Considering an Evora
Discussion
I'm a TVR guy to the core, but recently I've found myself seriously considering an Evora, it's the first affordable British sports car I've been temped by since TVR as we knew it folded.
What I really want is a 400, but what I can realistically afford is this...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
So how far off the 400 would it be?
And how far off the 400 would it be if I was able to secure this rather high mileage 'S' for say £30k or less, and a year later managed to find an additional £5k to give it this....
http://www.hangar111.com/shop/komo-tec-lotus-tunin...
I know the Evora has evolved considerably since it's release, but I guess what I'm really asking is... Exactly how much did the Evora evolve between the 'S' an the 400?
And how close will adding the Hangar 111 EV410 kit to the 'S', get me to the well rounded and developed Evora 400 experience?
What I really want is a 400, but what I can realistically afford is this...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
So how far off the 400 would it be?
And how far off the 400 would it be if I was able to secure this rather high mileage 'S' for say £30k or less, and a year later managed to find an additional £5k to give it this....
http://www.hangar111.com/shop/komo-tec-lotus-tunin...
I know the Evora has evolved considerably since it's release, but I guess what I'm really asking is... Exactly how much did the Evora evolve between the 'S' an the 400?
And how close will adding the Hangar 111 EV410 kit to the 'S', get me to the well rounded and developed Evora 400 experience?
Hi COG,
1) I cant answer your exact question, but I went from a 4.5 Chimera to a Lotus Evora S, so items below may be of some use. I've answered a previous topic about 'what to Expect from an Evora'.
You will get a lot more answers quickly on TLF (The Lotus Forum), but there will be people on here who will/can help.
I demo-ed both the 276bhp Evora Sports Racer (i.e with all the options/packs) & 345bhp Evora (to Sports Racer Spec) back to back. My main feeling was the 'S' just had more urge/go about it, due to the extra power/torque, & felt far more like a car of sporty nature should. It sounded better to.
Neither car has a lot of low down torque, but 0-60mph times are similar (the Evora is about 60kg lighter as it doesnt have weight of supercharger etc to lug around). Evora isnt a light car 1350kgs Evora & 1450kgs 'S' approx, but it holds the road very well & was voted a lot of Car Mags 'car of the year' in 2009. Evora 400 gains power & loses about 60kg weight I think.
The 'S' avg mpg is low 20's in real life, the Evora will get 5-10mpg more from what I've been told.
Earlier Evoras have the advantage of cheaper tyres as wheels are smaller. The 'S' will cost more to run in tax (£500), tyres (£260ea), servicing due to supercharger & insurance.
Earlier Evoras with aircon have the disadvantage of if not being used a lot, will stop working & need approx 20+ hours work to replace & commission as its mounted behind the seat bulkhead, with no real access. Later cars have a panel in the bulkhead to make it a 3-4 hour job (so I was told by dealer).
Both Evoras felt a lot more 'grown up/developed' than the Tvr. As a car, it felt a number of generations in design ahead, especially with chassis/handling. General interior fit & finish also a lot better. The Evora looks reminded me of a Le Mans racer, wheras Tvr was an older 'classic'.
However, you will still get crappy window seals that can leak, doors which hold water & a central lower dashboard piece that moves when you touch it. Armrest also quite flimsy. Paint will flake off the mesh grills on the front & side air intakes (later cars use plastic I think).
Jury is still out on long term electrics, as USA cars have had a few issues, but I've not read of them in Uk. Later models get different design I believe.
Seats are good, & interior a good place to be to cover a lot of miles. Both Chimera & Evora built for taller drivers.
Due to high cill, you have to open Evora doors wider than Tvrs, not good if you have a narrow garage, as you cant take roof off!
Visibility is a bit crap compared to Tvr, & you cant take roof off. Reversing camera on Evora is Ok, not brilliant, but would like to just rely on sensors.
Evora is longer & wider than Chimera.
Evora standard batteries are a bit crap, I've been told that about 1.5-2 weeks is the max time you can leave it without going flat. My Tvr battery lasted 3-4 weeks.
Lotus Hedge End took my Chimera as part exchange, & offered me more for it than Lotus Silverstone.
You have Lotus Hedge End/Lotus Silverstone & Bell & Colvill down South. Silverstone & B&C have good reputations. Hedge End is a bit more mixed according to reviews, but my early niggles were sorted out by them, & Salesman Ken there is an ex Tvr man & understands them.
A lot of 2009 models are ex-launch/demo models, I think the ones with 'AU' prefix, someone will confirm.
2) If you can spend £30k+ on a car, then another £5k to upgrade BHP, & think you've got a pocket supercar at a good price, then go for it! If you spend the money & are looking at /still wanting a newer car anyway, I dont think the older car will work for you. Lotus keep bringing out new models with higher power, so there will soon be another 'bright new thing' out there. £5k though will bring it up to the performance it deserves. I think max power for engine/gearbox is 460 Bhp.
