RE: Lotus Evora Sport 410 | Spotted

RE: Lotus Evora Sport 410 | Spotted

Monday 17th February 2020

Lotus Evora Sport 410 | Spotted

£65k for a mid-engined, six-cylinder, manual sports car with 400hp? A Cayman isn't the only way...



Despite some opinions to the contrary, we've not forgotten about Lotus sports cars on PH editorial. It would have been ideal to include an Evora or Exige in our Alpine/GT4/R8 triple test, but it wasn't possible this time around - certainly one to revisit in future. And furthermore, the clamour around the latest 718 GTS Porsches can only mean renewed interest in the wares of Hethel. After all, who else offers six cylinders, rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox in such a finely-honed sports car package?

In 2020, the automotive landscape looks very, very different to how it did on the launch of the Lotus Evora in 2009, and significantly changed from when the Mk3 Exige arrived in 2012. Where not so long ago the cars might have felt outdated against contemporaries, there's an argument to say the Lotuses today represent an opportunity to buy new all those fast car attributes we now fear for the survival of: noise, excitement, an enthralling driving experience.


This particular Evora is not a new car, but it does present a fascinating alternative in light of the GTS launch and the arrival of S-spec A110s in the UK. Because this Sport 410, painted in Porsche Ultraviolet no less, is for sale at £64,850 with fewer than 4,000 miles on it. The Alpine we had in recently, equipped with the desirable forged wheels and carbon roof, was £63,136; the 718 Cayman 4.0 GTS range starts at £64,088. While priced out of contention brand new - this is a very similar vehicle to the newly announced 410 at more than £80,000 - a lightly used Evora presents a compelling alternative to the newer, shinier rivals.

Why? Because despite all the foibles, from a slightly cruddy cabin to a manual gearbox that won't match the Porsche's, the Lotus Evora remains a dynamic masterclass. 10 years old or not, there would be no hesitation in comparing its ride and handling to the new Alpine and Cayman - it really is that good. Add into that a shape that still draws admiring glances, the best noise of the three and wonderful steering that requires no 'good, for EPAS' qualifiers and it isn't hard to make the case.


Of course, the fact that Caymans are on every street corner and Alpine can't produce enough A110s at the moment would suggest Lotus hasn't quite nailed the everyman sports car just yet. Hopefully that will come with Geely investment in the future of its core models. Until then, we'll have to remain content with a line-up that, while certainly old and occasionally expensive, can still offer attributes which no rival can match. Opt for something slightly used like this Evora and the prices can become more palatable.

Indeed, a little more than £50k now buys one of the early Evora 400s that form the basis of today's range; spend that money on an Exige and there are 300-mile, special edition cars available. Point being, therefore, that Lotuses remain relevant, and will no doubt find their way into more than a few future comparisons. But don't wait for any more of that to convince you - the classifieds are full of possibilities already...




SPECIFICATION - LOTUS EVORA SPORT 410
Engine:
3,456cc supercharged V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 416@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 302@3,500rpm
MPG: 29.1 (NEDC)
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2017
Recorded mileage: 3,920
Price new: £82,000
Yours for: £64,850

See the original advert here.





Author
Discussion

YellowCar

Original Poster:

131 posts

121 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
Sales probably aren't helped by a shape that doesn't photograph well. I think these look lovely in real life, but somehow a bit awkward in photographs. Newer editions looks a bit too fussy in photos as well IMO.


cib24

1,115 posts

152 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
That one has been trying to sell for ages but can't seem to shift because it's the same colour scheme as the Los Angeles Lakers.

Anyway, I've noticed that the Evora market is artificially high so if you do buy one, you won't suffer much if any depreciation minus the discount for selling it back to a dealer that sells Lotuses.

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
YellowCar said:
Sales probably aren't helped by a shape that doesn't photograph well.
Maybe the colour was intended to hide the shape?

Alcantara plus Cup 2 tyres and only 3,000 miles on the clock smells like "run in on track days" to me.

Can't imagine why it hasn't sold, at only £65,000

GingerMunky

1,162 posts

256 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
YellowCar said:
Sales probably aren't helped by a shape that doesn't photograph well. I think these look lovely in real life, but somehow a bit awkward in photographs. Newer editions looks a bit too fussy in photos as well IMO.
I agree, much better in the flesh. Its a lot of car for the money, and so enjoyable to drive. I went for an Exige myself as I wanted more hardcore lightweight, but if I was looking for an everyday car Evora would be the choice.

