The details of the new Lotus Evora have been released, albeit for the prototype version. Performance and consumption data are not yet known, although Lotus estimates a 257 km/h (160 mph) top speed and CO2 emissions of under 255 g/km.
The Evora is a completely new Lotus model, featuring a 3.6 litre V6 engine mounted ahead of the rear wheels. The chassis has been developed on Lotus' Low Volume Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) system, which allows Lotus to develop various wheelbases, lengths and widths on one basic platform for different applications. The interior has 2+2 seating, although a purely 2 seater will also be available, accommodated within a 2575 mm wheelbase. Overall length of the body is 4342 mm, and it is 1223 mm high. The prototype has a kerb weight of 1350 kg, distributed 39%/61% between front and rear. A 0.33 coefficient of drag is claimed.
A 3456 cc Lotus-tuned Toyota 2GR-FE engine, with Toyota's intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i), is transversely mid-mounted. Lotus supply their own T6e engine management and a new exhaust system to provide power of 280 PS (206 kW) at 6400 rpm and torque of 342 Nm (252 ftlb) at 4700 rpm, as fitted in the prototype. A Toyota-sourced six speed manual gearbox is used. Front tyres are 225/40 ZR 18 and the rears are 255/35 ZR 19, with Yokohama having supplied a rubber unique to Lotus for this application. Stopping ability is catered for by ventilated discs front and rear, 350 mm and 332 mm in diameter respectively. An ABS system developed by Lotus and Bosch is fitted.
The production Lotus Evora is expected to hit showrooms sometime in 2009.
