Evora S Sports Racer

[ParanoidAndroid]

Hi chaps,

Looking for something a bit different for my next car and have been considering a Lotus Evora Sports Racer S. Have always liked these and with a 2 year old son I think they are just about practical enough to be used on the odd occasion for the 3 of us to enjoy (we have a RR sport for practicality). However whilst I've been keeping an eye on classifieds it seems they rarely come up for sale. I'm guessing they didn't make too many given it was the run out model before the 400 came to play. Ideally I'm after a manual one and not white or yellow which narrows it down considerably. Would love Daytona Blue but I'm guessing I could be waiting years for this combination to come along!! Although in no rush TBH.

I see Central Lotus have a Matt Black manual and a white IPS but they are quite a trek from me. How helpful are lotus dealers with regard to trying them? I've never driven an Evora so would be good to try one at some point.

Prices also seem very strong, mid to late forties which is a bad thing if trying to buy but I guess it means resale should be good (sick of losing lots of money on cars!). In fact it means there isn't a huge gulf between the prices of these and an early 400. Would I be better saving for longer and picking up an early 400?

Cheers
Graham

Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Tuesday 7th August 21:21

[ParanoidAndroid]

blueg33 said:

I would sell my Daytona blue 2014 S sports racer for the right money, but the right money for me would scare people off

Daytona is an amazing colur, it gets comments every single day, even from people who have commented before!

Yes yours is stunning. Did you put the 400 front end on?

[ParanoidAndroid]

There a lovely looking Pewter Grey IPS S Sports Racer for sale in the PH classifieds at the moment. Claims to be one of 2 in the colour. I think the other one (a manual) was for sale earlier this year, as can be seen in this video here

Few and far between these SR’s!

[ParanoidAndroid]

Would be great to see some pictures of your Sports Racers, help me dream

[ParanoidAndroid]

Stunning cars. Wasn’t a fan of the original Evora but the Sports Racer is

[ParanoidAndroid]

Stunning cars! Just wondered if any of you considered or even drove an Alfa 4C before choosing the Evora? They are similar money these days but obviously only a 2 seater and more raw than the Evora.

[ParanoidAndroid]

My thoughts too but I keep coming back to them for some reason I'm not even 100% convinced on the looks, some angles it looks a bit odd/dumpy but watching the youtube videos from actual owners (not journo's), they seem to love them and I think the prices are probably on the upturn now.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Well after deliberating a while, thinking I'd hold out for a manual, I've now put a deposit down on this IPS SR. Colour probably not everyone's taste (queue the primer jokes ) but it looks stunning in the flesh and a bit unusual. Was quite surprised how much I actually liked the IPS when I drove it, will take some time to master but that is part of the fun. Jamie at B&C has been great, looking forward to picking up soon. Will no doubt have a lot of questions for you all!

[ParanoidAndroid]

Thanks guys, can't wait to get it! Just going to have a quick stab at selling my current Mercedes CLS privately first as the trade in price was a tad low and it pains me to let it go without at least trying private.

One question I do have, the Evora seems to be fitted with relatively new Kumho tyres on the back, Pirelli's on the front. Thinking I'm going to need to replace the rears with something more suitable. I'll see how it drives once I've got it but what's the current recommendation for tyres? Stick with Pirelli's or go with Michellin SP's?

[ParanoidAndroid]

CTE said:

Very nice, you definitely will not regret it. I think it is highly debateable which is the better car, the SR or 400...the 400 does have some clear improvements, but the SR is a better road car in other respects.

I think I prefer the look of the SR over the 400 too. Personal taste I guess although I do like the GT430

[ParanoidAndroid]

blueg33 said:

Agreed, but it grates against my in built mechanical sympathy.

Do you drive it in auto much? My current CLS has paddles but dont think I've ever really used them. I'm hoping with the Evora I'm more inclined to use the paddles and sport mode.

If using the paddles does it stay manual until you switch back to drive or will it automatically drop back into automatic mode after a while?

[ParanoidAndroid]

blueg33 said:

I use the paddles in sport mode only, but I use them most of the time unless I am on the motorway. On any back road paddles are my preference especially if pushing on. It’s easier to balance the car and you can be more subtle with the brakes. For me this means more momentum is preserved.

In sport mode it stays on manual until you switch it back either by pressing the d button or pulling and holding the up shift paddled for a second or so. Pull and hold both and you get neutral.

In normal mode after a couple of minutes not using the paddles it shifts back to auto.

In sport manual mode it will do the downshifts for you as you slow for a junction etc

Edited by blueg33 on Monday 29th October 19:39

Thanks, that's interesting. Didn't realise in sport manual mode it would downshift for you.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Added a Readers Cars entry on General Gassing to cover this car. Will try and keep it updated over time. If anyone is interested here is the Link.