CABC

5,533 posts

100 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
400 series looks divides opinion anyway, but that colour and reflections from varying light does it no favours!

Krikkit

26,500 posts

180 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
rockin said:
YellowCar said:
Sales probably aren't helped by a shape that doesn't photograph well.
Maybe the colour was intended to hide the shape?

Alcantara plus Cup 2 tyres and only 3,000 miles on the clock smells like "run in on track days" to me.

Can't imagine why it hasn't sold, at only £65,000
Why would you buy an Evora for track work, rather than an Exige?

Vee12V

1,329 posts

159 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
cib24 said:
That one has been trying to sell for ages but can't seem to shift because it's the same colour scheme as the Los Angeles Lakers.
Works fine on a 991 GT3 RS though.

giveitfish

4,030 posts

213 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
cib24 said:
...so if you do buy one, you won't suffer much if any depreciation...
Certainly true for the older ones. I’ve just sold mine after 18 months and 20,000 miles. Depreciation? £3,500.

gashead1105

558 posts

152 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
Those carbon-fiber seats don't work in the Evora size wise, they look tiny. More importantly, they are mounted far too upright and are seriously uncomfortable as a result.

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
Krikkit said:
Why would you buy an Evora for track work, rather than an Exige?
Is there another explanation for Cup 2 tyres? And I've already mentioned the seats, as has someone else above.

This from Michelin's website: "MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2: A tyre designed for the track......"

cib24

1,115 posts

152 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
Krikkit said:
Why would you buy an Evora for track work, rather than an Exige?
Because you can't fit into an Exige?

Krikkit

26,500 posts

180 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
rockin said:
Krikkit said:
Why would you buy an Evora for track work, rather than an Exige?
Is there another explanation for Cup 2 tyres? And I've already mentioned the seats, as has someone else above.

This from Michelin's website: "MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2: A tyre designed for the track......"
Weekend fun car with the stickiest tyres? Same reason people run R888s or similar.


cib24

1,115 posts

152 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
rockin said:
Is there another explanation for Cup 2 tyres? And I've already mentioned the seats, as has someone else above.

This from Michelin's website: "MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2: A tyre designed for the track......"
Who cares. The car will be fine. That Toyota V6 engine is barely stressed at 400hp. It will happily handle more power and still be more reliable than a Porsche.

Frimley111R

15,537 posts

233 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
giveitfish said:
cib24 said:
...so if you do buy one, you won't suffer much if any depreciation...
Certainly true for the older ones. I’ve just sold mine after 18 months and 20,000 miles. Depreciation? £3,500.
2 years in mine (can't remember how many miles), lost £1000 in depreciation!

A1VDY

3,575 posts

126 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
That one has been 2000grit wet flatted, 2 stage G3/G10 compounded then machine polished with 3M Finesse. It's then been ceramic coated with Nanlolex Si3d.

  • Just to reassure it didn't come from the Lotus factory like that*

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
cib24 said:
It will happily handle more power and still be more reliable than a Porsche.
Now let me see, where's that link to common and expensive clutch failures with overboosted Camry engines. Ah yes, here we go....

"I know the Evora clutch has always been a bit of a hot topic, but mine lasted fairly well, I suppose. It failed on Friday. I was just coming to a stop in traffic, 1st gear, clutch fully engaged. There was a sudden jolt and a screeching noise, and the engine stalled. The helpful chap from the AA diagnosed it as a release bearing failure, but the guys at Lotus Silverstone say it's more likely the friction plate has come apart. Bad news is they also say there are no clutches available right now, and they already have 2 cars ahead of mine waiting for clutches, so I'm not expecting to get it back for a few weeks."

Meanwhile, back on topic, if anyone's shopping for an Evora my own suggestion would be avoid this purple one like the plague. Even if everything mechanical is in perfect condition I reckon that colour and that interior pretty much guarantee lead parachute depreciation the moment it's driven off the forecourt. There are IMO more desirable models available.

HeMightBeBanned

617 posts

177 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
Krikkit said:
Why would you buy an Evora for track work, rather than an Exige?
A well-driven Evora is a very fast car indeed.

