Lotus Evora S Sports Racer
Discussion
I had an S a few years back and needed to get my Brompton in the back. So removed the rear seat padding - it’s just velcro’d onto the rear shelf. Then had carpet made up to cover it which kept the noise damped and also looked like the 2 seater version. Worth a try. Also, I had a manual and it ruined the whole car it was so bad. The 400 manual is like chalk and cheese, so you’ve definitely done the right thing going IPS IMO.
That’s a lovely car, well chosen 
Re baby seats. I had same issue with my MINI when mine were younger. As soon as they were 15kg+ I swapped to the seats below - very low profile against the backrest so buys you a few inches, and it let mine bend their legs enough to fit down into the footwell. Not ISOFIX but as long as your not an idiot fitting it it’s fine.
Now moved onto a Monaro which is like a stretched limo in the back in comparison...
Britax Römer ADVENTURE Group 2-3 (15-36kg) Car Seat - Cosmos Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G5EWLPG/ref=cm_sw_r...
Re baby seats. I had same issue with my MINI when mine were younger. As soon as they were 15kg+ I swapped to the seats below - very low profile against the backrest so buys you a few inches, and it let mine bend their legs enough to fit down into the footwell. Not ISOFIX but as long as your not an idiot fitting it it’s fine.
Now moved onto a Monaro which is like a stretched limo in the back in comparison...
Britax Römer ADVENTURE Group 2-3 (15-36kg) Car Seat - Cosmos Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G5EWLPG/ref=cm_sw_r...
Sounds obvious but try changing the backrest position, it can make a big difference. I'm fortunate that my wife is only 5' 2 mind 
The milano makes a huge difference though, you instantly gain a tonne of space, and as they grow their legs go down rsrhe than just straight forward! I'll dig out pics tonight
The milano makes a huge difference though, you instantly gain a tonne of space, and as they grow their legs go down rsrhe than just straight forward! I'll dig out pics tonight
Before my current IPS I had a manual Evora n/a and it was fine, gear change was pretty good (2012 cables).
When I sold the car the clutch was on 50k miles with no noticeable signs of wear. The first clutch was changed at 25k miles as it was one of the ones the factory assembled incorrectly.
When I sold the car the clutch was on 50k miles with no noticeable signs of wear. The first clutch was changed at 25k miles as it was one of the ones the factory assembled incorrectly.
Whenever I go back to looking at another 911, I spot one of these and change my mind.
They are just so much more interesting.
I’ve heard mixed reviews of the IPS but it would suit my planned usage a lot better.
I’d never be tracking the car (road duties only) including the odd motorway commute and school run pick up in heavy traffic but I need the car to deliver on those once a month occasions when the roads are clear and it’s just me in the car.
The question is, does it downshift quick enough? I’d hate to be committed to a corner and the gearbox still be fumbling for a cog.
They are just so much more interesting.
I’ve heard mixed reviews of the IPS but it would suit my planned usage a lot better.
I’d never be tracking the car (road duties only) including the odd motorway commute and school run pick up in heavy traffic but I need the car to deliver on those once a month occasions when the roads are clear and it’s just me in the car.
The question is, does it downshift quick enough? I’d hate to be committed to a corner and the gearbox still be fumbling for a cog.
I like the gear change in my Evora. It is uprated however with the 2012 linkage.
Whilst not as smooth as the Cayman, it has a more mechanical feel to it that harks back to older classic cars. The cayman was much smoother and easier to change gear quicker but felt less rewarding than the evora gearbox.
Whilst not as smooth as the Cayman, it has a more mechanical feel to it that harks back to older classic cars. The cayman was much smoother and easier to change gear quicker but felt less rewarding than the evora gearbox.
Maldini35 said:
Whenever I go back to looking at another 911, I spot one of these and change my mind.
They are just so much more interesting.
I’ve heard mixed reviews of the IPS but it would suit my planned usage a lot better.
I’d never be tracking the car (road duties only) including the odd motorway commute and school run pick up in heavy traffic but I need the car to deliver on those once a month occasions when the roads are clear and it’s just me in the car.
The question is, does it downshift quick enough? I’d hate to be committed to a corner and the gearbox still be fumbling for a cog.
Downshift is pretty quick, but its not a PDK. Downshifts in auto sports mode can be very aggressive/harsh, exciting but sometimes grates with my mechanical sympathy genes.They are just so much more interesting.
I’ve heard mixed reviews of the IPS but it would suit my planned usage a lot better.
I’d never be tracking the car (road duties only) including the odd motorway commute and school run pick up in heavy traffic but I need the car to deliver on those once a month occasions when the roads are clear and it’s just me in the car.
