My Evora Review + Pictures So Far - Long Read!

My Evora Review + Pictures So Far - Long Read!

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justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Thursday 29th March 2012
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Some new pictures taken today smile









Poor attempt at a PS!


justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Sunday 1st April 2012
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Burnt Orange has more depth to it, it's a more grown up colour. Still very nice IMO.

Chrome is a bit more radical I think biggrin

Annoyingly, I think if I was to change to an S, I'd still want Chrome Orange. I wonder how many CO Evoras are out there.

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Sunday 1st April 2012
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TBH I doubt I'd do that, not sure why really.. I did have a look at the GTN kit through Lotus but I think I'd rather wait and upgrade the car once the warranty is out

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Saturday 21st April 2012
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Time for another update.. Might be a long one..

On my hunt for a possible replacement, I had the chance to drive a few nice cars, and here are my thoughts.

First up was a Nissan GT-R, Porsche 997 GT3, and a Ferrari F430

Well I had quite an exciting morning recently, got the chance to drive the above 3 cars, followed by the Evora on a reasonably small track.. Not ideal to get a proper feel for the cars, but there was no restraints, and I certainly think I got more from this than I would have from a usual test drive..

My thoughts -

I drove the Evora along the 30 miles to get there, which is probably one of my favourite roads... Much fun! So I was quite used to the Evora for a spirited drive when I got there..

First up was the 997 GT3 - I expected to like this, and I did, it felt very solid, almost like a grown up lotus. Felt very quick, torquey which I didn't expect. (I always thought I'd want the Turbo due to the extra grunt, but the GT3 had more than enough). It didn't feel quite as 'fluid' as the Evora, but I'd put that down to me knowing the Evora better. The noise is something else aswell. Superb! Big negative for me though was the steering wheel. It's far too big. WTF were Porsche thinking.

Then into the GT-R - initial thoughts were just how bug it is! And it feels heavy. The brakes were fantastic (these had been upgraded) I've been a passenger in one before, but this one felt quicker. Properly laugh out loud fast! I apparently only used just over 50% throttle according to the computer. Unbelievable. Rear seats are almost as bad as the Evora. Pointless.

F430 - I tried to compare this to a Gallardo, rather than the Evora. I felt the 430 sounded better, lighter and better feedback through the wheel. Didn't feel quite as hammer blow quick like the G though, and felt quite wheezy after the GT-R. The gearbox was the F1 and it felt dated compared to the GT-R. Overall, a bit disappointed. Certainly no desire to own one.

Then back to the Evora for a few laps - instantly felt at home (understandably) and it felt particularly slow after the GT-R. I did however feel that it was quite well suited to the smaller track.. The steering was the best of the lot for me. I must get round to trying the S.

Final thoughts - I used the day as a quick excuse to try the three, and see how I got on with the auto boxes, biggest surprise for me was I think I prefer Manuals. More interaction, more involvement. Something I did not think I'd come away feeling. Out of the three it'd be a close call between the GT3 and GT-R but I'm not sure I liked either of them enough to trade up. Still need to try and R8.

Some pics







I then got the chance to try the MY12 IPS Evora S when I dropped mine off at the dealership for some minor work, I had been looking forward to this for a while!

This was the car in question..



Bit of background, I've done 10k in mine in 22 months, but getting itchy feet and starting to lol around for a possible replacement. I reckon mine is now worth 35-38k ish, and this new one was 67k :O

Most of this review will be based against my Evora.

Ok so...

Looks - This one was black, which is obviously a lot more subtle than Chrome Orange, but in a good way. I can see the attraction. Black suits it very well. Orange can be a bit 'stand out' at times! No major differences on the outside apart from the painted calipers, bigger diffuser, and oval exhaust. None which is describe as better, just different. Looks nice

Interior - no arguing here, the new interior is nicer. The extra, softer leather and coloured stitching make it feel like a nice place to be, feels quality. This is obviously getting compared to a 2 year old, 10k car but it's definitely better/nicer. The steering wheel is thicker, and still lovely to hold. The head unit is 10x better. Looks better, more upmarket. Heated seats are a big plus point for me aswell. Armrest was nice, if a little low but I presume this can be adjusted

Sound - upon start up, it's definitely louder. Not earache loud, but it's also got a nicer tone. Sports button then opens the exhaust flaps and it's louder yet. I like it.

Drive - Started off the first few miles in 'Drive' mode which lets the car do all the work. Let the car warm up and start to push on a bit. The MY12 is very refined. Much the same as the NA, I could quite happily eat away miles in it no problem. Pulling the paddles back changes the GB into 'Manual' which will then only change up at the limiter, or down before stalling. I also like that. Changes are not quite GT-R quick, but quick enough.

