Lotus Evora vs. Nissan GT-R

[Martin]

The £58K price tag of the launch-spec Evora puts it square in the sights of an unlikely but hard to ignore rival: Nissan’s GT-R

http://photos.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_615/car_photo_307755_7.jpg

"It’s the calculated brutality of the Nissan GT-R that stays with you. The utter focus with which it rips apart sections of tarmac, the single-minded dedication to the pursuit of speed, the sheer violence involved. It’s like nothing else – and it’s nothing like the Lotus Evora.

But you already knew that. One is a trillion-yen Japanese hypercar, the result of years of careful development; the other is built in Norfolk. One seamlessly blends the mechanical with the electrical, processor power controlling turbos, twin-clutch transmission and drive to each wheel; the other has a V6. From Toyota.

On what level can the Lotus hope to compete? It’s short two turbos, 200bhp, two driven wheels and two usable rear seats (2+2=2.5 in the Evora, it seems) – they’re fundamentally different cars. And yet compellingly comparable. "

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/235714/lotus-evora-v-nissan-gt-r.html

[WayneB]

Reading a test like that makes you realise that maybe Lotus should have released the Evora with a supercharged engine from the get go.

That GT-R is a real weapon , engineering wise it looks to be superb, I just cant get to grips with its blocky "transformers"styling though.

What an engine though.:mf_dribble:

http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/nissan_gt-r_engine.jpg

[Autocross7]

Odd to me that these cars would be comparred? It is not quite apples and oranges, but maybe apples and pears?

I agree that the Nissan sure is certainly not pretty. To 'modern' and to blocked for my taste. The Miata - gen 1 - was the last Japanese car that looked good to me. I have never bought a car for te motor and I have had not one thought regarding the GTR. It is just not for me.


Cameron

[Brian Skeoch]

I dont think thats a fair fight.

[Autocross7]

If you want to be fair, I'd put up the Sport 350... and make sure to point out the age of the car comparred to the GTR... :yes:

Cameron

[Brian Skeoch]

man, that is one heck of a good looking engine..

[GregWO]

Sure is an impressive engine. :mf_dribble:

I'd still take the Lotus Evora over the Nissan. Its not my cup of tea.

[WayneB]

They were comparing the cars because they are in the same price bracket ($80k), its hard to say whether they would attract the same type of customer but you certainally cannot ignore the huge level of performance cars like the Z06 Corvette and this GT-R offer.

When I get 10 mins, I will find all the performance cars available in the Evoras price range.

Cadillac CTS-V
Audi S6
Mercedes Benz CLK
BMW M3
Jaguar XFR
Porsche 911
Porsche Cayman
Nissan GT-R
Corvette base model to ZO6

The CTS-V looks like a hell of a deal at 60k, If it carried a Lotus badge like the old Carlton-Omega did we would all be raving about it.:lol:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/ctsv-review001_opt.jpg
http://www.concourscars.com/images/lotus_carlton.png

[Kylie]

The GT-R is one hot looking car, but I agree with Wayne theres something about its chunky styling easp in the rear which puts me off :thumbdown: Still though its an amazing sports car.

[GregWO]

Wayne I always liked the CTS-V I never knew why as I'm not a cadillac fan. But seeing the Carlton next to a CTS-V I know why! I love the Carlton and they MUST of taken styling cues from it to design the CTS..... hmmm perhaps a new daily driver for me..... :lol:

[WayneB]

Greg, the Cadillac CTS is built on a latter day version of the GM Australia(Holden)/Germany (Opel/Vauxhall)Sigma platform that the Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega was built on.

Both cars share the same basic dimensions , Cadillac first adopted it with the Catera , then Pontiac with the GTO, G8 and now Chevrolet's Camaro.

GM USA has dabbled on and off with it for quite a while now, but IMO they should have had a full range of Chevrolets using it over here since at least 1990.

http://www.analogstereo.com/images/om/cadillac_catera.jpg

[clockwork]

I think Lotus missed an oppertunity when they didn`t release a turbo model straight away,or even a twin turbo,but,the GT-R appeals to a different market populated by people who like Imprezza`s and Evo`s,good performers but with the aesthetic appeal of a brick,styled by people who think more scoops more vents = more buyers,time will tell but I don`t think competition with the Nissan will be Lotus`s problem,but what do I know :001_unsure:

[WayneB]

I know what you mean Clockwork, but the Evora actually has more scoops and vents than the Nissan.:ohmy::(

Nissan GT-R =6

Lotus Evora =10 (not counting the rear diffuser )

Cars like the GT-R,WRX STI and the Evo Lancer are all kind of latter day Lotus Cortinas, souped up boxes .

I seem to remember that Lotus were working on a new one in conjuction with parent company Proton.

I wonder If that project is still a go?:confused:

http://images.paultan.org/gen2r3article.jpg

[Autocross7]

Counld not give me a Caddie. Total PITA in my experience. Very difficult to work on and very glitchy.


Cameron

[WayneB]

The older I get, the more I like them.:)

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1970-1979/1976-Cadillac-Eldorado-Dukes-Hazzard-BR-BH-1280x960.jpg

[Brian Skeoch]

Wayne you are a riot.. that Caddy is too cool.

[WayneB]

Nothing says America in the 70's like an Eldorado Convertable.:thumbup:

F1 driver Rene Arnoux had one, he used to drive it around Monaco.

This ones a bit rougher than his was though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=styYbRWQYP8