Lotus S For Sale

Lotus Exige From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Lotus Exige Manufacturer Lotus Cars Production 2000–present Assembly Hethel, Norfolk, England Class Sports Car Body style(s) 2-door coupé Layout MR layout Platform Lotus Elise Engine(s) 1.8L supercharged I4 Transmission(s) 6-speed manual Length 149.5 in (3797 mm) Width 68.0 in (1727 mm) Height 45.6 in (1158 mm) Kerb weight 2,015 lb (914 kg) Related Lotus Elise Vauxhall VX220 Rinspeed sQuba Lotus Exige The Lotus Exige (pronounced /ɛɡˈziːʒ/) is a two-door, two-seat sports car made by Lotus Cars. It is essentially a coupé version of the Lotus Elise, which is a roadster that is mid-engined and has been in production since 1996. The original Exige (NA or naturally aspirated Exige) was launched in 2000 and had a 1.8 L Rover K Series engine in VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) tune. It produced 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS) in standard form and 192 bhp (143 kW; 195 PS) in the "track spec" version. In 2004, the Series 2 Exige was introduced. It features a 1.8 L 16-valve DOHC Toyota/Yamaha engine that produces 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS) with the Toyota engine designation of 2ZZ-GE.[1] Compared to the Series 2 Elise, it has a front splitter, fibreglass hardtop roof with roof scoop, rear engine cover, and rear spoiler. The sole purpose of these aerodynamic additions to the base Elise is to create more downforce (almost 100 lb (45 kg) of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Exige versus 13 lb (5.9 kg) at 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Elise).[1] In February 2005, Lotus announced a limited production run of 50 Exiges, using the Toyota engine with a supercharger, that increases the power output to 243 bhp (181 kW; 246 PS). These vehicles were only available in yellow or black, representing the colours of Lotus Sport, and are badged 240R. They have a projected 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds and 0-100 mph (0–160 km/h) of 9.9 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) at a cost of £44,000.00 (approximately $72,500.00 or €51,000.00).[citation needed] The North American Exige was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. In February 2006, Lotus announced the Exige S model which used a supercharged Toyota engine producing 220 bhp (164 kW; 223 PS).[2] The S was also made available in North American markets as a 2007 model. Contents 1 Specifications 1.1 Exige S 1.2 2008 Exige S 240 1.3 2009 Exige S 1.4 Exige 265E 1.5 Exige GT3 2 Racing 3 References 4 External links [edit] Specifications According to Lotus, the standard Exige Series 2 model weighs 2,016 lb (914 kg) has the following specifications:[citation needed] Engine Toyota Supplied, 1796 cc I4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing with lift intelligence) - Designed by Yamaha - Engine Code: 2ZZ-GE Bore/Stroke 82 mm/85 mm 190 hp (142 kW) @ 7800 rpm 138 ft·lbf (187 N·m) @ 6800 rpm Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Transmission 6-Speed Manual, Close Ratio with Single-Plate Dry Clutch Performance 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 4.7 seconds 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h): 12.9 seconds Top speed: 147 mph (237 km/h) Fuel consumption: 24 miles per imperial gallon (12 L/100 km; 20 mpg-US) city / 29 miles per imperial gallon (9.7 L/100 km; 24 mpg-US) highway [edit] Exige S Exige S Manufacturer Lotus Production 2005–present Assembly Hethel, Norfolk, England Predecessor Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige Class Sports car Body style(s) 2-door coupé Layout MR layout Engine(s) 1.8L Toyota supercharged I4 Transmission(s) 6-speed manual Wheelbase 90.6 in (2301 mm) Length 2005–07: 149.5 in (3797 mm) 2008–present: 149.0 in (3785 mm) Width 2005–07: 68.0 in (1727 mm) 2008–present: 67.7 in (1720 mm) Height 2005–07: 45.8 in (1163 mm) 2008–present: 45.0 in (1143 mm) Kerb weight 2,057 lb (933 kg) Related Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige According to Lotus, the Exige S model, weighing 2,057 lb (933 kg), has the following specifications: Engine Toyota supplied, 1796 cc I4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing and lift - intelligent), supercharged and intercooled Bore/Stroke 82 mm/85 mm 218 hp (162.5 kW) @ 7800 rpm 158.6 ft·lbf (215 N·m) @ 5500 rpm Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Transmission 6-speed, close ratio with single-plate dry clutch Performance 0-62 (0-100 km/h): 4.1 seconds 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h): 9.98 seconds Top speed: 148 mph (238 km/h) Fuel consumption: 24 miles per imperial gallon (12 L/100 km; 20 mpg-US) city / 29 miles per imperial gallon (9.7 L/100 km; 24 mpg-US) highway [edit] 2008 Exige S 240 In 2008, the Exige S had a 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS) option that was sold alongside the regular Exige S (220 hp). The package includes upgraded AP racing brakes from the Exige Cup 240 and a larger roof scoop from the Exige Cup 255. 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) is trimmed to under 4 seconds with this option. [edit] 2009 Exige S In the 2009 model year, the Exige is offered in the United States in two configurations: S240 and S260. S240 is the continuation of the 2008 model, it weighs 2,077 lb (942 kg) and comes with a 240 hp (180 kW) supercharged engine. New for 2009, S260 weighs 2,020 lb (920 kg) with a full tank of fuel; its engine has been improved to produce 257 hp (192 kW) and 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration in 4.0 seconds.[3] Base manufacturer suggested retail prices for S240 and S260 are $65,690 and $74,995, respectively. [edit] Exige 265E Exige 265E Manufacturer Lotus Production Non-Production Assembly Hethel, Norfolk, England Predecessor Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige Class Sports Car Body style(s) 2-door coupe Layout MR layout Engine(s) 1.8L Toyota supercharged I4 Transmission(s) 6-speed manual Length 149.5 in (3797 mm) Width 68.0 in (1727 mm) Height 45.8 in (1163 mm) Kerb weight 2,050 lb (930 kg) Related Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige The Exige 265E is a factory-built Exige S optimized to run on E85 fuel, which is 85% ethanol. The higher octane of this biofuel allows for a higher compression ratio and/or more supercharger boost. In this model, which saw the ECU re-mapped as well as upgraded injectors and fuel pump to cope with the new fuel type, the brakes have also been upgraded to four-piston AP Racing calipers with increased diameter 310 mm (12.2 in) sport brake pads mated with drilled and vented discs at the front. Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers with 282 mm (11.1 in) diameter discs are fitted at the rear. Lotus says it has no intention to build the 265E (265 indicates the approximate horsepower and the E indicates the "environmentally favourable bio-ethanol E85 fuel" powering the engine) as a production car, and that it is simply a biofuels demonstrator[4]. According to Lotus, the Exige 265E model has the following specifications: Engine Toyota supplied, 2ZZ-GE 1796 cc I-4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing with lift intelligence), supercharged and intercooled Bore/Stroke 82 mm/85 mm 264 hp (197 kW) @ 8000 rpm 184 ft·lbf (249 N·m) @ 5500 rpm Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Transmission C64 6-Speed, close ratio with single-plate dry clutch Exige 265E performance 0-60 (0-97 km/h): 3.88 seconds 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h): 9.2 seconds Top speed: 158 mph (254 km/h) Fuel consumption: ~25 miles per imperial gallon (11 L/100 km; 21 mpg-US) city / 65 miles per imperial gallon (4.3 L/100 km; 54 mpg-US) highway [edit] Exige GT3 Exige GT3 Manufacturer Lotus Production Non-Production Assembly Hethel, Norfolk, England Predecessor Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige Class Sports Car Body style(s) 2-door coupe Layout MR layout Engine(s) 1.8L Toyota supercharged I4 Transmission(s) 6-speed manual Length 153.8 in (3907 mm)[5] Width 71.9 in (1826 mm)[5] Height 44.4 in (1128 mm)[5] Kerb weight 2,050 lb (930 kg) Related Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige According to Lotus, the Exige GT3 model has the following specifications[6]: Engine Toyota supplied 2ZZ-GE, 1796 cc I-4, DOHC with VVTL-i and Lotus T4e engine management system, Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger and intercooled[6] Bore/Stroke 82.0 mm / 85.0 mm 271 bhp (202 kW; 275 PS) @ 8000 rpm[6] 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) @ 7000 rpm[6] Compression Ratio: 