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Usually we wouldn’t review a car that’s about to drive off into the sunset. This is the Lotus Evora GT, and while yes, this is technically its final model year, we still thought it was worth a look.
Let’s start with the nuts and bolts. The Evora’s been around since 2009. Normally, with a car that was designed well over a decade ago, we might call it long in the tooth. I am definitely not saying that about the Evora.
I think it’s as relevant, sexy, and interesting today as it was back when Lady Gaga showed up in her meat dress at the VMAs.
For me the seating position was tricky. I could be half an inch further up to be perfect. But don’t worry, I suffered through just fine.
In fact, this was the only car in recent memory that caused me to get out of bed early on two weekend mornings in a row to go to early Cars and Coffee events. That’s special.
You’re not going to find sophisticated tech in here except for the Alpine infotainment system that feels completely aftermarket.
And you know what, if you’re doing this car right, you won’t care because you’re too busy being entertained by the driving experience.
One down note about the interior, this example is the 2+2 model so it has rear seats. Now, I had a six-year-old sitting back there, and even he thought it was a bit cramped. My apologies, Tommy.
But the best part of the interior is being able to see the turbo wastegate in your rearview mirror.
It’s good that you’ve got something fun to look at in that mirror because with the carbon fiber package on it ($10,000 option) you really can’t see much more thanks to thick B-pillars slathered in Alcantara suede. Those look really nice, though.
The Evora GT gets powered by a Toyota Camry-sourced 3.5-liter V6 that’s got a supercharger pancaked on top of it (graphic: 416 hp/332 lb ft torque).
We’ve got the manual 6-speed transmission and this is as mechanical as it gets. You can literally feel metal on metal when you’re shifting and it’s just awesome. Prepare yourself, though. The clutch is one of the heavier ones I’ve felt in a while.
Driving the Evora GT is the best leg day you could ask for though. Then take it into the canyons and this little sucker will treat you to a massive amount of fun.
Thanks to the mid-engine placement, the balance on the Evora feels faultless.
The way Lotus tunes the chassis, you really feel like you’re driving the razor's edge, but can do no wrong.
In race mode with the nannies off, you’re taking your future into your own hands and the car can definitely get twitchy, so driver beware. But you get grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires(245/35/19 front; 295/30/20 rear), and some of the most perfectly weighted and talkative steering I’ve ever felt that translates your inputs to the wheels with the precision of a UN interpreter, making this is a great drivers’ car that gets it 100% right.
Of course, we live in Southern California and along with these great canyon roads we’re also cursed with gridlock traffic.
The Evora GT was a completely analog driving experience. In some competitors, and I’m specifically thinking of the Porsche Cayman or 911 here, there are certainly more creature comforts, but the Evora feels like an absolute sports car.
Price-wise, you’re closer to a 911 here with the Evora starting at about $97,000. But with the mid-engine placement, the C8 Corvette or Cayman is going to give you a similar driving experience. Both of those will cost you less money, but you could even compare the Evora to a McLaren 570s that’s almost double the cash.
With sports cars, you’re kind of hoping for that X factor, and the Evora’s got it. In LA especially, I drive down the street and see Porsche’s all the time. They don’t turn heads the way the Evora does. This car is undoubtedly unique and special, and I’d even venture to say a super collectible car in the making. So, grab one now, because, after this year, they’re gone.