Why?

Because the Evora has inherently better balance than anything based on the Elise ("M111") chassis. Yes, it's a heavier car, but it has a longer wheelbase that aids stability and doesn't suffer from lots of the M111-based flaws such as ste aero, lack of steering lock and propensity for roll-oversteer. The brakes are sublime too.

Shame about that gearbox / clutch / flywheel combo, but then, the V6 Exige has the same issues.


gashead1105

558 posts

152 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
rockin said:
Now let me see, where's that link to common and expensive clutch failures with overboosted Camry engines. Ah yes, here we go....

"I know the Evora clutch has always been a bit of a hot topic, but mine lasted fairly well, I suppose. It failed on Friday. I was just coming to a stop in traffic, 1st gear, clutch fully engaged. There was a sudden jolt and a screeching noise, and the engine stalled. The helpful chap from the AA diagnosed it as a release bearing failure, but the guys at Lotus Silverstone say it's more likely the friction plate has come apart. Bad news is they also say there are no clutches available right now, and they already have 2 cars ahead of mine waiting for clutches, so I'm not expecting to get it back for a few weeks."

Meanwhile, back on topic, if anyone's shopping for an Evora my own suggestion would be avoid this purple one like the plague. Even if everything mechanical is in perfect condition I reckon that colour and that interior pretty much guarantee lead parachute depreciation the moment it's driven off the forecourt. There are IMO more desirable models available.
I wouldn't put anyone off this specific car based on what you are saying. Sport 410 comes with Cup 2s as standard, there's nothing to imply from that that it's spent its whole life on track.

I think it's a great colour but the seats totally kill the whole model for me unfortunately. 95% of sport 410s have those carbon fibre seats, to be absolutely clear. There's a rare sport 410 for sale privately on TLF with sparco seats and 13k miles - I'd buy that if I didn't have a 400 already.

Clutch. Not an issue on these models. I don't know how old that quote is but, aside from a dodgy batch of clutches in early 2016 there's been nothing commonly reported in the 4*0 models.

I love mine - I have a 400. I can't really think of anything to replace it for the money.




Edited by gashead1105 on Monday 17th February 21:50


Edited by gashead1105 on Monday 17th February 21:55

HeMightBeBanned

617 posts

177 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
gashead1105 said:
Clutch. Not an issue on these models. I don't know how old that quote is but, aside from a dodgy batch of clutches in early 2016 there's been nothing commonly reported in the 4*0 series
One of my best mates bought a brand new Evora 400 in 2017. The flywheel and clutch were replaced within 6000 miles because they were fked. Just daily use (when it wasn’t back at the dealership for other stupid niggles that shouldn’t have been present).

He did no trackdays, no standing starts etc (as proven by the ECU logging).

Plenty of other Evora / V6 Exige reports that point to the transmission being a weakness.

Even if you have a “good” one, the clutches wear very rapidly and it’s a bloody expensive job to have them replaced.

Lotus needs a better drivetrain. Not engine. Not gearbox. Entire drivetrain.

gothmog

54 posts

220 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
rockin said:
Now let me see, where's that link to common and expensive clutch failures with overboosted Camry engines. Ah yes, here we go....

"I know the Evora clutch has always been a bit of a hot topic, but mine lasted fairly well, I suppose. It failed on Friday. I was just coming to a stop in traffic, 1st gear, clutch fully engaged. There was a sudden jolt and a screeching noise, and the engine stalled. The helpful chap from the AA diagnosed it as a release bearing failure, but the guys at Lotus Silverstone say it's more likely the friction plate has come apart. Bad news is they also say there are no clutches available right now, and they already have 2 cars ahead of mine waiting for clutches, so I'm not expecting to get it back for a few weeks."
Ok, I get it, you don't like the Evora, but at least let's have the full quote:
"I know the Evora clutch has always been a bit of a hot topic, but at 10 years, and 57000 miles, mine lasted fairly well, I suppose. It failed on Friday. I was just coming to a stop in traffic, 1st gear, clutch fully engaged. There was a sudden jolt and a screeching noise, and the engine stalled."

Hardly premature.

The fact that Lotus often don't have replacements in stock *is* a much bigger concern and I agree you would have to have little regard for money to buy this one in this colour.