The Lotus Evora is a sports car to be produced by British car manufacturer Lotus.[1] The car, which was developed under the project name Project Eagle, was launched as the Evora on 22 July 2008 at the British International Motor Show.[4]
Overview
The Evora is the first product of a five year plan started in 2006 to expand the Lotus line of cars.[2] As such it is a larger car than recent Lotus models Elise and its derivatives (Exige, Europa S, etc.), weighing an estimated kerb weight of 1350 kg (2976 lb).[1] It is currently the only Lotus model with a 2+2 configuration, although it has been announced that it will also be offered in a two-seater configuration, referred to as the "Plus Zero" option.[1]. It is also the only 2+2 mid engined coupé on sale. The interior is larger to allow taller persons to fit, such as Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley,[1] and two 99th percentile American males.[5]
The cooled[6] boot behind the engine is large enough to fit a set of golf clubs, although Russell Carr denies that this was intentional [1]. Lotus intends the Evora to compete with different market sectors including the Porsche Cayman.[2]
Name
The name "Evora" keeps the Lotus tradition of beginning model names with an "E". The name was a random derivative of the term Evo, instead of being named for the city of Évora in Alentejo, Portugal or the singer Cesária Évora, which Lotus personnel say that they were unaware of at the time.citation needed Other names considered were Eagle, Exira and Ethos. The name Exira was rejected as not good enough and the other two because it would be difficult for Lotus to claim them as a trademark.[2]
Production
Sales are expected to start in summer 2009.[7] The sales target is 2000 cars per year, with prices between £45,000 and just over £50K.[1]
Performance
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds.[1]
- Top speed: 160 mph (257 km/h).[6]
- CO2 emission: 225 g/km.[1]
- Fuel consumption: 30 mpg–imp (9.42 L/100 km / 25 mpg–U.S.).[6][8]
- Drag co-efficient: 0.337.[1]
References
External links
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