Martin
07-25-2008, 02:18 PM
http://www.internetcp.com/gallery/data/500/72_dpi_Eagle_sketch_front_1_1.jpg
22 July 2008
THE EVORA IS HERE
With its stunning visual impact, exhilarating all-round dynamic
performance, innovative chassis technology and high levels
of luxury, packaging and convenience, the Evora heralds an
exciting new era for Lotus.
The first all-new Lotus since the iconic Elise made its debut in 1995, The
Evora enters the sports car market as currently the world’s only mid-engined
2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 PS, and
weighing just 1350 kg (prototype specification), the Evora promises
breathtaking performance. During preliminary testing around the famous
Nürburgring, the Lotus chassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and
great fun to drive -even when clad with the full development disguise that hid
the beautiful lines from the prying motor-industry paparazzi.
In addition to its excellent performance and exemplary handling, the Evora
offers a more refined ownership experience than Lotus’s existing smaller four-
cylinder models. Its elegantly styled cabin is elegantly trimmed and its
equipment list includes contemporary features such as an advanced touchscreen
multi-media system and electric power-fold door mirrors.
Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus
brand, much attention has been paid to its ease of use. Wider, taller door
apertures and narrower sills make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic
undertaking than it is in Lotus’s smaller sports cars (the Elise, Exige, Europa
and 2-Eleven), while the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two 99th
percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.
The ‘convenience factor’ of the Evora extends to less obvious areas of the car.
For instance, beneath the skin the entire front-end structure is a high tech
aluminium sacrificial modular unit, attached to the main extruded aluminium
tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety, and to
reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact.
The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind, and
future derivatives are planed, these including amongst others, a convertible.
The Evora will be hand crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line
within Lotus’s advanced manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England;
capacity limitations will restrict production to approximately 2000 cars a year,
ensuring the dynamic new sports car’s rarity and exclusivity.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, has this to say about the exciting
new model: “The Evora is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the
Elise was born 13 years ago and is part of our bold five year strategic plan,
which includes the introduction of new cars and technologies to many more
markets around the world. The Evora also represents Lotus core values of
performance through light weight and efficiency and proves that you can have
phenomenal performance, fuel efficiency elegant design and practicality all in
a class leading mid-engine 2+2 sportscar, which will meet global safety and
homologation standards”
Mike Kimberley continues, “Looking to the future, we will continue to research,
develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicles which are linked to our
extensive and well-regarded work on all aspects of future fuels, alternative
engines and electric and hybrid vehicle solutions for the future. We all have an
environmental responsibility to future generations and the Evora is another
example where Lotus is seen to make significant steps towards improving the
efficiency and sustainability of the motorcar keeping Britain at the forefront of
the high technology motor industry.”
THE EVORA IN DETAIL
Style or function? Have both…
Designed ‘in-house’ by Lotus Design, the sleek and athletic form uses fluid
forms and crisp surfaces to communicate velocity, agility and sophistication.
Low and wide with modern cab forward proportions, muscular rear haunches
and function optimised hip air intakes this is clearly a serious mid engined
sportscar that skilfully hides the practicality of its two plus two capability.
Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design, led the Evora’s design team with Steven
Crijns, Design Manager responsible for the exterior and Anthony Bushell,
Senior Designer, responsible for the interior.
“A cornerstone of the design's success was working closely with the technical
team to develop a package that allowed us to get the proportions correct,”
says Head of Design Russell Carr, “The asymmetric wheel sizes, the short
rear overhang, long front overhang and cab forward visor screen all contribute
to giving the car visual movement and an agile stance. This is incredibly
important to us because we want the car's aesthetics to communicate its
driving characteristics".
Lotus products have always embodied a perfect balance between form and
function and the Evora successfully continues this heritage. “We never lost
sight of the fact that, although this car must provide real world useability,
sportscars are emotional purchases and that you have to seduce the customer
through beguiling looks and exotic persona. We are, therefore, very proud that
we have been able to use technical and user functionality to positively drive
the design in key areas and create some of the car’s most distinctive features”.
says Carr.
Ingress and egress, for example, dictated a minimal “step-over” to get into the
Evora. We simply cut away the surface under the door and created a unique
and dramatic piece of sculpture that enhances the stance of the car as well as
its useability.
Elsewhere, aerodynamic considerations for drag, down force and cooling had
significant but positive influence on the overall form and details such as air
intakes. A desire to create balanced down force, that increases cornering
performance, led to the adoption of, the now, “signature” top exit radiator vent,
race car inspired diffuser and “floating rear wing”. Drag limitation, drove the
dramatic tear-dropped cabin layout and the curvaceous plan view has given
the car a more muscular rear shoulder and conveys a level of sophistication
appropriate to this market segment.
“We believe that our designs should be honest as well as dramatic and so we
are really pleased with the fact that these iconic features all do a real job” says
Steven Crijns, Design Manager.
This inherent understanding of the relationship between the technical and the
aesthetic paid dividends the first time a full-scale model of the Evora was windtunnel
tested – only minimal adjustments were required to the car’s
aerodynamic package to meet the targets for downforce and stability.
Steve Crijns continued, “Overall the design language shows a clear DNA link
with its Lotus siblings, whilst establishing its own distinctive and contemporary
theme. The undulating shoulder line is brilliantly mirrored in the lower part of
the bodyside by the cut -away sill that creates a torseau-like muscularity.”
“The front three-quarter view is really powerful” Russell Carr continues, “Your
eye is drawn effortlessly, from our signature mouth, rearward by fluid surfaces
and fast lines that create a sense of speed even when the car is stationary.
From this angle you can also see how dramatically the visor screen sweeps
around the teardrop form of the cabin and the gently waisted plan shape
perfectly accentuates the muscularity of the rear fender. This is unmistakeably
mid engined language and the Evora is unmistakeably a Lotus.”
The view from the rear three-quarters is just as striking and the one that many
will become familiar with as the car passes them on the road. The tapered
cabin, diffuser, floating wing, centrally mounted twin tailpipes and distinctive
engine bay vents all combine to create a completely unique look.
Moving right inside…
The design language of the interior reflects that of the exterior – simple, fluid
surfaces, soft forms and crisp feature lines wrap around the cabin cosseting
the occupants. Unlike recent Lotus products that use a race car inspired,
technical minimalism, the Evora employs a softer approach that utilises
premium quality materials and finishes to create a contemporary but luxurious
ambience that is unique to Lotus products.
It is, according to Head of Lotus Design Russell Carr, “A huge departure from
what people might expect based on Lotus’s recent past. We wanted the
Evora’s cabin to feel special and to be surprising as well as sporty. Precision
engineered metal inserts and quality edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed
against soft hand-stitched leather surfaces to give a modern interior with a
classic twist.”
Russell Carr continues, “The flat bottomed steering wheel, figure hugging
sports seat, contemporary instrumentation and ergonomically positioned
controls provide an intuitive environment that instantly forms a connection
between driver and car ensuring that it becomes an extension of his or her
body.“
Anthony Bushell Senior Designer explained about the choice of materials in
the Evora’s interior, “Tactile quality is incredibly important within this segment
and so we wanted the interior to use honest premium materials. Much of the
switchgear is bespoke, and every metallic component is actually metal.”
Focused courtesy lighting is used throughout the interior, giving a spectacular
illuminated feel to the sculpture design feature of the cabin.
The extensive use of handcrafted, premium leather differentiates The Evora
from other Lotus products and such is its importance to the character of the
car that an entire new trim shop has been built at the Lotus Headquarters in
the UK, dedicated to its production.
Even the entry level versions of the Evora will feature leather-upholstered
seats, upper door trim panels and facia, but it is expected that most customers
will opt for the full hide treatment. With a range of leather colours available,
customers will have the opportunity to personalise their Evora.