3) I'm slowly putting on the miles on mine. It does seem/feel a special car, & always gets a good reaction from the public (like a Tvr). Steering feels very twitchy at first, but it's just how responsive it is! You will never tire of the view out the front or wing mirrors!
4) If you wish for any other info, please PM me, thank you.
I've rambled on, enjoy your search & good luck in whichever option you choose!
1) I cant answer your exact question, but I went from a 4.5 Chimera to a Lotus Evora S, so items below may be of some use. I've answered a previous topic about 'what to Expect from an Evora'.
You will get a lot more answers quickly on TLF (The Lotus Forum), but there will be people on here who will/can help.
I demo-ed both the 276bhp Evora Sports Racer (i.e with all the options/packs) & 345bhp Evora (to Sports Racer Spec) back to back. My main feeling was the 'S' just had more urge/go about it, due to the extra power/torque, & felt far more like a car of sporty nature should. It sounded better to.
Neither car has a lot of low down torque, but 0-60mph times are similar (the Evora is about 60kg lighter as it doesnt have weight of supercharger etc to lug around). Evora isnt a light car 1350kgs Evora & 1450kgs 'S' approx, but it holds the road very well & was voted a lot of Car Mags 'car of the year' in 2009. Evora 400 gains power & loses about 60kg weight I think.
The 'S' avg mpg is low 20's in real life, the Evora will get 5-10mpg more from what I've been told.
Earlier Evoras have the advantage of cheaper tyres as wheels are smaller. The 'S' will cost more to run in tax (£500), tyres (£260ea), servicing due to supercharger & insurance.
Earlier Evoras with aircon have the disadvantage of if not being used a lot, will stop working & need approx 20+ hours work to replace & commission as its mounted behind the seat bulkhead, with no real access. Later cars have a panel in the bulkhead to make it a 3-4 hour job (so I was told by dealer).
Both Evoras felt a lot more 'grown up/developed' than the Tvr. As a car, it felt a number of generations in design ahead, especially with chassis/handling. General interior fit & finish also a lot better. The Evora looks reminded me of a Le Mans racer, wheras Tvr was an older 'classic'.
However, you will still get crappy window seals that can leak, doors which hold water & a central lower dashboard piece that moves when you touch it. Armrest also quite flimsy. Paint will flake off the mesh grills on the front & side air intakes (later cars use plastic I think).
Jury is still out on long term electrics, as USA cars have had a few issues, but I've not read of them in Uk. Later models get different design I believe.
Seats are good, & interior a good place to be to cover a lot of miles. Both Chimera & Evora built for taller drivers.
Due to high cill, you have to open Evora doors wider than Tvrs, not good if you have a narrow garage, as you cant take roof off!
Visibility is a bit crap compared to Tvr, & you cant take roof off. Reversing camera on Evora is Ok, not brilliant, but would like to just rely on sensors.
Evora is longer & wider than Chimera.
Evora standard batteries are a bit crap, I've been told that about 1.5-2 weeks is the max time you can leave it without going flat. My Tvr battery lasted 3-4 weeks.
Lotus Hedge End took my Chimera as part exchange, & offered me more for it than Lotus Silverstone.
You have Lotus Hedge End/Lotus Silverstone & Bell & Colvill down South. Silverstone & B&C have good reputations. Hedge End is a bit more mixed according to reviews, but my early niggles were sorted out by them, & Salesman Ken there is an ex Tvr man & understands them.
A lot of 2009 models are ex-launch/demo models, I think the ones with 'AU' prefix, someone will confirm.
2) If you can spend £30k+ on a car, then another £5k to upgrade BHP, & think you've got a pocket supercar at a good price, then go for it! If you spend the money & are looking at /still wanting a newer car anyway, I dont think the older car will work for you. Lotus keep bringing out new models with higher power, so there will soon be another 'bright new thing' out there. £5k though will bring it up to the performance it deserves. I think max power for engine/gearbox is 460 Bhp.
3) I'm slowly putting on the miles on mine. It does seem/feel a special car, & always gets a good reaction from the public (like a Tvr). Steering feels very twitchy at first, but it's just how responsive it is! You will never tire of the view out the front or wing mirrors!
4) If you wish for any other info, please PM me, thank you.
I've rambled on, enjoy your search & good luck in whichever option you choose!
Some folks actually prefer the S1 car to the 400 in a number of respects:
- Cleaner styling (very subjective of course)
- More compliant suspension (400 is firmer)
- Interior design (again subjective) - the S1 interior is more TVR-like in its large swathes of leather and unusual angles
I've not driven a 400 but from what I've heard the power difference versus an S is only really noticeable at higher revs. For me the biggest advantage of the 400 is the built-in charge cooler, which the S lacks and the Komo-tec conversions do not offer until you get to the full-house (and big £££) EV460 option.
