Lotus’ new Evora is here

Project Eagle has finally landed - and it has a new name! This is the Lotus Evora, the first brand-new model to emerge from firm for more than 13 years.

Making its world debut at ExCeL, the 2+2 coupe sits on an all-aluminium chassis and features a cutting-edge lightweight aluminium suspension set-up, which, according to bosses, makes it "the best car to come from Lotus so far".

Lotus is pitching the 1,350kg four-seater coupe as the "logical next step" for Elise drivers looking for more space without compromising on that famed Lotus handling finesse - and as a result, the new car is 2.5 times stiffer than the Elise!

Yet for a Lotus, the cabin is a feast of luxury, with leather upholstery, touchscreen sat-nav, plus Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. It's even relatively easy to get in and out of - not a typical Lotus trait!

The Evora took 21 months to develop from scratch, and is the world’s only mid-engined 2+2. As you can see, it takes styling inspiration from the Elise and Europa, with a short rear overhang and a squat 'nose down' stance. Heavily sculpted flanks and a strong shoulder line flowing into wide rear wheelarches add to the aggressive look, making the car appear more like a two seater than a four.

Power comes from a modified versiobn of Toyota's 3.5-litre V6 VVTi engine developing 276bhp, and though there's no word on exact performance yet, Lotus claims the 0-60mph sprint will be covered in less than five seconds. However, CO2 emissions will stay below 225g/km and 30mpg economy will be possible. A traction and stability control system developed specifically for the car in conjunction with Bosch comes as standard.

The Evora is the first of a trio of new models due to emerge as part of a five-year plan at Lotus. This began on October 2006, and will see a mid-engined supercar flagship appear in 2010. A supercharged Evora is also expected in 2010, as well as a two-seater version.

To maintain exclusivity, Lotus will cap Evora production at 2,000 cars per year. Expect a price in the region of £45,000 when the new model hits showrooms in Spring 2009.

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