The 6-speed manual gearbox is also provided by Toyota; however, Lotus modifies it to offer the Sport-Ratio Gearbox as an option on the regular Evora and standard in the Evora S. First and second gears are identical, third to sixth gears have closer ratios. By the way, the Evora IPS with its automatic transmission will arrive this fall as a 2012.
The Evora S gets a supercharger that piggybacks the engine and produces 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, up 69 ponies and 37 lb-ft from the base car. The 6-speed manual is the only transmission available here. Lotus claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 277 km/h. That feels right, as the car only weighs 3,168 lbs (or 1,437 kg). By comparison, the naturally-aspirated version hits 100 clicks in 0.6 seconds later.
The blower-equipped Evora also gets a tighter suspension, with 10% stiffer front and rear bushings, a slightly larger rear anti-roll bar and a revised front upper wishbone. After comparing both cars on the track, the difference is pretty negligible; the base car is so good, so no need for a big change. The fantastic brakes are among the most effective we’ve ever tested.
Standard on all Evoras are the usual bunch of electronic driving nannies, such as cornering brake control, traction control, stability control, antilock brakes, brake force distribution, hydraulic brake assist and differential lock.
Although the jump in horsepower results in a slightly quicker car, what has really improved is the supercharged mill’s throatier growl; Trackside, as we’re watching both Evoras blow by, the base car whooshes past us, but the S model shrieks along with a more appropriate aural statement.
How do you differentiate an Evora S from a normal one? Easy. The former gets a prominent rear air diffuser, a single centre exhaust outlet and black mirrors caps. The Sport Pack with cross-drilled brake rotors, an engine oil cooler and a Sport mode is included, as is an active exhaust with a bypass valve for that meatier engine sound.
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| Lotus claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 277 km/h. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |
The Evora S gets a supercharger that piggybacks the engine and produces 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, up 69 ponies and 37 lb-ft from the base car. The 6-speed manual is the only transmission available here. Lotus claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 277 km/h. That feels right, as the car only weighs 3,168 lbs (or 1,437 kg). By comparison, the naturally-aspirated version hits 100 clicks in 0.6 seconds later.
The blower-equipped Evora also gets a tighter suspension, with 10% stiffer front and rear bushings, a slightly larger rear anti-roll bar and a revised front upper wishbone. After comparing both cars on the track, the difference is pretty negligible; the base car is so good, so no need for a big change. The fantastic brakes are among the most effective we’ve ever tested.
Standard on all Evoras are the usual bunch of electronic driving nannies, such as cornering brake control, traction control, stability control, antilock brakes, brake force distribution, hydraulic brake assist and differential lock.
Although the jump in horsepower results in a slightly quicker car, what has really improved is the supercharged mill’s throatier growl; Trackside, as we’re watching both Evoras blow by, the base car whooshes past us, but the S model shrieks along with a more appropriate aural statement.
How do you differentiate an Evora S from a normal one? Easy. The former gets a prominent rear air diffuser, a single centre exhaust outlet and black mirrors caps. The Sport Pack with cross-drilled brake rotors, an engine oil cooler and a Sport mode is included, as is an active exhaust with a bypass valve for that meatier engine sound.
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| Fit and finish is good, although not as impeccable as in a Porsche or an Audi. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |