2013 Lotus Evora S

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PRICE : For 2013 Lotus Evora S $77,100

ABOUT : Lotus may be struggling, but it certainly hasn’t given up on producing high-level sports cars in an attempt to regain the edge it once held in that realm. With much of the dead weight cut from the company, Lotus is ready to move forward and we certainly hope to see big things from it, whether it be under the control of DRB-Hicom and Proton or some other company altogether.

The last new models to successfully reach production phase under the Bahar reign were the Evora and Evora S, which debuted for the 2010 model year. Last year, the models were expanded to include an all-new automatic transmission that could be shifted from auto to manual almost instantaneously. For the 2013 model year, Lotus is expanding the lineup again by including this transmission as an option on the Evora S.

EXTERIOR

For the 2013 model year, the Evora pretty much carries over its body from last year. That’s not a bad thing though, as Lotus Lotus is famous for building some of the most simple, yet beautiful and functional bodies to ever grace the automotive world.

Starting up front, you get the signature Lotus sloped nose that has graced just about every Lotus model to date. The front fascia boasts a wide open smile with a pair of air intake vents on either side of it. The sharp-angled headlights complete the Lotus’ face, giving it an expression like no other. As you work toward the windshield, you will come across a pair of nostrils on the center of the hood.

The side profile really shows you what Lotus focuses on when developing its cars. The sloped hood meets up with a shallow-raked windshield that allows the air to easily swoop over the roof and down its sleek roofline. Once the airflow reaches the rear of the Evora, it is quickly met by a rear spoiler that adds just a little downforce to the body.

On the back end, you have a pair of air-intake vents on the top of the rear quarter panels, that allow the rear-mounted engine a little bit of life-giving fresh air. The rear fascia is one that you would expect from Lotus: simple, yet refined. Its pair of circular rear lights combine to make up the stop, braking, turning, and reverse lights. Between the lights you have the ominous “LOTUS” decal, so those trailing you know exactly what car you’re driving. At the base of the rear fascia, you have a rear diffusor that that center-exit exhaust pipe extends from.

As a Lotus, one thing is expected: a small stature combined with a lightweight body. The 2013 Evora S gives you just that, as it measures in at just 4,361 mm (171.7 inches) long X 2,047 mm (80.6 inches) wide X 1,229 mm (48.4 inches) tall. It features a 2,575 mm (101.4-inch) wheelbase and weighs in at just 1,437 kg (3,168 lbs), with a manual transmission. With the automatic transmission, the Evora S weighs 1,442 kg (3,179 lbs).

INTERIOR

 Many times, the interior is an overlooked part of a sports car. The designers are so worried about its outward appearance and the engineers are too worried about its performance, so the interior is just tossed together. Lotus did a good job keeping its focus and building a stylish, yet simple, interior.

Recaro sport seats decked out in leather keep you firmly planted in place while offering up plenty of comfort. The interior boasts leather throughout – dashboard, door panels, center console, etc. – along with aluminum trim.

The Evora’s center stack is very clean, as the Lotus command center replaced a lot of the buttons, and the HVAC system only has the necessary knobs and buttons. The Evora’s flat-bottomed steering wheel is a thing of beauty, featuring simple controls and a great feel. It is also made from magnesium, so it feels extremely light and gives you precision feedback.

A unique option on the Evora S is the ability to opt for or opt out of a 2+2 configuration – two seats up front and two in the rear. This means that even if you have a family, you can still have fun with the 2+2 model. Sure, the seats aren’t necessarily big or comfortable, but the option is still there.

There are tons of available options and packages available for the 2013 Evora S. Let’s have a look at what they offer you.

ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN

 Behind the seats sits an all-alloy 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine featuring a Harrop HTV 1320 supercharger that uses Eaton TVS Technology. This engine pumps out an impressive 345 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Evora S comes standard with the Sport Pack, which increases the engine’s rpm limiter when you press the “Sport” button and straps a stainless steel tailpipe to the back end.

The engine hooks up to a standard 6-speed manual as the standard transmission and as an option, you can select the new-to-the-Evora S Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS) 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission has four drive modes to choose from. The base mode is fully automatic, which requires no driver input. The second mode is automatic with “Sport” mode engaged, which increases the shift point and creates firmer shifts. Third up is the manual paddle-shift mode, which allows you to control when the Evora S shifts. The final, and most aggressive, mode is paddle-shift mode with the “Sport” mode turned on. This mode gives you crisper shifts and allows you to control exactly when the Evora shifts gears.

This impressive driveline, combined with the relatively low weight of the Evora S allows this sports car to hit 60 mph in a stout 4.4 seconds with a manual transmission and 4.5 seconds with the IPS transmission. Lotus lists its top speed at 178 mph with a manual transmission and 167 mph with the IPS setup.

The Evora S may be fast, but it is also surprisingly economical and eco-friendly. In its manual setup, it is rated at 19.9 mpg in the city, 37.7 mpg on the highway, and 28.7 mpg combined while emitting just 229 grams of CO2 per km. With the IPS transmission, city mpg drops to 19.6 mpg, but highway mpg and combined mpg jumps to 40.8 and 29.3, respectively. The IPS transmission also helps decrease CO2 emissions to 224 grams per km. Talk about having fun responsibly. Keep in mind, however, these are per EU tests, not EPA testing, which typically drops overall mpg.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKING

 Handling has long been the bread and butter of Lotus’ heritage and things are looking like they will remain the same. The Evora S is no exception to this rule, as its lightweight body and rigid chassis provide the perfect base to build upon.

Under the skin, Lotus fits the Evora S with its Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) traction and stability management system helps manage the Lotus’ handling characteristics via three settings: “On,” “Sport” and “Off.” The “On” setting suppresses over- and under-steer completely, making the Evora S a simple car to handle, even for an amateur. The “Sport” mode allows the Evora to show some of its more aggressive characteristics by letting the backend slide a little bit under hard cornering. This gives the driver the thrill of a true sports car without risking totally losing control. With the DPM set to “Off,” the driver has full control of the Evora, which really puts your driving skill to the test on the racetrack.

At the corners, you get independent forged aluminum double-wishbone suspension, which includes anti-roll bars on the front and rear. Bilstein gas dampers and Eibach coaxial coil springs help keep the tires firmly planted on the road while absorbing any impacts.

To the outside of the shocks and springs the Evora S has AP Racing Brakes. On the front end, you get 350 mm (13.8-inch) ventilated and cross-drilled discs, which are squeezed by 4-piston calipers. The rear discs are also cross-drilled and ventilated, and measure in at 332 mm (13.1 inches). The rear discs are also squeezed by 4-pot calipers. Electronic brake distribution and cornering brake control are both standard on the Evora S and help evenly distribute the braking power to the wheels that will best help the handing of the vehicle.

Polishing off the Evora S’ handling are 18-inch cast alloy wheels on the front with 225/40ZR18 Pirelli P-Zero rubber. The rear end features 19-inch cast alloy rims embraced by 255/35ZR19 Pirelli P-Zero tires.

By : Super Modified Sports Cars