High-tech treats
Contemporary technology also features in the Evora’s cabin. A newly
developed Alpine multi-media system with a 7 inch touch-screen provides
advanced audio, satellite navigation, video, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone
and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for The
Evora’s optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the
system is removable, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your
home, or take it with you to continue your journey in an unfamiliar pedestrian
location.
The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems
in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement
technology, it is able to cancel out sound imbalances, caused by the cabin
window glass, for instance, creating echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range
frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound
reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.
A bespoke air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all
models, and has been designed for the hottest climate or the closest humidity
to help provide maximum occupant comfort. Lotus traction control and onboard
tyre pressure monitoring will also be available.
One size fits all
The front seats themselves are very supportive and leather clad with a
lightweight manual adjustment mechanism for fore and aft, rake and lumbar,
designed to give a supported driving position.
The rear seats of 2+2 versions of the Evora –are intended for children and
smaller adults. There will also be a two-seater derivative with a luggage shelf
in the back. To maximise comfort in the rear, there’s a decent amount of footroom
under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings
for secure child seat fitment.
When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area, adding
to the Evora’s appeal as an everyday car. The 160 litre boot, which ingeniously
features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of any heat ingress
from the engine bay, will also accommodate a full set of golf clubs.
Easy in, easy out
With the Elise and its derivatives, the no-compromise character of the car
makes getting in and out across a wide sill and through a comparatively
narrow door/window aperture part of the charm of ownership. For the Evora
and its remit for the serious daily driver, and to attract newcomers to the Lotus
brand, greater convenience and practicality is provided.
As a consequence the sill is now lower and slimmer (80mm wide compared
with 100mm in the Elise), and the whole door aperture taller. The doors open
wider than on the Elise and its siblings, while the height of the front seat is
raised by 65mm.
But while The Evora is undeniably more ‘lifestyle’ in respect of its everyday
practicality, once you’re seated behind its flat-bottomed steering wheel, it feels
every bit as exotic and sporting as you would expect a Lotus to be.
22 July 2008
THE EVORA IS HERE
With its stunning visual impact, exhilarating all-round dynamic
performance, innovative chassis technology and high levels
of luxury, packaging and convenience, the Evora heralds an
exciting new era for Lotus.
The first all-new Lotus since the iconic Elise made its debut in 1995, The
Evora enters the sports car market as currently the world’s only mid-engined
2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 PS, and
weighing just 1350 kg (prototype specification), the Evora promises
breathtaking performance. During preliminary testing around the famous
Nürburgring, the Lotus chassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and
great fun to drive -even when clad with the full development disguise that hid
the beautiful lines from the prying motor-industry paparazzi.
In addition to its excellent performance and exemplary handling, the Evora
offers a more refined ownership experience than Lotus’s existing smaller four-
cylinder models. Its elegantly styled cabin is elegantly trimmed and its
equipment list includes contemporary features such as an advanced touchscreen
multi-media system and electric power-fold door mirrors.
Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus
brand, much attention has been paid to its ease of use. Wider, taller door
apertures and narrower sills make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic
undertaking than it is in Lotus’s smaller sports cars (the Elise, Exige, Europa
and 2-Eleven), while the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two 99th
percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.
The ‘convenience factor’ of the Evora extends to less obvious areas of the car.
For instance, beneath the skin the entire front-end structure is a high tech
aluminium sacrificial modular unit, attached to the main extruded aluminium
tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety, and to
reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact.
The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind, and
future derivatives are planed, these including amongst others, a convertible.
