22 Jul 08 13:35
Video: Lotus Evora
Lotus is using the British Motor Show to unveil the Evora coupe, previously known as Project Eagle.
The Evora is said to be the only mid-engined 2+2 in production - although admittedly, the rear seats are only 'intended for children or smaller adults on short journeys'.
Developed as more of an all-rounder than the Exige or Elise, the Evora should prove more usable on an everyday basis, but it won't be slow: power comes from a Toyota-sourced 280bhp 3.5 V6 and Lotus engineers say that it is 'considerably faster around the famously demanding Nurburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige'. Top speed is around 160mph and 0-60mph acceleration will happen in less than five seconds.
The leather-upholstered cabin is finished for comfort as well as sporting ambience, with Lotus claiming that the car is fitted out with 'premium quality material' and soft-touch surfaces. It has aluminium trim and air conditioning, and options include an Alpine multimedia system with sat nav, Bluetooth, a reversing camera, iPod-compatible stereo, touch-screen controls and tyre pressure monitoring. The rear seats have Isofix child seat mounting points and other safety features include traction and stability control.
And should you not need those extra seats, a two-seat layout can be ordered with a luggage shelf instead. Lotus says the boot has enough space for a golf bag, however.
Production of this car will begin in spring 2009 and Lotus plans to make 2,000 a year. Further variants, including a convertible and 'an ultra-high performance version' will follow later.
Check out the rest of our British Motor Show coverage.
