Lotus debuted its stunning new Evora S and Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) models at this month’s New York Auto Show. Both models showcase the versatility of the multi-award winning Evora.
Lotus will be at the New York Auto Show until May 1st so fans of the unique British automotive manufacturer have a few days to get up close to a selection of some of the most enjoyable, high-performance, lightweight sportscars on the market.
Evora S: Like the standard Evora, the Evora S has a 3.5-litre V6 engine and produces seamless performance. The supercharged Evora S has 345-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of a supercharger which gives acceleration of 4.8 seconds to 100 km/h and a maximum speed of 277 km/h.
The Evora S comes with a sport pack as standard featuring a ‘sport’ button which allows the driver to control throttle response and activate the exhaust by-pass valve*. The sport button also raises the instantaneous rev limit and changes the dynamic stability control settings resulting in a total experience change. The external emotion of the Evora S has been improved with a completely new active exhaust which means that at the push of a button the car sounds just as dramatic as it feels.
“It’s the next level of Evora experience,” said Group Lotus CEO, Dany Bahar. “The Evora S communicates even more with you, with extra power and control the car responds even more to your direction. It’s an instinctual car, the experience is pure.”
Evora IPS: The IPS version of the Evora allows the driver to switch between manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes. The driver also has the option of selecting ‘sport’ mode which showcases the Lotus sport driving experience allowing the driver to really feel each gear shift and be in complete control of the transmission.
“The Evora IPS is set to broaden the appeal of the Evora and reach out to a slightly different market,” said Bahar. “We expect it will be popular with established automatic locations such as Asia, the Middle East and the US. It’s been a long time since Lotus created an automatic and we’ve spent a great deal of time refining this one to make sure that it perfectly complements the Evora drive experience.”
In addition to the Evora S and IPS, Lotus gave an overview on its current line-up of vehicles.
RGB Exige: The limited edition RGB Exige named in honour of one of Lotus’ most prominent old boys, former director of vehicle engineering Roger George Becker. In celebration of his 44 years of service, which included doubling for Roger Moore’s James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me, Lotus created a special edition of the Exige and Elise which both benefit from some Becker-inspired modifications. The RGB Exige uses the range-topping 257-hp supercharged and an intercooled 1.8l engine which allows this lightweight sportscar a 0-60 mp/h in around four seconds and an impressive aerodynamic downforce figure of 42 kg at 160 km/h.
The Exige RGB is available in four colours, Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey and each one is identified by a numbered interior plaque, Roger Becker’s signature on the side of the bodywork and special monochrome Lotus nose badge.
Esprit: The new Esprit will be powered by a 5-litre V8 pressure charged engine. The Esprit retains exceptional performance through it’s unique lightweight design making it the ultimate expression of Lotus supercar ownership.
The styling of the Esprit echos the performance with strong lines throughout the sleek low body. The symmetry through the mass and proportion of the Esprit give it an intense look–a perfect example of the new Lotus DNA in action.
“Not only does the Esprit look incredible but it will have the performance to match,” said Bahar. “We’ve stuck to the Lotus core values of performance through lightweight and teamed them with future technology and exceptional engineering to ensure that the Esprit will be the leader of the pack. The design is aggressive, you have to see it to appreciate how low and wide the proportions are but it still retains a level of dignity, of class and most of all exclusivity. I’m very proud of this car.”