2010 Lotus Evora Expert Review

The 2010 Evora is an all-new model for Lotus, joining the Elise roadster and Exige coupe in the boutique British brand's lineup. Unlike the Elise and Exige, which are both hardcore two-seaters, the Evora is a mature four-seater that can be driven everyday. Not only is it much easier to get into and out of than the Elise or Exige -- Lotus describes the endeavor as a "less athletic undertaking" -- but it is also quiet at speed, roomy enough for two 6-foot-plus American males up front, and smooth-riding whether the road is choppy or flat.

The Evora is underpinned by the automaker's Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA), a modular structure consisting of bonded and riveted aluminum extrusions. Comprised of a central aluminum tub with front aluminum and rear steel subframes and a composite roof, the complete structure tips the scales at less than 500 pounds, helping the Evora achieve a svelte curb weight of just over 3000 pounds.

Power comes from a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V-6 located amidships, making the Evora the world's only four-seat mid-engine sports car.

Bodystyle: CoupeEngine: 3.5L V-6Transmission: 6-speed manualModel: Evora

Just about everything. While components of Evora's modular architecture are shared with Elise and Exige, all other bits and pieces are unique. As the brand's only four-seat and V-6-powered offering, the Evora necessitated fresh sheet metal, a more luxurious interior, all-new power steering, larger brakes, and a suspension that was both capable at the track and livable on the road.

From the steeply raked nose and "floating" rear wing to the center-mounted dual tailpipes and muscular rear haunches, the Evora wears a flamboyant façade that screams eye-catching exoticism yet still delivers the familial Lotus look.

Standard Evora fare in the cabin includes air conditioning, an Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo, and leather-covered Recaro seats. Cruise control, navigation, and back-up camera are optional. The trunk, at 6.0 cubic-feet, is small, but the back seats double as cubb

Evora's 3.5-liter V-6 delivers 276 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, and is mated to a six-speed manual. Acceleration -- 0-to-60 in 5.0 seconds -- is quick but not as speedy as say, a Porsche Cayman S. The Evora's braking and handling are comparable to the Porsche, thanks to AP Racing brakes and a control-arm suspension with Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs.

Driver and passenger front airbags are standard on the Evora, as are a stainless steel fuel tank, rear-seat ISOFIX child-seat system, and immobilizer alarm. Standard dynamic safety technologies include traction control, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.

Standard 6-speed: 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway Sports Ratio 6-speed: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway