Lotus Evora attracting celebrity waiting list

Kimberley continues: "Looking to the future, we will continue to research, develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicles which are linked to our extensive and well-regarded work on all aspects of future fuels, alternative engines and electric and hybrid vehicle solutions for the future. We all have an environmental responsibility to future generations and the Evora is another example where Lotus is seen to make significant steps towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of the motorcar keeping Britain at the forefront of the high technology motor industry."

Style or function? Have both...

Designed 'in-house' by Lotus Design, the sleek and athletic shape uses fluid forms and crisp surfaces to communicate velocity, agility and sophistication. Low and wide with modern cab forward proportions, muscular rear haunches and function optimised hip air intakes this is clearly a serious mid-engined sports car that skilfully hides the practicality of its two plus two capability.

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design, led the Evora's design team with Steven Crijns, Design Manager responsible for the exterior and Anthony Bushell, Senior Designer, responsible for the interior.

"A cornerstone of the design's success was working closely with the technical team to develop a package that allowed us to get the proportions correct," says Carr, "The asymmetric wheel sizes, the short rear overhang, long front overhang and cab forward visor screen all contribute to giving the car visual movement and an agile stance. This is incredibly important to us because we want the car's aesthetics to communicate its driving characteristics".

Lotus products have always embodied a perfect balance between form and function and the Evora successfully continues this heritage. "We never lost sight of the fact that, although this car must provide real world useability, sports cars are emotional purchases and you have to seduce the customer through beguiling looks and exotic persona. We are, therefore, very proud that we have been able to use technical and user functionality to positively drive the design in key areas and create some of the car's most distinctive features", says Carr.

"Ingress and egress, for example, dictated a minimal 'step-over' to get into the Evora. We simply cut away the surface under the door and created a unique and dramatic piece of sculpture that enhances the stance of the car as well as its useability."

Elsewhere, aerodynamic considerations for drag, downforce and cooling had significant but positive influence on the overall form and details such as air intakes. A desire to create balanced downforce, that increases cornering performance, led to the adoption of, the now, 'signature' top exit radiator vent, race car inspired diffuser and 'floating rear wing'. Drag limitation drove the dramatic tear-dropped cabin layout and the curvaceous plan view has given the car a more muscular rear shoulder and conveys a level of sophistication appropriate to this market segment.

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