Lotus has announced the pricing details on its new 2010 Lotus Evora for the U.S. market, which goes on sale during the first quarter of 2010. As a part of the launch, two Lotus Evoras have started a 44-dealer Open House Tour that began last week.

Prices for the 2010 Lotus Evora in the U.S. will start at $73,500. Standard features include silver cast alloy wheels with 18-inches in the front and 19-inches in the back, Bi-Xenon headlights with headlight washing system, rear wing and diffuser, air-conditioning, Recaro black leather sport seats, Lotus command center with auxiliary trip computer, Alpine CD/MP3/WMA/AUX system with full iPod connectivity and much more.

Buyers can opt for the $1,990 Premium Package, which adds accent lighting, premium floor mats, Evora logo on the dash and a bunch of leather trimmed options. The $1,275 Sports Package gets you enhanced throttle response and RPM limit, sport traction control mode, sports diffuser, titanium exhaust tips, cross-drilled brake discs, blank painted brake calipers. The most expensive $2,995 Technology Package adds Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound, Alpine Mobile Media Station, DVD/MP3/DivX Playback, 7-inch WVGA touch-screen display, rear parking sensors (reverse camera costs $495 extra), Bluetooth connectivity, and much more.

If all that doesn’t matter to you, the base $73,500 will at least let you enjoy the 3.5L V6 making 276-hp at 6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm. 0-60 mph comes in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 162 mph. Oh, and not to mention, you’ll be enjoying 30 mpg on the highway.

Make the jump for the press release for more details and to view the high-res image gallery.

2010 Lotus Evora:

Press Release:

2010 Lotus Evora Pricing Will Start at $73,500 in the US

In preparation for the arrival of the all-new 2010 Evora into the US market during the first quarter of 2010, two Evoras are set to begin a 44 dealer Open House Tour. Following are the Evora’s US market product content, option packages, pricing details and the full Open House Tour schedule.

All-New 2010 Lotus Evora Prepares for Launch

While Evora production for the UK and European markets has been ramping up for months to begin fulfilling their orders, production for the US and Canadian markets has yet to begin. Though the Evora has only been shown on a few occasions thus far in the US and Canada, approximately the first two months of production are already pre-sold. To enable more sports car aficionados an opportunity to see the Evora in person, starting Friday, November 13 two Evoras will embark on a 44 dealer Open House Tour of the US.

The Lotus Evora in Summary

The Lotus Evora will enter the sports car market as the only mid-engine 2+2 in production. Evora is designed for people who desire the exotic sports car characteristics of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. However, it offers real-world usability, surprising efficiency and a unique sense of occasion as well.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 276 hp at 6,400 rpm and 258 lb./ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, the Evora employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure all-around exceptional dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition. From its beginning over 60 years ago, Lotus’ consistent guiding principle has been to achieve ‘performance through lightweight’ and that’s always meant all facets of performance including efficiency. The Evora provides unassailable proof of this ethos as the only regular production car in the world capable of accelerating from 0 – 60 mph in under 5 seconds (4.9), on up to a top speed over 160 mph (162) while also delivering 30+ miles per gallon on the highway.

Inside the Evora simplicity meets sophistication in an exquisite combination of detailing and hand-built craftsmanship. By using only the finest leather from renowned experts Muirhead, the interior is hand-trimmed and twin-stitched to create a beautifully tactile and visually striking environment. Genuine aluminum instrument and center console surfaces contain ergonomically positioned controls providing a purposeful drivers’ cockpit. The leather wrapped steering wheel is tilt and telescopically adjustable, flat-bottomed to ease entry and exit and made from ultra-lightweight magnesium to provide super-precise feel through the wheel. The adjustable Recaro seats cradle the occupants and, along with the perfectly placed aluminum pedals, complete the optimum connection between driver – Evora – and the road. The rear seat area is cleverly hidden within the exotic, mid-engine profile of the Evora. An Alpine audio system with available touch-screen navigation, iPod™ (and other MP3 player) connectivity, Bluetooth and other amenities make the journey all the more pleasant. The Evora is a pure sports car that you can happily, comfortably enjoy every day.

For peace of mind, the 2010 Lotus Evora has a 3-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty with an 8-year chassis perforation warranty.