The question is, does it downshift quick enough? I’d hate to be committed to a corner and the gearbox still be fumbling for a cog.
I have never had issues with the gearbox fumbling for a cog and I have spent 10 days chasing a Ferrari 360 manual through mountain roads
Thanks for all the feedback and positive comments on the car. Readers car of the week as well 
I did drive another manual Evora S and I must say I quite liked the gearbox, again it was a Sports Racer so would have been the later linkages. Also had use of an Exige Sport 410 with the later exposed gear mechanism for a couple of weeks and again really like the box. Very mechanical, kind of fitted with the whole experience.
Am enjoying the IPS though, the changes are more than fast enough for my use but must say I use Sport mode most of the time. JayEmm did a nice video on both the S1 IPS and 400 Auto here if you want to get a view on what it’s like.
I did drive another manual Evora S and I must say I quite liked the gearbox, again it was a Sports Racer so would have been the later linkages. Also had use of an Exige Sport 410 with the later exposed gear mechanism for a couple of weeks and again really like the box. Very mechanical, kind of fitted with the whole experience.
Am enjoying the IPS though, the changes are more than fast enough for my use but must say I use Sport mode most of the time. JayEmm did a nice video on both the S1 IPS and 400 Auto here if you want to get a view on what it’s like.
Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Sunday 16th December 18:00
blueg33 said:
Downshift is pretty quick, but its not a PDK. Downshifts in auto sports mode can be very aggressive/harsh, exciting but sometimes grates with my mechanical sympathy genes.
I have never had issues with the gearbox fumbling for a cog and I have spent 10 days chasing a Ferrari 360 manual through mountain roads
Thanks for the reply.I have never had issues with the gearbox fumbling for a cog and I have spent 10 days chasing a Ferrari 360 manual through mountain roads
Sounds like I need to sort a test drive!
Maldini35 said:
blueg33 said:
Downshift is pretty quick, but its not a PDK. Downshifts in auto sports mode can be very aggressive/harsh, exciting but sometimes grates with my mechanical sympathy genes.
I have never had issues with the gearbox fumbling for a cog and I have spent 10 days chasing a Ferrari 360 manual through mountain roads
Thanks for the reply.I have never had issues with the gearbox fumbling for a cog and I have spent 10 days chasing a Ferrari 360 manual through mountain roads
Sounds like I need to sort a test drive!
I also considered V8 Vantage and Maser Grantourismo but they are way too much GT for me.
Nice car, but I would definitely not have chosen this paint... it's trendy anyhow, so what do I know?
Regarding the seats, you've bought one of the most massive to fit in one of the tiniest seats available... Both car makers and child seat makers are just writing nonsense when you look at lists and recommandations. Many times child seat makers say you can fit the seat, for example in a MX5, but in positions 3 and 4. Should work nicely, then!
And sports car makers do not even try, as proven by the "recommandation" of Lotus...
That doesn't mean it's impossible, but there are hurdles!
You should try the Britax Romer Duoplus, it's tiny in width, quite short and has a much better chance of fitting with everyone aboard.
When older, Maxi Cosi RodiFix AirProtect is very narrow and is shaped for bucket seats (fits a VX220/Elise seat)
Good luck, and have fun!
Regarding the seats, you've bought one of the most massive to fit in one of the tiniest seats available... Both car makers and child seat makers are just writing nonsense when you look at lists and recommandations. Many times child seat makers say you can fit the seat, for example in a MX5, but in positions 3 and 4. Should work nicely, then!
And sports car makers do not even try, as proven by the "recommandation" of Lotus...
That doesn't mean it's impossible, but there are hurdles!
You should try the Britax Romer Duoplus, it's tiny in width, quite short and has a much better chance of fitting with everyone aboard.
When older, Maxi Cosi RodiFix AirProtect is very narrow and is shaped for bucket seats (fits a VX220/Elise seat)
Good luck, and have fun!
Lovely car.
Personally i love the colour, really looks good with the black interior and black wheels.
I've got a few lotus's in my "back catalogue" and would love to get back to the brand at some point, maybe when the kids are a bit older - something like this would be spot on.
BTW - have you tried the kiddie seat in the front?
Personally i love the colour, really looks good with the black interior and black wheels.
I've got a few lotus's in my "back catalogue" and would love to get back to the brand at some point, maybe when the kids are a bit older - something like this would be spot on.
BTW - have you tried the kiddie seat in the front?
Apologies for being so totally crap at updating this thread, I had good intentions, even though it's been almost a year since posting the original
To be honest the car has been fantastic, nothing much to report other than I'm still really enjoying owning it. Every time I take it out I still have to pinch myself at just how well it drives, how nothing seems to phase it, the speed, confidence and composure it has down a twisting B road is unreal. I can only imagine how well the Evora GT Sport 410's or GT430's must go.
