the local Lotus dealer put it, ~"You can't take a woman out to dinner in one, we don't have a track every fifty miles or so in this country."

 

We're getting the Evora GTE which, I'm told, will offer a gated option. Still, that 440lbs . . .

 

Would you consider one instead of a 911?

 

^^^ I agree. The styling is like nothing else on the market imo and with the reliability of the Toyota drivetrain and lower cost for drivetrain parts the Evora is a breath of fresh air. I would love to compare the base base and S models back to back and I'm wondering if a slightly smaller S/C pulley would still be a reliable upgrade.

 

in 3-4 years when an Evora S is 50%+ depreciated, yes.

 

The Evora doesn't use the Celica motor like the Elise uses, it's based on the Camry 6 cylinder motor.

 

Tracked the Evora(NA with sport package) at VIR.

Really liked it, but limited by stock brake pads (they smelled awful in short order, so I did not trust them. However, I never got any fade) and street tires. I made some accomodation for track duty with oil catch cans, fuel catch can and cold air intake. I also rigged up a 4 point harness, which is not ideal, obviously.

I did not have any timing gear set up, but seemed quick as I passed most everything on track - 911s, 430 scud, Noble, Lambo, etc.

I felt like the front was getting a little light at speed (120+ mph or so), so a front splitter might be nice for track use. Also, in wet conditions, the front wheels gave up grip before rear, so I wonder about brake bias.

It transitioned from under to oversteer in a predictable manner.

Overall, really enjoyed it. Although, I must admit, that I did not push the car to its absolute limits, as it serves as my daily driver. For price and performance, it is hard to beat which is to say nothing about its good looks - it is a real head turner in person. If a little awkward ingress and egress and the absence of cup holders don't put you off, they are worth a look.

 

Any pics or video of the Evora track day?

 

Unfortunately, did not have my smarty cam yet. But, here is a huge number of pics, including my Evora and Atom. Look under green/blue run group on Monday (Had to work Tuesday, but hey, 1 day is better than none.)

http://store.fandsenterprises.com/index.php?category=49

 

Anyone got info on the Evora S GTE? Supposed to be some special machine over 400hp...carbon body...etc. Stupid price?

MJ

 

http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2012-lotus-evora-gte-road-car-_-frankfurt-auto-show/

This is a pic of the 2013 F1 Edition, very cool imo.
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That thing is cool. There will be an ALMS entry starting at Long Beach, 4/14.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/lotus-entering-evora-gte-with-alex-job-racing-in-alms/

It will be interesting to see how they do this year. Look forward to seeing it in person at VIR.

 

Put a rubber suspension travel limiter from a Jeep under the brake pedal. Problem fixed.

 

+1

 

Fantastic news!