Lotus Evora

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What is it?

A new mid-engined sportscar from Lotus that, despite the company's denials, sits between Porsche's Cayman and 911 models in terms of focus. The Evora also happens to be the first all-new car from Lotus since it launched the seminal Elise in 1996 and, while it's positioned higher in the automotive landscape than its siblings, the Evora is just as important a factor in the company's future.

In its bid to move upmarket, Lotus has developed a completely new - and highly advanced - chassis for the Evora, which is claimed to be much stiffer even than that found under the skin of Ferrari's F430. Clothing the structure is a composite body full of complex curves and interesting details, along with bespoke lights and beautiful new wheels. That bodywork can't hide the mid-engined layout, but it does disguise the fact that Lotus has squeezed an extra pair of seats into the back.

Admittedly the rear pews are best reserved for children, but the rest of the cabin is worth checking out. This is (by far) the most luxurious cockpit to come out of the Lotus factory in decades. Not only that, but it is stylish and features plenty of interesting flourishes and its own touch-sensitive switchgear, along with lashings of real aluminium and leather.

Sitting behind the rear seats is a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6. Peak power is 276bhp, which is backed up by 258lb.ft of torque. That feeds the rear wheels via a slick six-speed gearbox. Thanks in part to massive traction, 0-62mph takes just 5.1 seconds and the Evora tops out at 162mph. Those are impressive figures by any standard, but the fact that Lotus manages to combine them with a combined fuel economy figure of 32.5mpg and CO₂ emissions of only 205g/km is what's so remarkable.

Is it any good?

Rest assured that the Evora is designed for a lot more than straight line speed. Its driving delights are hinted at before you get out on the road, with a noticeable lack of slackness in the controls, especially so in the feel-some steering and solid brake pedal. Attack a corner and odds are that the Evora could have done it a lot faster. The level of grip on offer is astounding, as is the car's stability under braking and accelerating out of tighter corners. Through all this, you really feel part of the experience.

If you should overestimate the car's ability, it features several electronic driving aids to help keep you on the road, such as 'Understeer Recognition', which is integrated with the traction control system. In fairness, this - and the anti-lock brakes - has its thresholds set quite high, so you really need to make a big mistake to summon up assistance.

None of that is too surprising in a car with the Lotus badge on its nose; what is eye-opening though is the Evora's composure over bad surfaces, its nigh-on comfortable ride quality and its refinement when you're not in a hurry. That V6 engine, for instance, makes a fabulous noise when you want to get a move on, yet is nicely muted at idle or on the motorway. This is a whole new side to Lotus - and we approve.

Should I call the bank manager?

Most cautious bank managers might wonder if your money would be better spent on a Porsche with a proven track record in terms of reliability, build quality and resale value. They'd have a point of course, especially when you also take into consideration that the excellent Cayman S is actually cheaper than the Lotus. However, for every ten head-before-heart managers there'll be one that understands where you're coming from. Lotus isn't fooling itself either: it realises that the Evora will appeal to a lot less people than Porsche's big sellers, but it also rightly points out that the exclusivity this brings should appeal to buyers. Plans are at this stage to build just 2,000 Evoras a year - for sale worldwide.

Summary

We're obviously taken by the Lotus Evora. It's a beautiful, exciting car that offers up massive driving thrills, yet with an alter ego that should allow its owner to use it everyday. Whether you're the kind of person that appreciates the Lotus brand or you'd still prefer a Porsche is up to you. Either way, Lotus has a fine new string to its bow and word is that it's only the starting point.

Shane O' Donoghue