I'm now pretty much used to the IPS and like it. I always put into Sport mode and depending on mood leave it to shift itself or use the paddles. Breaking hard is accompanied by perfectly timed throttle blips on downshift. It sounds truly epic when you are going for it.
I was using the car daily and as my only transport but it was a bit frustrating dropping my son off at nursery and trying to park it in the fairly narrow parking spaces at work, so ended up buying a BMW 130i to daily in the end. It's not to say you couldn't daily the Evora, it wouldn't be a problem but I didn't like the thought of the short journey to my son's nursery and the crappy muddy potholed filled country lanes I need to use to get there.
Reliability has been great, no real issues other than getting the spanner warning come up a couple of times on startup. This usually clears after a few minutes and doesn't return on subsequent start up's. I think this really only happens when I've not used the car for a while. The car now lives in the garage and is on a trickle charger so hopefully the battery should stay in better condition. Only other issue I've had is the reversing camera has on occasion played up giving a dark flickering picture. I think I may have over enthusiastically jet washed it once so now try to avoid that area.
I've not really done any mods, did get the steering wheel reupholstered as I didn't like the original. The leather was quite hard and it felt a bit thin in my hands. Used Royal Steering wheels ( https://royalsteeringwheels.com) who did a fantastic job and its so much better than the original now. They also added a couple of mm to the thickness which helps.
Positives
The handling
The noise
The ride quality - hardly feel the bumps my 130i crashes over. Amazing.
Reliability
Running costs have been minimal - got a service included from Bell & Colvill when I bought it and they cover the MOT.
Looks - genuine mini supercar looks
Feel good factor - everyone seems to respond really positively to it.
Very easy to drive at normal speeds. It can easily potter around if needed.
Interior, I really like the mix of leather and alcantara in the Sports Racer and the Recaro seats are the best I've sat in. So comfortable yet supportive.
Rarity - I also joined the Lotus Forums club and as part of that package I received a Certificate of Vehicle Provenance from the Lotus archives. It's nice to have and whilst I knew they were built in small numbers, the certificate confirmed there were 101 Sports Racers and out of that 4 were painted Pewter Grey, all Supercarged, two IPS and two manual. Mine was the 74th Sports Racer made.
MPG not too bad, seem to average around 22mpg, saw 28mpg on a long motorway run.
Despite the market at the moment, values still seem to be holding well. Bit of a drop from my purchase price but not too bad considering.
Negatives
The size of it can make me a bit paranoid when parking it. You need a big space especially as the doors need to be opened wide to account for the wide sill.
Water culminates in the cutouts for the door handles, and scallop top edge of the door. So you need to be careful when opening it otherwise it ends up down your trouser leg.
Everything you put in the boot will cook. It gets hot in there.
Offset pedal position takes a bit of getting used to
Alpine SatNav whilst okay and functional isn't the most intuative to use - may look at upgrading this to a car play unit at some point.
Some pictures
A couple of jobs for me to do over winter.
Looking at the pictures the mesh grills at the front dont seem to be quite so black anymore. Doesn't look as if it's peeled but maybe has been touched up before and faded. I guess that involves a fun day with a brush and a tin of black hammerite!
The heat tubing in the engine bay has seen better days. Still intact but the black colour has peeled off in places and looks a bit tatty. Think it's only a cheap part so will get it replaced.
Thirdly I may have a go at getting the dashboard vent surrounds done in matching alcantara and red stiching.
Also trying to resist the urge to buy a 2bular exhaust ( https://www.2bular.co.uk/). Cost is putting me off at the moment but may give in an just order one
Enough from me, will try and update a bit more regularly from now on!
To be honest the car has been fantastic, nothing much to report other than I'm still really enjoying owning it. Every time I take it out I still have to pinch myself at just how well it drives, how nothing seems to phase it, the speed, confidence and composure it has down a twisting B road is unreal. I can only imagine how well the Evora GT Sport 410's or GT430's must go.
I'm now pretty much used to the IPS and like it. I always put into Sport mode and depending on mood leave it to shift itself or use the paddles. Breaking hard is accompanied by perfectly timed throttle blips on downshift. It sounds truly epic when you are going for it.
I was using the car daily and as my only transport but it was a bit frustrating dropping my son off at nursery and trying to park it in the fairly narrow parking spaces at work, so ended up buying a BMW 130i to daily in the end. It's not to say you couldn't daily the Evora, it wouldn't be a problem but I didn't like the thought of the short journey to my son's nursery and the crappy muddy potholed filled country lanes I need to use to get there.