I have a 2011 S with the EV430 conversion and it feels good for the claimed 400+ horses while the standard chassis is more than capable of handling it.
- Cleaner styling (very subjective of course)
- More compliant suspension (400 is firmer)
- Interior design (again subjective) - the S1 interior is more TVR-like in its large swathes of leather and unusual angles
I've not driven a 400 but from what I've heard the power difference versus an S is only really noticeable at higher revs. For me the biggest advantage of the 400 is the built-in charge cooler, which the S lacks and the Komo-tec conversions do not offer until you get to the full-house (and big £££) EV460 option.
I have a 2011 S with the EV430 conversion and it feels good for the claimed 400+ horses while the standard chassis is more than capable of handling it.
Plenty,
On a scale of 1-10 (10 best), how would you rate your upgrade package please?
How does it alter the car's character?
Does it improve MPG at all? Jay Emm on TLF/Youtube states his Evora does 30mpg on general driving around, my Evora 'S' gets around 21mpg. With better MPG, technically the upgrade could pay for itself?
Thank you,
TCGC
On a scale of 1-10 (10 best), how would you rate your upgrade package please?
How does it alter the car's character?
Does it improve MPG at all? Jay Emm on TLF/Youtube states his Evora does 30mpg on general driving around, my Evora 'S' gets around 21mpg. With better MPG, technically the upgrade could pay for itself?
Thank you,
TCGC
I bought my car with the conversion done so have no pre/post comparisons to offer, unfortunately.
However, the first owner who did the work posted considerably on this forum and I've managed to trace quite a bit of my car's history through his posts and the invoices. He upgraded in stages - first to EV390, then EV410 then finally EV430. From what I gather he was very pleased with the gains, particularly up to EV410 (apparently the jump from 410 to 430 was least noteworthy). He's still active here so maybe will see this thread?
MPG is a tough one to compare as driving styles and conditions vary so much, but I would suggest that >21 MPG is not difficult to achieve on my car.
However, the first owner who did the work posted considerably on this forum and I've managed to trace quite a bit of my car's history through his posts and the invoices. He upgraded in stages - first to EV390, then EV410 then finally EV430. From what I gather he was very pleased with the gains, particularly up to EV410 (apparently the jump from 410 to 430 was least noteworthy). He's still active here so maybe will see this thread?
MPG is a tough one to compare as driving styles and conditions vary so much, but I would suggest that >21 MPG is not difficult to achieve on my car.
Do it. Trotcanter's post is spot on.
Coming from a TVR you'll be accustomed to the small sacrifices you have to make with a low volume hand built sports car. I had a VX220 prior to my Evora so I knew what to expect when I bought one.
They're bloody great fun and even my early NA sounds great, especially as I've now fitted a Plack-a-like exhaust (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDPo-mP4_hc)
Coming from a TVR you'll be accustomed to the small sacrifices you have to make with a low volume hand built sports car. I had a VX220 prior to my Evora so I knew what to expect when I bought one.
They're bloody great fun and even my early NA sounds great, especially as I've now fitted a Plack-a-like exhaust (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDPo-mP4_hc)
Hi mate
In summary...
In summary...
- Chim is more "luxury" than the Evora
- Evora is same sort of power, but not as in your face - as least to me
- Evora drives/corners extremely well
- Evora gearbox was a bit crap, unless have 400 or post 2011 with gear fixed
- Evora is more reliable - never had any serious issues with mine
- Evora is an every day, condition car
- Evora 400 and (non) Evora 400 - I did not see any great difference myself, so if money is an issue, just get an Evora IPS or S and forget the 400 version.
- Evora is rarer than the Chim (at least you do not see them as often)
Hi Plenty, guess you have my old white Evora S then? Excellent car and in some ways I should not have sold it...if I had have kept it I would certainly have the Komotec 460 kit on it now...plus numerous other bits and bobs!
As far as the upgrades were concerned, I think the 390 was the best...it improved performance and economy. Going to the 410 improved the performance again, but the economy suffered. I also felt with the 410 that it was being restricted until you got into highly illegal speeds. When I got back into a non modified car again, I certainly noticed the relative lack of "go".
As far as the upgrades were concerned, I think the 390 was the best...it improved performance and economy. Going to the 410 improved the performance again, but the economy suffered. I also felt with the 410 that it was being restricted until you got into highly illegal speeds. When I got back into a non modified car again, I certainly noticed the relative lack of "go".
I went from an Tuscan to an n/a Evora nd now have an Evora S IPS.
