Used 2013 Lotus Evora

Like a jumbo shrimp, the Evora is the biggest vehicle from British automaker Lotus. Though large by Lotus standards, the Evora is still a diminutive car by U.S. ones. Like the even smaller Elise and Exige that preceded it, the Evora excels at nimble handling vs. brute power. Unlike those past 2-seaters, the Evora can be had with a pair of rear seats, but they are best thought of as holders for parcels, not people. Compared to past Lotus sports cars, the Evora has a quieter interior and an improved ride. At nearly $70,000 and up, the Evora’s minimalism isn’t cheap. It comes with style and exclusivity, but also a smaller dealer network and far less frills than a Porsche Cayman, BMW M3 or Audi S5.

For those who love the thrill of racing on a track, the Lotus Evora is supremely satisfying. With its strong V6 propelling a lightweight body, the Evora is very quick, hitting 60 mph in five seconds or less and supercharged Evora S models reaching that speed in the mid-4-second range. But the Evora embraces its character most when tackling twisty roads. Precision is the name of the game here. The Evora has an almost telepathic ability to respond to driver input. Steering feel is splendid, and the wheel provides constant and accurate feedback. Brake and throttle reaction are equally instantaneous. Unfortunately, the Evora’s 6-speed manual transmission is a bit clunky and has long throws. The optional 6-speed automatic is smoother but far from the best out there. Potential Evora owners should know that getting in and out of the low vehicle requires acts of dexterity, and that rear blind spots are pronounced.

Judging by its tidy proportions, it should come as no shock that the Evora’s cabin could euphemistically be called "cozy." Potential owners may want to practice yoga to get used to the bending required to enter and exit, but once inside, driver and front passenger will find well-bolstered leather Recaro seats. The Evora is available as a 2+2, but the rear seats are extremely cramped. Just consider it storage area. Up front, buttons for everything from seat heat to putting the car in drive are classy but, like the rest of the cabin, rather Spartan. A tiny rear window and thick pillars hinder visibility.

At about 171 inches in length, the 2012 Evora is large for a Lotus, but still small by U.S. car standards. For comparison, it’s about eight inches shorter than a Honda Civic sedan. The Evora is low and wide, similar to the race cars that inspired it. Elongated headlight housings create visual drama up front even when the Evora’s bright bi-xenon headlights are off. Large side air ducts sit directly behind each door, while the Evora’s rear haunches extend to lend this little car a more muscular look. A built-in spoiler beautifully arcs across the rear end, bookended by circular taillights with built-in turn indicators.

V6 ENGINE
For this larger car, Lotus went with a larger engine, straying from the 4-cylinder units used in past cars. This V6 comes from Toyota and is a relative to the one used in America’s best-selling car, the Camry. That’s good news when it comes to reliability.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
With its striking wedge-like profile, the 2013 Lotus Evora looks like nothing else on the road. Add to that the fact that Evoras are rare to begin with, and you get a car that’s an immediate attention-grabber and conversation starter. Expect a prized spot in the valet line.

The 2013 Evora’s emphasis is on tearing up twisty roads, not coddling passengers with the latest creature comforts. That said, Evora owners won’t feel totally deprived while ripping up asphalt. The Evora comes with leather-trimmed Recaro sport seats in front, Alpine AM/FM/CD player with iPod connectivity, AP Racing 4-piston brake calipers, and 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inch wheels in the rear. Performance-oriented Pirelli P-Zero tires are also standard issue for this corner-carver. Evora S models feature a Harrop supercharger for additional power, black door mirrors, and the Sport Pack with cross-drilled brakes and switchable Sport mode for quicker throttle response.

Upgrades for the 2013 Lotus Evora include the 2+2 configuration that adds a pair of tiny rear seats, a 6-speed automatic transmission, larger wheels, heated front seats, rearview camera, and several sport packages with visual and performance enhancements. A Tech Pack includes a navigation system, 7-inch touch-screen display, upgraded 100-watt audio system with DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and parking sensors.

All 2013 Lotus Evora models use a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6. The regular Evora model’s engine makes 276 horsepower, while the Evora S employs a supercharger that brings the pony count to a robust 345. All Evora models have a mid-engine, rear-drive layout. Top speed for the naturally aspirated Evora is 163 mph, while supercharged models max out at 178 mph. The optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS) increases fuel economy but slightly lowers acceleration time and top speed.

3.5-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (manual), 20/28 mpg (automatic)

3.5-liter supercharged V6
345 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 mpg (manual), 19/28 mpg (automatic)