Into 'Sport' mode (which I've always got on in mine) and there is a noticeable change in character. The GB tends to hold a lower gear and it's significantly sharper in throttle and gear changes. Nice blips on the downchanges but as with all auto boxes, I'd feel a bit daft doing this through towns, villages etc.. Sounds great when pushing on though The performance is also effortless. The box definitely helps. It reminded me of the GT-R in a way, not nearly as quick, but absolutely quick enough and it picks up speed at quite an alarmly easy rate.

Gearbox - the IPS definitely makes the Evora feel quicker, and after 10 miles or so I really started to enjoy it, which I wasnt expecting. The Evora is a great compromise car IMO - sedate enough and comfy for long distance, yet feels right at home on track, or on a back road blast. The IPS takes this a step further for me, auto mode makes it a very relaxing cruiser, and the paddles add to the drama. Does it detract from involvement? I think it does, it could be a very lazy man car to drive, but I'm still trying to decide if that's a bad thing or not.

Couple of minor negatives on the GB for me would be having to press 'D' to revert to Auto from Manual. Many will prefer this, but it's not very intuitive. I also found out of slow corners the box would kick down when not really necessary. Maybe something is get used to, or maybe it was my driving!

Overall Thoughts - Fantastic car. Absolutely superb. But then so is the 2010 NA IMO. Had the demonstrator been a roadster I would have been talking numbers.

Is it worth another 30k over the standard Evora? I'm not convinced. One thing for sure, it's a better car but it's highlighted just how good the standard Evora is. Forid 30's I think it's a cracking car. A bit more power would have been nice, an extra 50bhp maybe just to make it properly quick.

I'm tempted. I'd like to try the V6 Exige and R8 before deciding, and Brandon the salesman said it would be worthwhile doing so.

---

Anyways, its given me plenty food for thought. All this driving was a couple of weeks ago now, and on reflection, I think I liked the Evora S best, very quickly followed by the GT-R. I'd still like to tick another couple of cars off the list before deciding, but the Evora is proving to be a difficult car to replace! biggrin



justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Saturday 21st April 2012
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Also, slightly outdated, but I've used the Evora on a long distance run in the snow before, and had no issues at all. I had to take it pretty carefully, but its not nearly as bad (fun driving) as some of my previous cars in the snow! hehe


justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Saturday 5th May 2012
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Interesting. It certainly agrees with what a lot of people think about the Evora.

After a couple of weeks since my drives, I think I was most impressed with the GT-R. As much as I loved the Evora S, it's just not significantly different enough to warrant changing to.

997 Turbo is not actually something I had considered..


justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Thursday 11th October 2012
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Another quick update from me again if anyone is interested.

I still have the Evora! And it'll be staying for the foreseeable future.

I have had a 2bular decat fitted and its now sounding much better. I was considering an exhaust upgrade but think I will hold off on this for now. Interestingly I have seen a rise in my average MPG, its up to around 25-26 now (don't think this is decat related! hehe)

I've recently returned from a weekend away in Europe and the Nurburgring and it has rekindled my passion for what a superb all round car the Evora is.

I've done a quick write up of the trip here if anyone is interested and wants to have a look - Aberdeen-Nurburgring 2012

The car itself was fantastic on both the long distance cruising, again I find the seats just brilliant to sit in for a long time with no aches and pains. Then the autobahn proved to be good fun, it wasn't the quickest car in the convoy, but still quick enough to keep up.. JUST!

On the track itself - I am a complete Nurburgring novice (1 previous lap!) so took it very easy, but it went very well. Felt at home. Seemed to get plenty of attention in the car parks aswell, most people didnt know what it was!

Problems - I am still not happy with the sat nav unit.. Of all places to fail, it decided to throw in the towel in Germany. The trip back up to Amsterdam for the ferry was interesting to say the least. I think I will source an entire new unit for this next year as its definately the cars weakpoint. frown

BUT, the trip has made me realise how great the car is as an all rounder. I'm sure a similar Cayman/911 would technically be the better car, but the Evora just feels special to me. When it is next in the dealership for its service or any warranty work, I am going to get the roof/mirrors done in black, and possibly a couple of other little tweaks to freshen it up..

All in all, I had expected to have changed the car for something else, but in fact its quite the opposite. I'm back loving it!





the 997GT3 on the trip did tempt me!






