Evora 911-fighter bows

Expanding Lotus

Having revived itself with the sublime Elise and Exige two seater's, Lotus looks ready to take on the Porsche 911 with its new Evora 2+2, unveiled at the British motor show. Lotus Design penned the car, clearly using the Elise/Exige as a starting point. Despite its four-seat capacity, Lotus promises the Colin Chapman ideal of an “innovative lightweight chassis technology.” Its rear seats are “intended for children or smaller adults on short journeys,” which, if accurate, would prove slightly more useful than a 911’s rear seats.

Power is again from Toyota, a modified 3.5-liter V-6 with dual VVT-I, rated 276 horses in European form. Lotus says full performance figures will be available about the beginning of next year. For now, it estimates a 160-mph top speed and sub-5-second 0-to-60-mph time. However, “top speed is less important than stability at speed,” Lotus claims. Around the Nürburgring, the Evora proved “considerably faster” than the Elise and “more stable at speed” versus the Exige.

Lotus plans to begin deliveries next spring, but get your orders in early: The company will build only 2000 per year.