Take a look at Lotus Evora

Fact about Evora

An in-depth look at Lotus Upcoming Evora Sports Car by Aaron Gold

The 2010 Evora is an all-new six-cylinder sports car from Lotus.

Lotus is a British automaker famous for achieving high performance through light weight. (Founder Colin Chapman's motto: "Weight is the enemy of performance.") That said, with a Toyota-sourced V6 engine and an estimated curb weight of 2,976 lbs -- only 100 lbs more than an automatic Honda Civic, but almost a half-ton more than Lotus' Elise and Exige -- the Evora is a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham by Lotus standards. Though Lotus' cars are typically small and cramped, Lotus says the Evora will be able to accommodate two 6'5" adults. Styling is another Evora strong point, with smooth, flowing lines that stand in stark contrast to the form-over-function look of the current Exige and Elise. Production of the 2010 Evora will be limited to 2,000 cars, 700 to 800 of which will come to the United States. Future plans for the Evora include a convertible version and -- Lotus fans, you'd better sit down for this one -- an optional automatic transmission.

WHAT DOES THE LOTUS EVORA COMPETE AGAINST?

The Evora is aimed at the two-seat Porsche Cayman, though its lower price and promised performance make it an attractive alternative to the Porsche 911. As an "image" car, the Evora could take on more expensive brands like Aston-Martin.

2010 LOTUS EVORA DETAILS AND SPECS

• Body style: 2- or 4-seat mid-engine sports coupe; convertible planned for future release
• Engine: Toyota-sourced 3.5 liter V6, 276 hp @ 6400 RPM, 252 lb-ft @ 4700 RPM
• Transmissions: 6-speed manual; automatic planned for future models
• Layout: Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
• Performance: 0-60 in approximately 5 seconds, top speed 160 MPH
• Fuel economy: 19 MPG urban, 36 MPG extra-urban, 27 MPG combined (European cycle)
• Major standard equipment: Leather-lined Recaro bucket seats, air conditioning, CD/MP3 player
• Major options: Upgraded stereo, navigation, Bluetooth, cruise control, leather-trimmed interior, sport-tuned throttle and traction control, titanium exhaust pipe, cross-drilled brake rotors, metallic paint
• Safety equipment: Front airbags, antilock brakes