In fact, the Evora’s weight took us by surprise. Of course, 1,350 kilos isn’t very much by sports coupe standards, but it could have been significantly lower when you consider that the Elise weighs only 900 kilos. The Evora is also built on a remarkable chassis that uses the company’s innovative ‘bonded and riveted’ technology, not to mention aluminum suspension components and fiberglass body panels. Come to think of it, how can the Evora not weigh any less than the Cayman S, which does not rely on that much lightweight material?

The Evora is also built on a chassis that uses the company’s innovative ‘bonded and riveted’ technology.

A high-end Lotus
Let’s step inside where comfortable Recaro buckets meet with a wraparound dashboard and a small leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel. The middle section houses an Alpine multimedia system with touch-screen display, navigation, DVD playback, Bluetooth connectivity and audio input. Climate control as well as power mirrors, windows and door locks all come standard. So do the electric power steering and tire pressure monitoring system (no spare tire).

Unlike the barebone Elise, whose beautiful aluminum chassis pokes through the skin, the Evora is more buttoned-down and carefully hides its metallic parts. You can even call it a "wagon" if you like due to the small bench seat in the back that can accommodate two children or babies (there are LATCH points). Now that’s something that will set the Evora apart from its German rival!

Eventually, Lotus plans on launching a sportier, supercharged variant of the Evora with no rear seat as well as a convertible. In the meantime, if you don’t find anyone willing to sit in the back, you should use the space for your luggage since trunk capacity is pretty limited at 161 litres. (There is no trunk up front.)

Two questions remain. First, what will the price be? "About the same as the Cayman S," claims Lotus. And how does it handle on the road? Well, stay tuned for our comprehensive review coming next spring.

You can even call it a "wagon" if you like due to the small bench seat in the back.

Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert, Lotus