Reliability has been great, no real issues other than getting the spanner warning come up a couple of times on startup. This usually clears after a few minutes and doesn't return on subsequent start up's. I think this really only happens when I've not used the car for a while. The car now lives in the garage and is on a trickle charger so hopefully the battery should stay in better condition. Only other issue I've had is the reversing camera has on occasion played up giving a dark flickering picture. I think I may have over enthusiastically jet washed it once so now try to avoid that area.
I've not really done any mods, did get the steering wheel reupholstered as I didn't like the original. The leather was quite hard and it felt a bit thin in my hands. Used Royal Steering wheels ( https://royalsteeringwheels.com) who did a fantastic job and its so much better than the original now. They also added a couple of mm to the thickness which helps.
Positives
The handling
The noise
The ride quality - hardly feel the bumps my 130i crashes over. Amazing.
Reliability
Running costs have been minimal - got a service included from Bell & Colvill when I bought it and they cover the MOT.
Looks - genuine mini supercar looks
Feel good factor - everyone seems to respond really positively to it.
Very easy to drive at normal speeds. It can easily potter around if needed.
Interior, I really like the mix of leather and alcantara in the Sports Racer and the Recaro seats are the best I've sat in. So comfortable yet supportive.
Rarity - I also joined the Lotus Forums club and as part of that package I received a Certificate of Vehicle Provenance from the Lotus archives. It's nice to have and whilst I knew they were built in small numbers, the certificate confirmed there were 101 Sports Racers and out of that 4 were painted Pewter Grey, all Supercarged, two IPS and two manual. Mine was the 74th Sports Racer made.
MPG not too bad, seem to average around 22mpg, saw 28mpg on a long motorway run.
Despite the market at the moment, values still seem to be holding well. Bit of a drop from my purchase price but not too bad considering.
Negatives
The size of it can make me a bit paranoid when parking it. You need a big space especially as the doors need to be opened wide to account for the wide sill.
Water culminates in the cutouts for the door handles, and scallop top edge of the door. So you need to be careful when opening it otherwise it ends up down your trouser leg.
Everything you put in the boot will cook. It gets hot in there.
Offset pedal position takes a bit of getting used to
Alpine SatNav whilst okay and functional isn't the most intuative to use - may look at upgrading this to a car play unit at some point.
Some pictures
A couple of jobs for me to do over winter.
Looking at the pictures the mesh grills at the front dont seem to be quite so black anymore. Doesn't look as if it's peeled but maybe has been touched up before and faded. I guess that involves a fun day with a brush and a tin of black hammerite!
The heat tubing in the engine bay has seen better days. Still intact but the black colour has peeled off in places and looks a bit tatty. Think it's only a cheap part so will get it replaced.
Thirdly I may have a go at getting the dashboard vent surrounds done in matching alcantara and red stiching.
Also trying to resist the urge to buy a 2bular exhaust ( https://www.2bular.co.uk/). Cost is putting me off at the moment but may give in an just order one
Enough from me, will try and update a bit more regularly from now on!
Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Thursday 14th November 23:33
Looks great. Reminds me that I need to clean mine this weekend.
I actually find the nav really good. Way better than the nav in my wife's 2016 VAG car, and its brilliant for long road trips as you can have virtually unlimited way points.
The mesh grills do rust, so hammerite is the order of the day, the ones on the rear flanks rust too.
Parking is often a challenge if you want to get out of the car, but its good for you as you inevitably have a longer walk that you would if parking in a normal space.
I love mine. I took it to 170mph this summer and it was perfectly stable and planted, I did an 11 day road trip, 8 days of which had me in the car for 4 hours plus and its perfectly comfortable.
Downside for me is that the heating and aircon are relatively pathetic. Not going to hijack your thread - but here is a pic of mine.
I think it looks as much of a supercar as the Ferrari
[url]
I actually find the nav really good. Way better than the nav in my wife's 2016 VAG car, and its brilliant for long road trips as you can have virtually unlimited way points.
The mesh grills do rust, so hammerite is the order of the day, the ones on the rear flanks rust too.
Parking is often a challenge if you want to get out of the car, but its good for you as you inevitably have a longer walk that you would if parking in a normal space.
I love mine. I took it to 170mph this summer and it was perfectly stable and planted, I did an 11 day road trip, 8 days of which had me in the car for 4 hours plus and its perfectly comfortable.
Downside for me is that the heating and aircon are relatively pathetic. Not going to hijack your thread - but here is a pic of mine.
I think it looks as much of a supercar as the Ferrari
[url]Edited by blueg33 on Friday 15th November 09:03
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff