My Evora Review + Pictures So Far - Long Read!

My Evora Review + Pictures So Far - Long Read!

Author
Discussion

justin220

Original Poster:

5,347 posts

205 months

Tuesday 20th November 2012
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I'm still debating about the 360. I am still tempted.

However, if I end up keeping the Evora I think I will spend a bit of money and spruce it up..

PB Wheels, black bits, MY12 wheel and new stereo.

I'm also thinking the next logical step for me if the Evora S IPS, or dare I say it.. 911!

alex_gray255

6,313 posts

206 months

Tuesday 20th November 2012
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I would suggest the V10 Audi R8 instead personally. I think you might find it a bit more... well, more than the Ferrari.

Lotusevoraboy

937 posts

148 months

Tuesday 20th November 2012
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CTE said:


Hav`nt got a photo from the front yet, but it`s superb.

Supposed to be nice Sunday.....
Are the black bits paint or vinyl wrap? Did the dealer do it? How much if you don't mind me asking?

chapmancolin

54 posts

251 months

Wednesday 21st November 2012
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Justin,

I owned a 2011 S, but the unforseable future of the brand forced me to put my money into a bankable marque...and I bought a new 991 in august.

It's an absolute daily driver,with all you want, blah blah, but ... It's only a nice car : I'll be back to Lotus as soon as their situation is clarified and a bit more stabilized. I love it, but to much risk = no more fun



CTE

1,488 posts

241 months

Wednesday 21st November 2012
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The black bits were painted and then armourfended....all in was around £1000-00!...but then I thought that I was spending enough so for the sake of etc it was worth it. Discarded the idea of wrapping....can`t stand that type of music!

As for the stability of the mark...Hi Com are definately trying to resolve the many issues within Hethel, most of which were created under the wreckless managment of the last captain. They say they have never sold a company they have taken on yet, but I think it will take them a little while to fully come to terms with the trading conditons of Europe as opposed to Asia...like payment terms(!)...it`s not that they have not got the money, they just are not used to the trading terms or some of the costs. They do recognise the excellent press the Exige has recieved and are trying to gear up production asap so there are many meetings with the staff at present to "make it happen".

We all have to recognise that to make money out of car production you either have to make very desirable high spec (achieved with marketing/competition success etc) low volume, but high cost cars, or high volume lower cost cars, which in order to achieve the volume needed to appeal to a lot of people (practical, safe etc), which will not be quite the same product that Lotus has traditionally made.

If Hi-com do sell in time to come, then it will not be for much and given the world class chassis engineering that Lotus is famous for, surely someone will pick it up. The engineering design division is profitable anyhow, so has a value and a future.

justin220

Original Poster:

5,347 posts

205 months

Wednesday 21st November 2012
quotequote all
chapmancolin said:
Justin,

I owned a 2011 S, but the unforseable future of the brand forced me to put my money into a bankable marque...and I bought a new 991 in august.

It's an absolute daily driver,with all you want, blah blah, but ... It's only a nice car : I'll be back to Lotus as soon as their situation is clarified and a bit more stabilized. I love it, but to much risk = no more fun
Strange logic there! You got rid of a used Evora, taking a hit, then bought a brand new 991?

C43

666 posts

199 months

Wednesday 21st November 2012
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surely a traitor who buys a 911 is no longer allowed to go by such a name on this forus...

tony993

341 posts

216 months

Friday 23rd November 2012
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991. Great cars, I'm sure but I would rather have a sports car. I loved the 911s I had but they're just too big these days.

Justin: PB wheels yes. I can't see the point in going for an MY12 wheel. I would far rather bin the factory airbag wheel & get a nice Momo suede wheel (the same as I have in my Elise) & harness bar & 4pt harnesses. I would have thought that rather than go too far with improving your current car you'd be better off going for an MY12 car. I'm intending to get an MY12 once they've been around long enough to see some depreciation. The main attractions for me are the LWFW & improved clutch & also the interior trim quality.

justin220

Original Poster:

5,347 posts

205 months

Friday 23rd November 2012
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I actually agree with you. I think modding mine would be wasted money really. smile

bobo

1,702 posts

279 months

Friday 23rd November 2012
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just blow a load on this kind of setup....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnXgrn4E6DI

justin220 said:
I actually agree with you. I think modding mine would be wasted money really. smile

ravon

599 posts

283 months

Friday 23rd November 2012
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Tony993, it's interesting how the 991 is perceived as being so big, every time I see one I think these guys have lost the plot, this car is huge ! So just out of interest I thought I'd look up the dimensions for a 991 and see how they compare to an Evora

Width: 991= 1810. Evora = 1840. Evora 30mm wider.
Length: 991 = 4490. Evora =4340. Evora. 150mm shorter
Height: 991 = 1300. Evora =1220. Evora 60mm lower
Weight:991 = 1415. Evora =1437. Evora. 22kg heavier

Both pretty hefty beasts, but the Evora hides its heft rather better than the Porsche. From my own standpoint as a keen B Roads driver, it's the width and the weight I'd prefer to be minimal . Makes my old 964RS look tiny, however, if I was going to be involved in a shunt, the "hefty moderns" would be a much better place to be !