The Evora will be hand crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line
within Lotus’s advanced manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England;
capacity limitations will restrict production to approximately 2000 cars a year,
ensuring the dynamic new sports car’s rarity and exclusivity.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, has this to say about the exciting
new model: “The Evora is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the
Elise was born 13 years ago and is part of our bold five year strategic plan,
which includes the introduction of new cars and technologies to many more
markets around the world. The Evora also represents Lotus core values of
performance through light weight and efficiency and proves that you can have
phenomenal performance, fuel efficiency elegant design and practicality all in
a class leading mid-engine 2+2 sportscar, which will meet global safety and
homologation standards”
Mike Kimberley continues, “Looking to the future, we will continue to research,
develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicles which are linked to our
extensive and well-regarded work on all aspects of future fuels, alternative
engines and electric and hybrid vehicle solutions for the future. We all have an
environmental responsibility to future generations and the Evora is another
example where Lotus is seen to make significant steps towards improving the
efficiency and sustainability of the motorcar keeping Britain at the forefront of
the high technology motor industry.”
THE EVORA IN DETAIL
Style or function? Have both…
Designed ‘in-house’ by Lotus Design, the sleek and athletic form uses fluid
forms and crisp surfaces to communicate velocity, agility and sophistication.
Low and wide with modern cab forward proportions, muscular rear haunches
and function optimised hip air intakes this is clearly a serious mid engined
sportscar that skilfully hides the practicality of its two plus two capability.
Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design, led the Evora’s design team with Steven
Crijns, Design Manager responsible for the exterior and Anthony Bushell,
Senior Designer, responsible for the interior.
“A cornerstone of the design's success was working closely with the technical
team to develop a package that allowed us to get the proportions correct,”
says Head of Design Russell Carr, “The asymmetric wheel sizes, the short
rear overhang, long front overhang and cab forward visor screen all contribute
to giving the car visual movement and an agile stance. This is incredibly
important to us because we want the car's aesthetics to communicate its
driving characteristics".
Lotus products have always embodied a perfect balance between form and
function and the Evora successfully continues this heritage. “We never lost
sight of the fact that, although this car must provide real world useability,
sportscars are emotional purchases and that you have to seduce the customer
through beguiling looks and exotic persona. We are, therefore, very proud that
we have been able to use technical and user functionality to positively drive
the design in key areas and create some of the car’s most distinctive features”.
says Carr.
Ingress and egress, for example, dictated a minimal “step-over” to get into the
Evora. We simply cut away the surface under the door and created a unique
and dramatic piece of sculpture that enhances the stance of the car as well as
its useability.
Elsewhere, aerodynamic considerations for drag, down force and cooling had
significant but positive influence on the overall form and details such as air
intakes. A desire to create balanced down force, that increases cornering
performance, led to the adoption of, the now, “signature” top exit radiator vent,
race car inspired diffuser and “floating rear wing”. Drag limitation, drove the
dramatic tear-dropped cabin layout and the curvaceous plan view has given
the car a more muscular rear shoulder and conveys a level of sophistication
appropriate to this market segment.
“We believe that our designs should be honest as well as dramatic and so we
are really pleased with the fact that these iconic features all do a real job” says
Steven Crijns, Design Manager.
This inherent understanding of the relationship between the technical and the
aesthetic paid dividends the first time a full-scale model of the Evora was windtunnel
tested – only minimal adjustments were required to the car’s
aerodynamic package to meet the targets for downforce and stability.
Steve Crijns continued, “Overall the design language shows a clear DNA link
with its Lotus siblings, whilst establishing its own distinctive and contemporary
theme. The undulating shoulder line is brilliantly mirrored in the lower part of
the bodyside by the cut -away sill that creates a torseau-like muscularity.”
“The front three-quarter view is really powerful” Russell Carr continues, “Your
eye is drawn effortlessly, from our signature mouth, rearward by fluid surfaces
and fast lines that create a sense of speed even when the car is stationary.
From this angle you can also see how dramatically the visor screen sweeps
around the teardrop form of the cabin and the gently waisted plan shape
perfectly accentuates the muscularity of the rear fender. This is unmistakeably
mid engined language and the Evora is unmistakeably a Lotus.”
