Overview
The Good
- Performance heritage
- Less sparse cabin than Exige or Elise
- Available backseat, usable trunk
- Handling potential
The Bad
- Cockpit still difficult to enter/exit
What to Know
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Model unrelated to Exige or Elise siblings
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Seats up to four
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Mid-engine layout
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3.5-liter V-6
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Six-speed manual
Our Take
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Cars.com's Joe Bruzek takes a look at the 2011 Lotus Evora. It competes with the Audi S5, BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Shelby GT500.
In contrast to the high-revving four-cylinder engines used in Lotus' flyweight Elise, the Evora has a Toyota-sourced, 3.5-liter V-6. Larger, heavier and more expensive than the Elise, the Evora roughly competes in price and performance with the Porsche 911. The Evora is Lotus' first modern attempt at a daily driver, with options such as a two-passenger backseat, a navigation system and a backup camera.
New for 2011
Non-S models gain an available automatic transmission.
Exterior
Though it bears a passing resemblance to the Exige and Elise, the Evora weighs about 1,000 pounds more than either sibling. Lotus says the car was designed to be a better daily driver than the Exige or Elise, with larger doors, narrower doorsills and a 2.5-inch higher seating position. Still, the Evora looks like a racecar. A low, broad nose extends far beyond the front wheels, while the rear wheels sit comparatively closer to the rear bumper. In back, a spoiler joins the taillights, though it's far smaller than the Exige's massive wing.
The engine, mounted behind the backseat, sends exhaust out two central pipes directly below the license plate. The Evora's rear wheels measure 19 inches in diameter, and the front wheels measure 18 inches.
Interior
In contrast to the sparse cabin in the Elise, the Evora's cabin offers a leather-covered dashboard with genuine aluminum accents. Front and center is an Alpine 7-inch touch-screen, which controls the iPod-compatible ...
In contrast to the high-revving four-cylinder engines used in Lotus' flyweight Elise, the Evora has a Toyota-sourced, 3.5-liter V-6. Larger, heavier and more expensive than the Elise, the Evora roughly competes in price and performance with the Porsche 911. The Evora is Lotus' first modern attempt at a daily driver, with options such as a two-passenger backseat, a navigation system and a backup camera.
New for 2011
Non-S models gain an available automatic transmission.
Exterior
Though it bears a passing resemblance to the Exige and Elise, the Evora weighs about 1,000 pounds more than either sibling. Lotus says the car was designed to be a better daily driver than the Exige or Elise, with larger doors, narrower doorsills and a 2.5-inch higher seating position. Still, the Evora looks like a racecar. A low, broad nose extends far beyond the front wheels, while the rear wheels sit comparatively closer to the rear bumper. In back, a spoiler joins the taillights, though it's far smaller than the Exige's massive wing.
The engine, mounted behind the backseat, sends exhaust out two central pipes directly below the license plate. The Evora's rear wheels measure 19 inches in diameter, and the front wheels measure 18 inches.
Interior
In contrast to the sparse cabin in the Elise, the Evora's cabin offers a leather-covered dashboard with genuine aluminum accents. Front and center is an Alpine 7-inch touch-screen, which controls the iPod-compatible stereo, navigation system and optional backup camera. A full-leather interior, with cowhide spanning more surfaces, is optional. Heated power seats and automatic climate control are unavailable, as those features would add weight and diminish the Evora's performance, Lotus says.
The automaker says the Evora's front seats can accommodate two 6-foot-6-inch adults, and the 5.7-cubic-foot trunk can hold a full set of golf clubs. The rear seats, however, are intended for kids.
Under the Hood
Technically behind the backseat rather than under the hood, the Evora's 3.5-liter V-6 engine comes from Toyota. It makes 276 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque. It is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Lotus says the Evora hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 162 mph.
Safety
Antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system come standard.
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Time to move on, but I'll miss the Evora
The Lotus Evora is a gorgeous car that handles sublimely. Lotus prices they have a unique ability to make a car that drives like it's on rails without being you up in the process. It almost makes it ... Read full review
Unbelievable performance + comfort
It is by far one of the best cars i have ever owned, incredibly amazing, soft on bumps, competitive as other serious performance cars on the track... My only issue with this car, it turns waaaaaay too ... Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Recalls
The 2011 Lotus Evora currently has 3 recalls