Lotus Evora Standard and Optional Equipment

Lotus Evora Standard and Optional Equipment Pricing

MSRP

Lotus Evora Dealer Open House Promotional Tour

iPod, iPod nano and iPod touch are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Tesla has delivered 900 Elise-based Roadsters resulting in a successful collaboration between both Lotus and Tesla. According to rumors, Lotus is now eager to begin other 3rd party collaborations and this time, it is planning to share the much-acclaimed Evora platform.

A document from Lotus Engineering has popped up detailing a sales pitch of the Evora’s Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) architecture. The document sells the Evora platform as an easily adaptable underpinning for various vehicle configurations including an EV.

The Lotus Evora platform is an evolution of the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept vehicle and allows for the development of a range of cars up to a gross weight of 1,900 kg (3,306 lbs). Lotus says that the platform is more applicable to mid-volume applications by using low investment manufacturing processes.

Lotus has plans to offer a convertible version of the Evora later next year.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Lotus Entusiast (via MotorAuthority)

We just received an email from Lotus with subject reading “How many Porsches did you see today?” Catching our interest right away we opened the email to see a marketing pitch for the new Lotus Evora.

The email read:

The new Lotus Evora marks a return to the sports cars you dreamt of when growing up. Porsches are nice cars, but they’re everywhere these days, whereas with only 400 available over the next 12 months, you definitely can’t say that about the new Lotus Evora.

Along with 60 years of sports car heritage, the 3.5-litre V6 Evora comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty and residual values comparable to those of Porsche.

And to show you exactly what we mean, we’d like to invite you to contact any of our authorised Evora dealers (you’ll find their details inside the downloadable brochure) and experience what it feels like to drive a sports car with true character.

Click here so you don’t miss out on your chance to own an Evora. However, if you’re too late, we’re sure you’ll have no trouble finding something at www.porsche.com.

Luke Bennett
Operations Director

Roger Becker
Vehicle Engineering Director

Just thought we’d share it with you.

By: Kap Shah

The 276-hp road-going Lotus Evora has become a well respected sports car in the auto industry. Lotus is now introducing the next step in the Evora lineup – the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar. The car will make its debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour race.

Based on the road-going Evora, the Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar gets a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine making a total of 400-hp. The weight of the car is expected to be reduced by 440 lbs, bringing the weight to less than 2,645 lbs. Other changes include a 6-speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox, an FIA specification roll-cage, FIA-compliant 120L ATL fuel system, an FIA fire extinguisher system and a carbon fiber rear-wing, diffuser and front splitter. Stopping power comes from AP Racing’s 6 piston calipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars.

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is expected to compete in a number of races in 2010/2011 including the Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours, BritCar 24 Hours and the Dubai 24 Hours.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar:

Press Release

Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has been developed from the award-winning Evora road car and is built to FIA regulations and safety standards.

The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora’s performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.

Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has been developed from the award-winning Evora road car and is built to FIA regulations and safety standards.

The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora’s performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.

At the heart of the Lotus Evora are fundamental racecar elements: mid-engine layout, high-tech and super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and very strong lightweight forged aluminium wishbones. All these elements mean that it is a natural evolution from the road going Lotus Evora to a competitive endurance racecar.

From the outset the design team had intentions to take the Evora racing and the chassis was designed with this in mind. Endurance races are the perfect events to showcase the efficiency, handling and durability characteristics that have been fundamental to the concept of the Evora.

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine, with power increased to over 400 ps (depending on race regulations). Vehicle mass is expected to be reduced by up to 200 kg, bringing the weight of the racecar to less than 1200 kg (depending on race regulations).

Further changes for the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar include a six speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox, full FIA specification roll cage, FIA-compliant 120 litre ATL fuel system, FIA fire extinguisher system, competition carbon fibre rear wing, diffuser and front splitter.

The racecar is fitted with AP Racing 6 piston callipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The racecar runs on 18″ rims shod with Pirelli racing slicks and the wheels widths have been increased over the roadcar to 9 ½ J on the front and 11 J on the rear.