11.5:1 Transmission C64 6-speed, close ratio with uprated clutch and cover, open differential[6] Gear ratios I/II/III : 3.116:1 / 2.050:1 / 1.481:1 IV/V/VI : 1.166:1 / 0.916:1 / 0.815:1 R/final drive : 3.250:1 / 4.529:1 Exige GT3 performance 0-60 mph : 3.9 seconds[6] 0-100 km/h : 4.0 seconds[6] 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) : 9.8 seconds[6] Top Speed : 160 mph (260 km/h) - electronically limited[6] Power to weight ratio : 361 bhp (269 kW; 366 PS) per tonne Note: While the mass of the vehicle has yet to be disclosed, it can be estimated to be around 1,650 lb (750 kg) from the disclosure of the power to weight ratio. [edit] Racing Joe Foster currently races an Exige for Hypersport in the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge GT class.[7] [edit] References ^ a b Chris Walton (2006-06-28). "Full Test: 2006 Lotus Exige". Edmunds Inc.. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=115908. Retrieved 2008-03-07.  ^ Greg N. Brown. "Newcomers: 2007 Lotus Exige S". MotorTrend. Source Interlink Media, Inc.. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0702_2007_lotus_exige_s. Retrieved 2008-03-07.  ^ Vaughn, Mark (2009-04-23). "Lotus Exige S 260 Sport: Track-happy two-seater gets greater". AutoWeek Magazine. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090423/CARREVIEWS/904239981. Retrieved 2009-05-11.  ^ Lotus Engineering, "Exige 265E Bio-Fuel: British, Racing and Very Green," http://www.grouplotus.com/engineering/casestudies.html ^ a b c Lavrinc, Damon (2008-03-13). "Lotus debuting 350 hp Exige GT3 Down Under". Autoblog/Weblogs, Inc.. http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/lotus-debuting-350-hp-exige-gt3-down-under/. Retrieved 2009-10-24.  ^ a b c d e f g h i Spinelli, Mike (2007-03-06). "Geneva Showcase: Lotus Exige GT3". Jalopnik. http://jalopnik.com/241811/geneva-showcase-lotus-exige-gt3. Retrieved 2009-10-24.  ^ "SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge". World-challenge.com. http://www.world-challenge.com/drivers/. Retrieved 2010-06-26.  [edit] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lotus Exige Exige 265E review Article on Exige 265E by GreenerMachine.com 2008 Lotus Exige S 240 Review and specs; Sport Compact Car Magazine Lotus Exige Owners Club v • d • e Lotus production car timeline, 1950–present Road cars 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Sports racer Mark VIII Mark IX Eleven 15 17 19 23 30 40 Mark VI Seven 340R 2-Eleven Roadster Elan Elan M100 Elise Coupé Elite Elan Exige Eclat Excel Evora Saloon Elan +2 Elite Grand tourer Europa Esprit Europa S Race cars Mark I · Mark II · Mark III · Mark IV · Mark V · 12 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 24 · 25 · 27 · 29 · 31 · 32 · 33 · 34 · 38 · 39 · 41 · 42 · 43 · 44 · 48 · 49 · 56 · 59 · 61 · 63 · 64 · 69 · 70 · 72 · 73 · 74 · 76 · 77 · 78 · 79 · 80 · 81 · 86 · 87 · 88 · 91 · 92 · 93T · 94T · 95T · 96T · 97T · 98T · 99T · 100T · 101 · 102 · 107 · 109 · 112 · 114 · 115 · 119 · T125 · T127 Related cars Caterham Seven · Ford Lotus Cortina · Talbot Sunbeam Lotus · DeLorean DMC-12 · Isuzu Piazza · Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 · Vauxhall Lotus Carlton · Kia Elan · Vauxhall VX220 · Tesla Roadster · Proton EMAS Concept cars M90 · APX · CityCar Key figures Colin Chapman · Tony Rudd · Michael Kimberley · Romano Artioli Group Lotus Official Website · Lotus Cars · Lotus Engineering · Team Lotus · Lotus Racing || Lotus Europa S From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Lotus Europa S Manufacturer Lotus Cars Production 2006–present Class Sports car Body style(s) 2-door coupe Engine(s) 1998 cc in-line 4. Turbocharged Transmission(s) 6 speed manual Wheelbase 2,330 mm (92 in) Length 3,900 mm (150 in) Width 1,850 mm (73 in) Height 1,120 mm (44 in) Related Dodge EV Lotus Europa S is a GT type two seater automobile designed to complement the very successful Lotus Elise sports car and its derivative, the Exige. The Europa S is the continuation of the Europa line of cars of the 1960s and 1970s. The Europa S is more "relaxed" than the Elise/Exige with a larger boot (trunk), greater soundproofing, and easier cabin access due to the lower chassis sides, and higher roof line. It also includes luxuries such as air conditioning, a sound system, leather interior, and plush interior carpeting