Evora Wins on the Road and 2-Eleven Takes Track Honours
Canadian Auto Press
Lotus is either one of the smallest mainstream exotic automotive manufacturers or the largest boutique automaker in existence, but either way it’s really coming of age lately. Not only do its Elise and Exige models sell well in their various guises, but its specialized track model, the 2-Eleven, and all new four-seat Evora are causing as much embarrassment in publishing circles as they normally do on the track, by winning two segments of an annual awards program put on by prestigious British buff mag EVO.
2007 Lotus 2-Eleven
EVO magazine puts on quite the top-tier track car shootout at the Bedford Autodrome each year, with the annual event pulling in some extremely hot competitors, from the Ford Focus RS and Mitsubishi Evo X to more exotic entries such as Lamborghini’s Gallardo and the newest Arial Atom. In the running was Lotus’ tiny, lightweight 2-Eleven, a purpose-built track car that somehow manages to pass for street worthiness in the UK – Britannia rules! With the second-best track time and most-fun-to-drive accolades, the 2-Eleven took first place.
First amongst road-going cars was the new Lotus Evora, and it was no picnic in Hyde Park. No, in Scotland at the Isle of Skye this ultra-hot new four-place supercar went up against such notable rides as Ferrari’s new 458 Italia, Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage, and Porsche’s 911 GT3! To come out on top of this mountain of precious metal is a feat Lotus’ all-composite upstart will no doubt be shouting off the rooftops for months to come, and then factoring in its Toyota-sourced 3.5L V6 powertrain and comparatively low price tag. The Evora went into production last month and so far Lotus has delivered more than 800 units.
Tags: Lotus Beats Aston Martin Porsche and Ferrari in EVO Shootout
I have always loved Lotus cars. This is perhaps a bit “plain”, but still great, nonetheless.
The fact that EVO puts this car ahead of cars that accelerate from 0-62 mph almost twice as fast makes me wonder however, if it is a bit of British propaganda that I really struggle to reconcile with the facts and numbers delivered by its competition.
It is no brainer to see that this Lotus is certainly a lot cheaper than those prestigious counterparts, but it is also a no brainer to see the many reasons why the Lotus is so much cheaper.
I agree that this car offers a lot for the money, especially in terms of overall driving experience. Having said that, I don’t think “the car of the year” should be awarded to a car based on the fact that it carries a more reasonable price.
Anyone who has experience and knowledge of cars knows very well that -in this field- you really really get what you pay for.
I’ve been reading a lot about this :
A “Road Going Version” is fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items to achieve compliance with road legal requirements.
The “Track Only Version” is equipped with an enhanced aerodynamics package including high downforce single plane carbon fibre rear wing, high downforce front splitter, brake lights and rear indicators and FIA approved driver’s race seat.
Good job Lotus!