The aerodynamically efficient Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar body design, made from lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels, remains predominantly unchanged from the road car, with the only modifications being to the lower sections of the front and rear clamshells and the side sills.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, said, “Motorsport has been in our blood ever since our founder, Colin Chapman, built the first Lotus back in 1948. We are proud of our motorsport history, which includes victories in Formula One, Le Mans, saloon car, rally car and sportscar racing around the world; more recently, we won the British GT3 Championship in 2006 with the Lotus Exige. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is from the same unique stable and we expect it to be a competitive racecar when we enter various endurance races next year.”

Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director for Group Lotus Plc said, “Every Lotus car is designed to be at home on the race track as well as the road, and the Evora is no different. Designed primarily as an everyday road car, the Evora’s lightweight and stiff structure, its aerodynamics and performance means that it is perfectly suited to taming race tracks around the world, and we are looking forward to seeing the new Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar line up on the grid for the 2010 season.”

The racecar is expected to compete in a number of endurance races in 2010/ 2011 forming part of a factory-supported race program. The races that are targeted are: The 2010 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany) in May 2010, Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours (Sepang, Malaysia) in August 2010, BritCar 24 Hours (Silverstone, UK) in October 2010 and the Dubai 24 Hours (Dubai Autodrome, UAE) January 2011.

- By: Kap Shah

Lotus has delivered its first Evora to Matthew Melling of Twickenham, UK. Melling took the keys to his new Storm Titanium Evora from Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited at the Lotus Headquarters.

“I was determined to be the first in the world to get my hands on an Evora so with Stratton Motor Company’s help, I laid down my deposit within seconds of the order books being opened last year,” said Melling. “I have read all the press reviews of the Evora and am so excited about getting behind the wheel – what a great start to September!”

Lotus said that it has received orders for the next 5 months of production. It said that demand for the Evora has been so high that 150 extra new manufacturing staff have been recruited to support assembly operations in Norfolk, UK.

Refresher: Power comes from a 3.5L V6 making a total of 276-hp with a maximum torque of 252 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 5 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.

2010 Lotus Evora :

- By: Omar Rana

About two months ago Lotus confirmed that it is working on other derivatives of the Evora including the availability of an automatic transmission and a convertible version. It is said that Lotus is also planning a supercharged Evora due out sometime in 2011.

According to a report by AutoCar, the 2+2 Evora will get the option of an automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters by next year. Lotus feels the automatic is essential if it wants to be competitive against the Porsche Cayman and Porsche’s PDK automatic.

The convertible Evora won’t hit the markets until 2012 at the latest. Sources say that Lotus has been facing an issue with the electric folding roof without compromising the weight and chassis rigidity. To help solve the problem, insiders say that Lotus will get rid of the Evora’s rear-seats.

It seems that there is no room in the world for a four-seater Lotus convertible.

Lotus Evora:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Lotus has announced that the first deliveries of its 2010 Evora will begin in May; however, the first U.S. units won’t arrive until early next year. Lotus said it plans on producing 34 units of the Lotus Evora each week by July 2009.

Separately, Lotus said that other derivatives are also planned in the long-term including the availability of an automatic transmission and a convertible version in later model years.

Power for the 2010 Evora comes from a 3.5L V6 engine making a total of 276-hp with a maximum torque of 252 lb-ft. The 0 to 60 mph run comes in just 5 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph. It is rumored that a more powerful supercharged version making 400-hp is also in the works.

Click through for the full press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Lotus Evora :

Press Release:
All-New 2010 Lotus Evora Product Content and Packaging Details

First deliveries of the eagerly anticipated all-new 2010 Lotus Evora will be made to customers in Europe starting in May 2009 following an extensive and rapid development program that enabled the whole project to be completed in an extraordinary 27 months, almost unprecedented in the automotive industry.

Note: Following is a mild revision of a press release distributed by the PR Department of Group Lotus plc last Tuesday, March 3rd regarding the upcoming launch of the all-new 2010 Lotus Evora in the UK and European markets. Standard and optional product content packaging for the Lotus Evora in the United States and Canadian markets should be quite close to the information contained herein, but is still subject to potential change. Pricing of the Evora in the United States and Canada should be announced in the fall of 2009 and the Evora is scheduled for arrival in North America in early 2010.

All-New 2010 Lotus Evora Prepares for Launch
The first production Lotus Evoras have already started down the assembly line at Lotus’ high-tech manufacturing facilities in Worcester UK (where the advanced extruded and bonded aluminum chassis is made by Lotus Lightweight Structures) and at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel UK. Build volumes are expected to ramp up steadily over the next few months with a target of 34 Lotus Evoras being made each week by July 2009. This manufacturing volume is in addition to the current build volume for the Lotus small car platform vehicles (Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven) of 44 per week building to 55-60 per week in the run up to the northern hemisphere summer.

The Lotus Evora in Summary
The Lotus Evora will enter the sports car market as the only mid-engined 2+2 in production. The new car is a more holistic offering than the Elise and Exige models that have been so massively popular and iconic. The Lotus Evora is designed for people who desire the exotic sports car characteristics of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. However, it offers real-world usability and a unique sense of occasion as well. Powered by a 3.5-litre V-6 producing 276 hp at 6,400 rpm and 252 lb./ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, the Evora employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure all-around exceptional dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition.

Straight line performance is spectacular, with the 0 – 60 mph sprint taking place in approximately 5 seconds and a top speed of over 160 mph (prototype figures). Economy and emissions figures are class leading with the Official European Combined Cycle fuel economy being just 8.7 liters/100 km (equivalent to 27 mpg) and the emissions being just 205 g/km CO2 (equivalent to 11.6 ounces/mile CO2). The other fuel economy figures are equally impressive with Official European Urban Cycle figures of 12.4 liters/100 km (equivalent to 19 mpg) and 6.5 liters/100 km (equivalent to 36 mpg) for the Official European Extra Urban Cycle.

Inside, the Lotus Evora cocoons occupants with sumptuous leather surfaces juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver-focused instrumentation, the occupants sit in cockpit-like surroundings. A beautifully appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED halos and a stylized speedometer and rev counter ensuring that controls are both attractive and easily accessible. Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Evora’s sophisticated and attention-grabbing lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sports car belying its real exterior and internal space. Along with being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the Evora will also be available as a two-seater (2+0), the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the long-term future, including availability of an automatic transmission and a convertible version in later model years.

For peace of mind, the Lotus Evora has a 3 year 100,000 km (60,000 miles) whole vehicle warranty with an 8 year chassis perforation warranty for EU markets.

The Lotus Evora was created to attract new and taller customers to the Lotus brand. Lotus say that the Evora can easily accommodate two 6ft 5in tall American males in the front seats. So far, the 2+2 sports coupe has been ordered by James Bond 007 actors Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan,  Jay Leno, Beyoncé, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, and J-Lo. There is no doubt that the Evora has a special place in celebrities’ hearts.

Well, the Lotus Evora is getting even more special. According to AutoCar, Lotus is working on a supercharged version of the Lotus that will increase horsepower from 275-hp to a whopping 350-hp. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will come in just 5 seconds with a top speed of 175-mph.

We’re guessing that two people who ordered the 275-hp Evora are probably kicking themselves in the arse right now. That would be Top Gear hosts Richard Hammond and James May.

According to sources the supercharged Lotus Evora won’t arrive until 2011.

Lotus Evora:

Source: AutoCar

Lotus just recently opened the order book for its new 2+2 sports coupe and already the Lotus Evora has attracted some of the world’s most popular, rich, and famous folks. Even the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has put his name down to be part of the first group to receive the Evora once its starts rolling off the assembly line in early 2009.

Top Gear UK hosts Richard Hammond and James May have also put their name down along with both James Bond 007 actors Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan. Other famous people on the list include Jay Leno, musician Jay Kay, supermodel Jodie Kidd, Beyoncé, Dave Grőhl, Kelly Rowland, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Patrick Dempsey and J-Lo. Wow, it sounds like we’re announcing the lineup of some award show.

Power for the Lotus Evora comes from a 3.5L V6 making 275-hp and a peak torque of 252 lb-ft. 0 to 60 comes in the low 5 second range with a top speed of 160-mph. Production kicks off in the first quarter of 2009 with only 2,000 units planned annually. U.S. deliveries will begin in November or December of next year.

Check out the high-res image gallery of the Lotus Evora from the 2008 LA Auto Show after the jump.