as standard equipment in keeping with European Grand Touring (GT) auto tradition. Contents 1 Specifications 2 Manufacture 3 Press reaction 4 References 5 External links [edit] Specifications The Europa S is a light weight car of 995 kg (2194 lb) with a 149 kW (200 hp) 2.0 L engine. It uses an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis with composite body panels and front crash structure. The Europa S is a derivative of the Lotus Type 111 Elise and Exige cars only in that they sport variations of the same bonded aluminum chassis, the Europa bears a separate Lotus model designation (Type 121) due, in part, to its longer chassis and completely new body type. The mid-engined two seat coupe sports a 2.0 L turbocharged GM Ecotec engine producing 147 kW (197 hp/203 PS) at 5400 rpm[1]. The torquey 272 N·m (200 ft·lbf) engine allows the car to reach 60 mph (99 km/h) in around 5.6 seconds, and 100 mph (161 km/h) in around 13.8 seconds. Maximum speed is 143 mph (230 km/h). [edit] Manufacture The car was originally planned to be manufactured at parent company Proton's factory in Malaysia, allowing for a significantly lower sale price, but ultimately the company chose the Lotus Hethel factory for its production.[2] Delivery of the Europa S began in September 2006 from the Lotus factory at Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The car is not expected to be offered for sale in the United States or Canada at first, as the Opel/Vauxhall-built turbo is not currently certified to meet emissions requirements for those countries.[citation needed] MSRP is projected at approximately £33,000 (€49,000, $63,000). The Europa S body and platform are also being used by Chrysler for their Dodge Circuit EV electric car concept.[3] [edit] Press reaction New 2006 Lotus Europa S Initial reviews of the Europa S have not been in line with the sister models Elise and Exige, The Sunday Times noting that while introducing a lower revving engine (General Motors 1998 cc, 4 cylinder turbocharged) creates a more comfortable level of sound, the performance is noticeably different from the higher revving Toyota engines, and with a heavier body shell, the performance isn't in line with the Elise or Exige. It has the same wheelbase as the Vauxhall VX220, which is longer than that of the Elise.[4] Jason Plato, from British TV show Fifth Gear, tested the car and generally didn't find it good enough to be a proper GT car because he thought that the car needs to be more comfortable. Jeremy Clarkson remarked on Top Gear, "we won't even play [the review film] because it was such a dreary car." However, Evo magazine gave the car a generally positive review after being given the chance to test a production model in Belgium's famed Spa-Francorchamps circuit, saying that the car was a "refreshingly mature and desirable sports car."[5] During the same session, Evo group tested the Porsche Cayman S, BMW Z4 M and Nissan 350Z GT-S and "couldn't resist" comparing the Lotus to these three decidedly more expensive coupes. While the Lotus was slower than the three cars, Evo concluded that at around £33,000, it would be a very good match for the three cars' lower spec versions.[6] [edit] References ^ "Lotus Europa S Statistics". carautoportal.com. http://www.carautoportal.com/lotus/lotus-europa-s.php. Retrieved 2009-08-25.  ^ "Lotus EUROPA S Review" (in English). review (Yahoo Cars UK). 2005-12-19. http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/lotus-europa-s-1004973.html. Retrieved 2006-12-08.  ^ Dodge Circuit EV Revs Up Chrysler's Electric Initiative ^ Frankel, Andrew (2006-09-10). "Lotus Europa S". review (Times Online). http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12929-2348534,00.html. Retrieved 2006-09-18.  ^ Meaden, Richard (2006-11). "Lotus Europa S". review (Evo).  ^ Meaden, Richard (2006-11). "Lotus Europa S". review (Evo).  [edit] External links Lotus Europa S at Group Lotus site Jason Plato's test v • d • e Lotus production car timeline, 1950–present Road cars 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Sports racer Mark VIII Mark IX Eleven 15 17 19 23 30 40 Mark VI Seven 340R 2-Eleven Roadster Elan Elan M100 Elise Coupé Elite Elan Exige Eclat Excel Evora Saloon Elan +2 Elite Grand tourer Europa Esprit Europa S Race cars Mark I · Mark II · Mark III · Mark IV · Mark V · 12 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 24 · 25 · 27 · 29 · 31 · 32 · 33 · 34 · 38 · 39 · 41 · 42 · 43 · 44 · 48 · 49 · 56 · 59 · 61 · 63 · 64 · 69 · 70 · 72 · 73 · 74 · 76 · 77 · 78 · 79 · 80 · 81 · 86 · 87 · 88 · 91 · 92 · 93T · 94T · 95T · 96T · 97T · 98T · 99T · 100T · 101 · 102 · 107 · 109 · 112 · 114 · 115 · 119 · T125 · T127 Related cars Caterham Seven · Ford Lotus Cortina · Talbot Sunbeam Lotus · DeLorean DMC-12 · Isuzu Piazza · Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 · Vauxhall Lotus Carlton · Kia Elan · Vauxhall VX220 · Tesla Roadster · Proton EMAS Concept cars M90 · APX · CityCar Key figures Colin Chapman · Tony Rudd · Michael Kimberley · Romano Artioli Group Lotus Official Website · Lotus Cars · Lotus Engineering · Team Lotus · Lotus Racing || Skip Links Skip to navigation Skip to primary content Skip to secondary content Skip to tertiary content Skip to footer The independent Christmas Appeal: All it takes is a few feet of uplift to give a family a stable home Motoring 0° London Hi 6°C / Lo 2°C Query: Go Popular Topics Headlines A week's free i Click here to claim your evouchers | Navigation News UK Home News UK Politics Crime This Britain World Europe Americas Middle East Asia Africa Australasia World Politics Business News Comment Analysis & Features Sharewatch SME Business directory Headhunter Network Business Energy Business Wall People News Profiles Diary Science Media 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14 November 2010 Share Close Digg del.icio.us Facebook Reddit Google Stumble Upon Fark Newsvine YahooBuzz Bebo Twitter Independent Minds Print Email Press Picture Lotus position: The Evora can reach 62 mph in 4.8 seconds enlarge Here's a new and very promising Lotus. But it's not one of the six all-new Lotuses unveiled, in varying stages of readiness, at the recent Paris show. Those are the cars that represent Lotus's return, if not quite to Year Zero, then to Year One. They are to be the British near-Ferraris, crisp-edged and aluminium-bodied, upscaled in size, weight, cost, quality and market position, and the first one (a new Esprit) is but two years away.The motoring world is shocked. Lotus has made the advanced, compact, lightweight and sublime-to-drive sports car its own. The very idea defines the brand, and there has never been a better time for such cars than the carbon-aware present. Clearly Lotus's impressive roll-call of new, well-connected management sees the new way as the key to profits, a concept unfamiliar to Lotus to date, but enthusiasts of Lotus's unique brand DNA are worried. The planned replacement Elise will weigh significantly more than a ton, and that surely can't be right. Meanwhile, in the real universe – rather than the parallel one we saw at Paris – Lotus still has the V6-engined Evora, as launched last year to ecstatic reviews for its steering, handling and ride – but to a lukewarm response if for the gearchange, the cabin design, and quality of finish.Then there was the question of the Evora's power, and the way it is delivered. It makes 280bhp from its 3.5-litre, Toyota-based engine, enough to make it very rapid, but the drama is missing. There's not enough "bite" from low speeds and the exhaust note is anodyne. That's bad news when the obvious Porsche rivals sound fabulous and pull with gusto.Meet, then, the new Evora S. The S denotes the supercharger, whose extra compression of the intake air brings the power up to 350bhp and the torque from 256lb/ft to 295lb/ft. It's hard to think how the suspension and steering could have been improved but Lotus's engineers have stiffened some of the rubber pivots against cornering forces, made the dampers more resistant to movement, thickened the rear anti-roll bar and increased the steering's castor angle.The idea is to make the steering feel more positive around the straight-ahead, for its efforts to increase more progressively with cornering force, to make the Lotus point yet more keenly into a bend, and to do all this without becoming any harsher over bumps. This sort of simultaneous cake possession and consumption has long been a Lotus speciality. The gear lever's connection to the gearbox is improved with lower-friction cables and reduced slack in the pivots, too.All this costs an extra £10,000 or so over a regular Evora, even before you start adding option packs