I much prefer the Evoras. In reality even the n/a is as fast as the Tuscan across country purely because the handling and suspension is way better sorted. The steering feel and precision is amazing. The Evora S in a straight line doesn't feel much slower than my Tuscan apart from acceleration over about 110mph, which I don't get to try very often.
The Evora is reliable, comfortable, rare, relatively cheap to run. Its also a head turner especially in Daytona Blue. I can trust it to be my everyday car, there is no way I would have trusted the TVR for that.
I much prefer the Evoras. In reality even the n/a is as fast as the Tuscan across country purely because the handling and suspension is way better sorted. The steering feel and precision is amazing. The Evora S in a straight line doesn't feel much slower than my Tuscan apart from acceleration over about 110mph, which I don't get to try very often.
The Evora is reliable, comfortable, rare, relatively cheap to run. Its also a head turner especially in Daytona Blue. I can trust it to be my everyday car, there is no way I would have trusted the TVR for that.
Thanks chaps, great info.
amongst other things I wasn't aware the 'S' didn't get a charge cooler, and that one only arrived with the 400. All very interesting detail on the Evora, a car I see as the best affordable and usable British sports car since TVR folded and obviously one of far more advanced design and dynamics.
I prefer my engines in the front but the Evora is tempting me to reconsider this, the new TVR is still a way off and a many years away from being a used car within my budget, so perhaps it's time now for me to try an Evora and see if I like it as much as the recipe suggests I should.
Thanks again, Dave.
amongst other things I wasn't aware the 'S' didn't get a charge cooler, and that one only arrived with the 400. All very interesting detail on the Evora, a car I see as the best affordable and usable British sports car since TVR folded and obviously one of far more advanced design and dynamics.
I prefer my engines in the front but the Evora is tempting me to reconsider this, the new TVR is still a way off and a many years away from being a used car within my budget, so perhaps it's time now for me to try an Evora and see if I like it as much as the recipe suggests I should.
Thanks again, Dave.
Ran a 2011 Evora S manual as a daily for 12 months including a trip to the Nurburgring,
Lovely car, although did have initial warranty work on front and rear clam re water ingress, plus had the gear box cables changed to 2012 spec which made the gear change much better.
Roll on a couple of years and I then had an Evora 400 Auto.
Good thing about both cars was the minimal depreciation , even selling via Silverstone on SOR
Personally I would try find one from a dealer like Silverstone, so you have a warranty to i bear any initial niggles. Dealer cars aren’t always that much more.
As already suggested pop over to TLF where there is a lot more info and members to advise.
Lovely car, although did have initial warranty work on front and rear clam re water ingress, plus had the gear box cables changed to 2012 spec which made the gear change much better.
Roll on a couple of years and I then had an Evora 400 Auto.
Good thing about both cars was the minimal depreciation , even selling via Silverstone on SOR
Personally I would try find one from a dealer like Silverstone, so you have a warranty to i bear any initial niggles. Dealer cars aren’t always that much more.
As already suggested pop over to TLF where there is a lot more info and members to advise.
Edited by DaveGB on Saturday 16th December 07:49
Evo reviewed the 2012 Evora S sports racer
This is an extract
This is an extract
Evo said:
Even now, I can think of no car that amasses serious speed on any kind of road with such a polished fusion of supple control, consistency of grip whatever the surface and benign adjustability around an essentially neutral balance.
An excellent summaryastirling said:
I have had a 2010 n/a manual and currently have a 2013 S IPS, both daily drivers, both fantastic. Do it!
I'd agree with the man here, and he's local to me too.I have a 59-plate N/A manual as my daily driver. I'll see 30mpg on my run between Edinburgh and Glasgow, less when I head off the motorways. I'm slowly tweaking mine to be 'my' car, if you know what I mean. Would love an 'S', but I just came out of a high powered V8 with £500 tax and wanted something that handled nicely and didn't cost the earth. In my head, it doesn't matter how fast you get somewhere, but how much fun it is on the way.
That being said, I wouldn't say no to a 400.
Do it!!
As above, make sure its a 2012 spec car. Best way to tell is that it should have red piped leather recaro seats with a carbon fibre weave effect in the leather.
Check for loose/cracked external A pillar trims, check for peeling lacquer on headlights, check the black panel between the tailgate and the roof is not cracked or snagging on the tailgate, check the airbag covers sit flush with the dash.
The rest is just the usual used car checks.
Note clutches are noisy as standard, FM radio reception is crackly as standard, car is fantastic as standard
Check for loose/cracked external A pillar trims, check for peeling lacquer on headlights, check the black panel between the tailgate and the roof is not cracked or snagging on the tailgate, check the airbag covers sit flush with the dash.
The rest is just the usual used car checks.
Note clutches are noisy as standard, FM radio reception is crackly as standard, car is fantastic as standard
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