Couldn't resist! wink


justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Thursday 11th October 2012
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MagicalTrevor said:
Are you going to wrap the roof/mirrors or have them sprayed? Matt or shiny?
Sprayed I think. Gloss black to match the the rest of it smile

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Friday 12th October 2012
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Put simply.. It's terrible. It really let's the car down

The Nav freezes all the time, needs reset, deletes your phone book, doesn't play the iPod. You name it, it doesn't do it!


justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Thursday 15th November 2012
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Another update, copied from another forum

Forgive me Evora for I have sinned

Morning all, interesting story (kind of) coming up!

I've owned my 2010 Evora from new, and I've done around 15000 miles so far. There really was no feeling like speccing up my own car and going to Murrays to pick it up. I don't think I'll ever forget that day. I have done a few track days in it, and a trip to the Nurburgring. The car has not been without fault (like all of them I suppose) but the last six months or so it really has been fantastic.

However, I'm sure other owners are the same, I can't help but find myself wondering into the Pistonhead Classifieds almost on a daily basis, merely just looking, but last weekend my eye was caught, by a Yellow Ferrari 360 Spider.

I have not specifically been looking to change, and not really sure what I would change to, but after almost two and a half years, I must admit to having itchy feet. The only other car close to pulling me out of my CO Evora was the MY12 IPS S. Unfortunately me and Brandon couldn't agree on numbers, plus I wasn't convinced it wqas a big enough change to justify the extra outlay

Anyways, back to my (uninteresting) story. Slot booked at Ferrari for a test drive, and I went down on Monday. I was swithering on the way down whether Yellow was right or not, but in the flesh it looked fantastic. Better than expected and it was absolutely immaculate. A credit to the previous owner.

Drive was to be expected. Lots of drama, not as much noise as I'd hoped for (quieter than my decat'd E) but the soft top really added to the occasion. Sun was shining. This is it! This is the car to get me out of the Evora! It did not drive nearly as well as the evora, but its a 11 year old car, so can't expect too much





Crunched some numbers over the following few days, and the deal was done. Insurance changed, deposit placed..

I was meant to be picking it up this morning. Upon gathering up all the necessary documents last night, I had a horrible feeling I was doing the wrong thing. I couldn't explain it at all, and decided to talk to the girlfriend for her opinion! (argue) Believe it or not, she actually got quite emotional at the thought of leaving the car behind for a new model (strange I know!) but genuinely couldn't sleep last night thinking I was making a huge mistake.

So long story short, I've pulled out. The Evora is staying! Much apologies made to the dealer, and now to try and get my deposit back .. 'Good luck' I hear the crowd cheering!

Someone tell me I've done the right thing!

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Thursday 15th November 2012
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CTE said:
Why would you want to change the Evora for an 11 year old car that did not drive aswell??...because the sun was shining??

"You did the right thing"....and whilst my Evora experience has yet to begin...hopefully from tomorrow now that I am assured the gearchange has been fully sorted...it is testament to the car that you have kept it this long given your car history.
I know we are all always looking for the ultimate as far as our budget will allow, but maybe short of a lot more ummph (extract more power form the Evora)...you have found it?

If I change the Evora for anything it will probably be a convertible Exige in a year or two...if I can live with the lack of practicality?
Good point. The sun/roof off definately added to the sense of occasion. Have you bought one? Spec?

I have thought about modding the Evora, but if I'm getting an itch to change, I'd imagine I'm wasting my money..

bobo said:
probably testimony to just how good your car is £for£ ...

if you want more theater to go with handling just get a CO v6 exige. that will polish off most of your friends exotica on the next road trip with its cruiserweight like physique.

wink

Interestingly, I've owned an Exige before and driven one recently, I couldn't wait to get back into the Evora!


C43 said:
every time you drive the Evora down a twisty country road you will know you did the right thing smile
I think you might have a good point there..

Come on Lotus.. Where is the convertible Evora!!!

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Thursday 15th November 2012
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I think it says a lot about how good the Evora is. There is not a lot out there that is better for the same money. And I'm finding things I would be interested in (R8 V10 etc) are all significantly more money

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Friday 16th November 2012
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hehe

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Friday 16th November 2012
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He was understandably annoyed. I actually still feel bad about the whole thing

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Friday 16th November 2012
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That does indeed look very nice.. Personally I would also get the roof done, and the wheels..

Keep us posted on how you get on smile

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Saturday 17th November 2012
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jackal said:
Weird how you almost pulled the plug on a 360 yet a manual 430 is twice the car in every single respect (apart from subjective looks).
Not to mention £20k extra!

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 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!

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 posts

205 months

Wednesday 21st November 2012
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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?

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 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

justin220

Original Poster:

5,350 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