or the Evora-bespoke Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres fitted to the test car. But if it makes the Evora realise the potential we knew it had, then maybe it's worth the extra cash.So, should you extend the mortgage, cash in the ISAs, sell the heirlooms? You should. Bar a few minor details, the Evora S, starting at £58,995, is driving nirvana. The new engine gains a freer-flowing exhaust system, with a bypass valve opening at high revs to improve power and aural stimulation, and the car I am driving on some serpentine Spanish roads has the optional sports exhaust for yet better sonic satisfaction. This Evora sounds crisp, keen, ready to sing as the pace rises, its tune bearing both Porsche and Ferrari-flavoured notes and a muted crackle as you shift gears.In this Evora, there's powerful thrust available from low speeds right up to the 7,200rpm limit, so it will surge out of bends with no need to overwork the engine. It is not an explosive surge, just an insistent one, which makes the Lotus wonderfully easy to drive smoothly, tidily and quickly: 0-62mph can happen in just 4.8 seconds. The gearchange is better, with a smoother, easier, more precise action, but if you're brutal with it or you don't properly match the engine speed to that needed for the next downshift, it will still obstruct you. Drive it with the light touch that a Lotus encourages, and it's lovely.The way the Evora calms bumps while telling you everything about grip and balance is as other-worldly as ever, except that now you feel even more connected to the fabulous steering. Venture on to a racetrack, as I did, and the Evora draws you into a world of thrills as you balance power, grip and steering with breathtaking ease. There's no fear of the unknown with the Evora. It tells you everything. It gives you time to think and react. It's totally faithful.So, what are those "minor details" mentioned earlier? The improved fit and finish inside can't cure the meagre storage space, the cheap-looking, hard-to-read, italicised red digits on the electronic information screen, or the strong smell of resin seeping from the composite bodywork. An enthusiast like me can tolerate them, but the new regime must fix such snags if it is to broaden Lotus's appeal. Meanwhile, this final old-school Lotus has just given its era a sensational send-off.The RivalsNissan GT-R: from £59,945A different way of achieving ultimate handling, with ultra-sophisticated four-wheel drive electronics and a 480bhp turbo V6. Very quick, utterly mad, bargain of its type.Porsche Cayman S: from £45,719Cheaper of the Porsches bracketing the Evora S, the Cayman S shares the mid-engined layout, offers 320bhp from its flat-six, sneaks under the gas-guzzler CO2 limit.Porsche 911 Carrera: from £64,526Faster than the Cayman, but more demanding to drive, with tail-heavy rear engine. 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Article Archive Day In a Page Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat Select date Day Month Year Submit Sponsored Links Query: Independent.co.uk The Web Go ©independent.co.uk Terms & Policies | Email newsletter | RSS | Contact us | Syndication | Advertising Guide | London Careers | Subscriptions | Jobs || || LOGIN REGISTER NEWSLETTER Home NEWS REVIEWS PRODUCTS COMPARE CARS VIDEOS BUYING USED CARS NEW CARS MOTORSHOWS COMPETITIONS 6 ISSUES FOR £1 Search Car Reviews: You're in - Car Reviews: First Drives Lotus Evora S We get to grips with Lotus' harder, faster, supercharged flagship. Auto Express Car Reviews Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Matt VosperNovember 2010 Rating: We all know Lotus has ambitious plans in the pipeline, but the existing line-up is still going strong. And the Evora S is the new pinnacle of the current crop – featuring a supercharged version of the standard car’s 3.5-litre V6 for Porsche-beating performance. The headline figures speak for themselves. And extra 70bhp takes the tally to 345bhp and 400Nm of torque – comfortably eclipsing the Cayman S. A 0-62mph sprint in 4.8 seconds also outmanoeuvres the German car, while combined fuel economy from the Toyota-sourced V6 is a respectable 27.7mpg.But it’s the way that the Evora S delivers its power that’s so impressive. A wide spread of torque from 2,00rpm right to the 7,200rpm redline ensures relentless acceleration and