C43

666 posts

199 months

Friday 23rd November 2012
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As far as B road performance is concerned I think it is the ride that is the down side of the Porsche. Oxfordshire roads are just terrible now and the German cars are not setup for them.

C43

tony993

341 posts

216 months

Saturday 24th November 2012
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You're right, Ravon - the Evora is too big as well. The shape makes them look small then when someone stands next to one they look huge all of a sudden. I just moan about 911s being so big because they used to be a the perfect size.

I will get an NA Evora, so that will come in at around 1382 KG, I think. Then I will put it on a bit of a diet. I'm waiting for the MY12 to become affordable so I may try a Cayman in the mean time (1801 wide, in case you're interested). I'm just waiting for my 360 to sell (1922 ex mirrors) - that really is too wide.

C43, if the only thing stopping you getting a modern Porsche is the terrible ride then I should think about £3000 worth of aftermarket springs, dampers & geo would turn one into a great car.

Toaster

2,939 posts

194 months

Sunday 25th November 2012
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Guys most sports cars are 'Big' these days they tend to have followed the general trend Mini's are huge compared to the original Ferrari, Aston, BMW, Golf, Ford Focus, Caterham etc etc have all grown bigger its not just Lotus. People have also become generally larger.............

Kier

50 posts

223 months

Monday 26th November 2012
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Yet car parking spaces have stayed the same size frown

justin220

Original Poster:

5,347 posts

205 months

Tuesday 25th June 2013
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Afternoon all, time for another update.. Long over due!

The car is now three years old and I really can't think what to replace it with, so I've decided I am going to keep it for another year, and spend some money freshening it up, and giving it a new look smile

The car has been faultless since my last update, I'm hoping the niggles are all now resolved, and the car is running a dream. I'm averaging around 24mpg on mixed driving which I don't think is too bad. The 3rd year service was £350 and a few minor warranty issues were also sorted. (Petrol cap spring needing fixing, and throttle body cleaned due to a slight hesitation problem when cold)

I booked the car into Murrays, wouldn't take it anywhere else now.. And went a bit overboard on the spending but I think the outcome is worth it. Opinions welcome!

I left the car with the dealer for 3 weeks and the following list.

3 year service
MOT
End of warranty check
Tyres
All wheels refurbed
Black Roof and Mirrors
Black light surrounds and LOTUS lettering
GTN Barge Boards
MY12 door pins, handles and speaker surrounds.

Must admit I was a little apprehensive today before picking it up, but I think it looks fantastic! The barge boards are a fantastic subtle mod, expensive but really look the part. All Evoras should have them. Think it looks just about right now. I'd love a front splitter to match the BB's but can't find anything suitable.

The total bill was expensive but justified it by telling myself it-shirts cheaper than changing it!

The interior mods are minor but make quite a surprising difference. The black parts take away the chrome handles, surrounds and pins, and darkens the interior somewhat.

I'm absolutely chuffed to bits with it. It looks like a proper mini supercar now!

Some poor phone pictures from when I picked it up today, I'll get some better ones soon..













Edited by justin220 on Tuesday 25th June 16:21

CTE

1,488 posts

241 months

Tuesday 25th June 2013
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Great to hear you still love your car Justin....

GTN boards look good, hmmmm...

L100NYY

35,221 posts

244 months

Tuesday 25th June 2013
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That looks fantastic Justin, one of the best I've seen in fact. The barge boards work really well, very subtle but give it a slight air of hunkered-down-ness (may have made that word up) if you see what I mean.

thumbup

justin220

Original Poster:

5,347 posts

205 months

Tuesday 25th June 2013
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Its difficult to photograph how much of an impact the boards make, they look phenomenal!

Thanks for your comments. Very happy with it! biggrin

Dick Seaman

1,079 posts

224 months

Tuesday 25th June 2013
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Very well executed, the black roof and details work brilliantly with the chrome orange and black wheels.

If those changes are enough to scratch the itch and stop you buying something else, then you've saved yourself plenty. Good decision.