Lotus Evora – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

• •  Can easily accommodate two 6ft 5in tall American males in the front seats.
• •  3.5L V6 DOHC makes 275-hp with a peak torque of 252 lb-ft.
• •  0 to 60 in sub-5 seconds; top speed of 160 mph.

The 2010 Lotus Evora has made its stateside debut at the 2008 LA Auto Show. The Evora was built on Lotus’s new Versatile Vehicle Architecture from the Lotus APX concept that allows the automaker to build cars with a gross vehicle weight approaching 4,200 lbs. The 2010 Lotus Evora weighs in at 2,976 lbs.

Lotus says one of Evora’s main roles is to attract new and taller customers. Well, somebody tell Lotus they came to the right country to sell their car. Lotus said that it paid a lot of attention to a wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills that make getting in and out easy.

Getting in and out of an Evora might be easy but getting near an Evora may be tough since Lotus will only make 2,000 units annually. Production of the Evora kicks off in the first-quarter of 2009 with U.S. deliveries to begin in November or December of next year.

Click through for high-res photos from the 2008 LA Auto Show and the press release.

Lotus Evora – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

Press Release:

LOTUS EVORA NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT

With its stunning visual impact, exhilarating overall dynamic performance, innovative chassis technology and high levels of luxury, packaging and convenience, the Evora makes its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Los Angeles, CA – The first all-new Lotus since the iconic Elise made its debut in 1995, the Evora enters the sports car market as the world’s only mid-engine 2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 276 hp, and weighing just 2,976 lbs. (prototype specification), the Evora promises breathtaking performance. During preliminary testing around the famous Nürburgring, the Lotus chassis development engineers report Evora is extremely agile and great fun to drive – even when clad with the full development disguise that hid the beautiful lines from the prying motor industry paparazzi.

In addition to its excellent performance and exemplary handling, the Evora offers a more refined ownership experience than Lotus’s existing smaller four-cylinder models. Evora’s contemporary cabin is elegantly trimmed and its equipment list includes such high-tech features as an advanced touch-screen multi-media system incorporating a state-of-the-art Alpine satellite navigation and audio system. Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus brand, much attention has been paid to its ease of use. Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than it is in Lotus’s smaller sports cars (the Elise, Exige and 2-Eleven), while the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.

The ‘convenience factor’ of the Evora extends to less obvious areas of the car. For instance, beneath the skin the entire front-end structure is a high tech aluminium sacrificial modular sub-frame unit, attached to the main extruded aluminium tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety, and to reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact.

The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind, and in preparation for future variants that are planned including a convertible. The Evora will be hand-crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line within Lotus’s advanced manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England. Capacity limitations will restrict production to approximately 2,000 cars a year, ensuring the dynamic new sports car’s rarity and exclusivity.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, has this to say about the exciting new model: “The Evora is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago and is part of our bold five-year strategic plan, which includes the introduction of new cars and technologies to many more markets around the world.  The Evora also represents Lotus core values of performance through light weight and efficiency and proves that you can have phenomenal performance, fuel-efficiency elegant design and practicality all in a class leading mid-engine 2+2 sports car, which will meet global safety and homologation standards.”

Mike Kimberley continues, “Looking to the future, we will continue to research, develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicles which are linked to our extensive work on all aspects of future fuels, alternative engines and electric and hybrid vehicle propulsion systems. We all have an environmental responsibility to future generations and the Evora is our latest proof that Lotus’ value of “performance through light weight” improves the efficiency and sustainability of the automobile.”

As we told you last month, more versions of the new 2010 Lotus Evora are on the way. Just weeks after its debut at the 2008 London Motor Show, Lotus has already confirmed that it is working on convertible version of the new Evora.

Lotus says that a convertible version of the Evora will be launched in late 2011 and since the lifespan of the Evora is expected to be 8-years – that should be early enough to keep the nameplate fresh.

The new Lotus Evora is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 DOHC, with dual VVT-i producing 275-hp with a peak torque of 252 lb-ft. According to AutoCar, a more powerful version is expected to arrive within two years with output increasing to 320-hp.

A hardcore S version is also expected with a supercharger increasing output to more than 400-hp. 0-60 for the S version is estimated at under 4 seconds.

2010 Lotus Evora :

Source: AutoCar