instant throttle response, both of which help it to feel noticeably quicker and more alive than the standard car. It sounds even meaner, too. The supercharger whine is audible, but it can’t ruin the spectacular soundtrack coming from behind your head. Fitted as standard to the ‘S’ is an active exhaust which opens a set of valves in the exhaust above 4,700rpm to increase the volume, although our car was fitted with the optional sports exhaust which turns the volume up to maximum at all times. Front and rear suspension bushes have been stiffened by 10 per cent, but despite its tighter body control in the bends, the S still rides beautifully, meaning the Evora can realistically be used as a long distance companion. Steering weight has been increased marginally, but the wheel is still brimming with feedback, while the uprated brakes proved remarkably fade-free even after several quick laps on track.Other tweaks include a more-prominent rear diffuser, new optional alloy wheels – 20-inch at the rear, 19-inch at the front – and a sport button, which sharpens throttle response and loosens the traction control. The six-speed manual gearbox has also been reworked - the result is a more positive, mechanical feel to the shift.The Evora S is sublime to drive whether on a road or a track and a fitting flagship for Lotus’ line-up. But with prices starting from just under £60,000 and potentially a whole lot more with a few choice options fitted, it’s destined to be a car you buy with your heart and not your head – especially considering the pedigree and competitive pricing of its rivals.Rival: Porsche Cayman SWhile neither the exterior nor interior of the Porsche is particularly flamboyant, every control is precisely weighted and delivers feedback right back to the driver. Twice voted Auto express performance car of the year, the Cayman is an absorbing experience for novices and track-day enthusiasts alike. What Next COMPARE CAR LOANS COMPARE CAR INSURANCE For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift! < Previous Next > 1 Comment Make more noise..? "an active exhaust...to increase the volume", "sports exhaust which turns the volume up to maximum at all times" Now I'm sorry to say that I don't know that much of engine-engineering so that brings me to this question: have mentioned items solely the purpose of making more noise, or is it just a side-effect of their initial purpose? Who can help me here? Mark. By xedor2003 on 4 November, 2010, 10:21am You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join. Email: Password: Sponsored Results Social Bookmarks Link to this article: For more details about purchasing this feature and/or images for editorial usage, please contact the Dennis Syndication team on pictures@dennis.co.uk Email a Friend Print this Pictures - Advertisement - Sponsored Results FIRST OPINION At last, the Evora now has the performance to match its incredible chassis. It’s a car that proves Lotus still leads the way when it comes to handling - for enthusiasts there can be few more rewarding cars to drive. But while the leather-clad cabin is easily the best that Lotus currently builds, the occasional rattle and third-party components mean it lags behind rivals for quality. It would be brave man to chose an Evora S when for the same money you can have a Cayman plus change, but a car this good deserves to succeed. AT A GLANCE Price: £57,550 Engine: 3.5-litre V6 supercharged Transmission: Six-speed manual Power: 345bhp Torque: 400Nm 0-62mph: 4.8 seconds Top speed: 172mph Economy: 27.7mpg     CO2: 239g/km Weight: 1,437kg Equipment: Heated Recaro seats, sat-nav, air-con, sports exhaust, alloy wheels, reversing camera, parking sensors.    On sale: Now - Advertisement - Company Website | Media Information | Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Subs Info | Voucher Codes | SitemapOur Other Websites: The First Post | Custom PC | Evo | IT Pro | IT Pro India | MacUser | Men's Fitness | Micro Mart | PC Pro | bit-tech | Know Your Mobile | Octane | Expert Reviews | Channel Pro | Know Your Cell | Know Your Mobile India | iGizmo | Digital SLR Photography | Den of Geek | The Week | Computer Shopper | Dennis Communications | Magazines | Mobile Phone Deals | Competitions | Health & Fitness | CarBuyer © 2010 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.Licensed by Felden