The view from the rear three-quarters is just as striking and the one that many
will become familiar with as the car passes them on the road. The tapered
cabin, diffuser, floating wing, centrally mounted twin tailpipes and distinctive
engine bay vents all combine to create a completely unique look.
Moving right inside…
The design language of the interior reflects that of the exterior – simple, fluid
surfaces, soft forms and crisp feature lines wrap around the cabin cosseting
the occupants. Unlike recent Lotus products that use a race car inspired,
technical minimalism, the Evora employs a softer approach that utilises
premium quality materials and finishes to create a contemporary but luxurious
ambience that is unique to Lotus products.
It is, according to Head of Lotus Design Russell Carr, “A huge departure from
what people might expect based on Lotus’s recent past. We wanted the
Evora’s cabin to feel special and to be surprising as well as sporty. Precision
engineered metal inserts and quality edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed
against soft hand-stitched leather surfaces to give a modern interior with a
classic twist.”
Russell Carr continues, “The flat bottomed steering wheel, figure hugging
sports seat, contemporary instrumentation and ergonomically positioned
controls provide an intuitive environment that instantly forms a connection
between driver and car ensuring that it becomes an extension of his or her
body.“
Anthony Bushell Senior Designer explained about the choice of materials in
the Evora’s interior, “Tactile quality is incredibly important within this segment
and so we wanted the interior to use honest premium materials. Much of the
switchgear is bespoke, and every metallic component is actually metal.”
Focused courtesy lighting is used throughout the interior, giving a spectacular
illuminated feel to the sculpture design feature of the cabin.
The extensive use of handcrafted, premium leather differentiates The Evora
from other Lotus products and such is its importance to the character of the
car that an entire new trim shop has been built at the Lotus Headquarters in
the UK, dedicated to its production.
Even the entry level versions of the Evora will feature leather-upholstered
seats, upper door trim panels and facia, but it is expected that most customers
will opt for the full hide treatment. With a range of leather colours available,
customers will have the opportunity to personalise their Evora.
High-tech treats
Contemporary technology also features in the Evora’s cabin. A newly
developed Alpine multi-media system with a 7 inch touch-screen provides
advanced audio, satellite navigation, video, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone
and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for The
Evora’s optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the
system is removable, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your
home, or take it with you to continue your journey in an unfamiliar pedestrian
location.
The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems
in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement
technology, it is able to cancel out sound imbalances, caused by the cabin
window glass, for instance, creating echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range
frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound
reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.
A bespoke air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all
models, and has been designed for the hottest climate or the closest humidity
to help provide maximum occupant comfort. Lotus traction control and onboard
tyre pressure monitoring will also be available.
One size fits all
The front seats themselves are very supportive and leather clad with a
lightweight manual adjustment mechanism for fore and aft, rake and lumbar,
designed to give a supported driving position.
The rear seats of 2+2 versions of the Evora –are intended for children and
smaller adults. There will also be a two-seater derivative with a luggage shelf
in the back. To maximise comfort in the rear, there’s a decent amount of footroom
under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings
for secure child seat fitment.
When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area, adding
to the Evora’s appeal as an everyday car. The 160 litre boot, which ingeniously
features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of any heat ingress
from the engine bay, will also accommodate a full set of golf clubs.
Easy in, easy out
With the Elise and its derivatives, the no-compromise character of the car
makes getting in and out across a wide sill and through a comparatively
narrow door/window aperture part of the charm of ownership. For the Evora
and its remit for the serious daily driver, and to attract newcomers to the Lotus
brand, greater convenience and practicality is provided.
As a consequence the sill is now lower and slimmer (80mm wide compared
with 100mm in the Elise), and the whole door aperture taller. The doors open
wider than on the Elise and its siblings, while the height of the front seat is
raised by 65mm.
But while The Evora is undeniably more ‘lifestyle’ in respect of its everyday
practicality, once you’re seated behind its flat-bottomed steering wheel, it feels
every bit as exotic and sporting as you would expect a Lotus to be.