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Lotus Evora - the guide to buying the perfect sports car.
•Confounded•Season 1•Episode 6
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Discover the balance between raw performance and unexpected luxury with the Lotus Evora, a car that defies categorization. Ever wondered how a brand synonymous with pure track machines could broaden its appeal without losing its essence? Unpacking this enigma, we reveal the Evora's lightweight yet resilient chassis, powerful engine options, and aerodynamic enhancements that offer both a thrilling drive and refined comfort. From its surprisingly plush interior with leather seats and infotainment to its intriguing attempt at rear seating, this episode explores how the Evora challenges and expands what it means to be a Lotus.
Thinking about adding a Lotus Evora to your collection? We've got the insights you need on the used market for this fascinating vehicle. We'll navigate through the pricing landscape, discuss insurance nuances, and shed light on maintenance concerns that might fly under the radar, such as electrical gremlins and clutch wear. Whether you're eyeing early models or the high-performance Evora 400 and 430, understanding track use and its implications is crucial. Compare the Evora to heavyweights like the Porsche Cayman and Jaguar F-Type to see where it stands in the sports car arena. Whether you're a die-hard automotive enthusiast or just curious, this episode offers a thorough exploration of a true automotive marvel.
Welcome to the Mega Car Review Podcast from Confounderit, your go-to show for everything cars, whether you're a gearhead or just shopping for your next set of wheels. Every week, your hosts, marv and Claudia, dive into the latest automotive trends, give hands-on reviews and share the insights you need to make the smart decisions in the world of cars From the hottest models to market secrets. Marv and Claudia have you covered. Get ready for expert opinions, lively debates and all the details you won't hear anywhere else. Now let's join Marv and Claudia for another episode of the Mega Car Review Podcast.
Speaker 2:
Hey everyone and welcome back. Today we're diving into a car that's well, let's just say it's got a reputation.
Speaker 3:
A reputation for uh.
Speaker 2:
For being extraordinary, but also a little bit misunderstood. Maybe the Lotus Evora. People want to know what is it about this car, what makes it special, and, if you're thinking about getting behind the wheel of one, what do you need to watch out for?
Speaker 3:
Yeah, it's a fascinating car really. I think when you look at the Evora, you see Lotus trying to do something different, you know, trying to reach a wider audience. But the question is, did they pull it off without losing what makes a Lotus, well, a Lotus?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, exactly. So how did they try and walk that tightrope? Because they didn't go soft, did they?
Speaker 3:
No, not at all. I mean Lotus. They've always been known for these bare-bones track machines.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 3:
Cars that are more comfortable on a racetrack than they are driving to the grocery store, the Evora. It was their way of saying, look, we can build something refined.
Speaker 2:
We can build something comfortable, but don't think for a second that we've lost our edge. Okay, I like the sound of that, so give me an example. What's one thing, a specific detail about the Evora that really showcases this blend of hardcore performance and daily drivability?
Speaker 3:
Well, I think the chassis is a great place to start, actually, okay, they used a bonded aluminum structure which is incredibly lightweight Essential for a Lotus, right, absolutely Essential for a Lotus but it's also incredibly stiff, and that stiffness translates into a more refined ride, a more comfortable ride, which is not something you typically associate with a Lotus.
Speaker 2:
So it's like they're using racing car technology, but making it livable for the rest of us.
Speaker 3:
Exactly. And they didn't stop there. They offered a range of engines as well, to appeal to a whole bunch of different drivers.
Speaker 2:
Okay, so let's talk engines, because I know this wasn't just a case of like picking your color. The Evora had some serious grunt under the hood.
Speaker 3:
Oh yeah, it started with a naturally aspirated V6.
Speaker 2:
Okay, for those of us who don't speak, engine translate that for us.
Speaker 3:
Basically, it means you've got a powerful, responsive engine without needing any sort of forced induction like a turbocharger or anything. Right, and we're talking about in those early models, around 276 horsepower.
Speaker 2:
Which is not too shabby at all.
Speaker 3:
Plenty to have some fun with.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 3:
But then things got really interesting as the Evora, you know, kind of evolved.
Speaker 2:
It's about me. They got like more powerful. Well, they did yeah.
Speaker 3:
They introduced the supercharged versions of that v6. You saw it in the avoris s, the avora 400, the hardcore 430 and, oh boy, these things were absolute beasts.
Speaker 2:
You're talking horsepower figures jumping well over 400 wait, 400 horsepower and something this size, that's gotta be a wild ride. I mean that must come at a cost, though, right, not just in terms of, know, filling it up at the pump, but like an insurance must have been.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, we'll definitely get into the insurance side of things a little bit later.
Speaker 2:
Okay.
Speaker 3:
But yeah, lotus, they weren't just about brute force. With the Evora, they paid a lot of attention to aerodynamics, especially with those later models.
Speaker 2:
Okay, so aerodynamics we're talking like wings and spoilers and all that like race car stuff.
Speaker 3:
Exactly they redesigned the body work. They added spoilers, diffusers, I mean all these things that at first glance might seem purely cosmetic actually have a massive impact on how the car cuts through the air. They even went as far as to tweak the underbody to make it as slippery as possible.
Speaker 2:
So what does that do Like? What's the real world effect of all that when you're actually behind the wheel?
Speaker 3:
So, in the simplest terms, it helps the car stick to the road, especially at high speeds, you know, think about taking a fast corner. All those aerodynamic improvements that redesign body work. They create what's called downforce. Downforce yeah basically the opposite of lift. So the faster you go, the more the air pushes the car down onto the road, giving you more grip, more stability, which means you can corner faster, you can brake later and you know you just have that added confidence in the car's handling.
Speaker 2:
It's not just about going fast, it's about being in control at speed. Yeah, okay clever, but let's be honest, lotus isn't exactly known for building. You know family cars, but let's be honest, lotus isn't exactly known for building you know family cars. What's the inside of an Evora like? Is it all like bare bones and race gory inside?
Speaker 3:
You know, that's actually one of the areas where the Evora really tried to set itself apart from its predecessors. Lotus knew that to attract a wider audience, they needed to step up their interior game.
Speaker 2:
And by step up, you mean.
Speaker 3:
They actually tried to make it, dare I say, luxurious.
Speaker 2:
A jury a lotus.
Speaker 3:
I know, I know, compared to other lotuses, the Evora's interior, it was a revelation. We're talking leather seats, a decent infotainment system.
Speaker 2:
They even attempted to squeeze in rear seats. Wait, hold on Rear seats in a lotus. Is that even possible?
Speaker 3:
I know right, and, to be fair, the source material is pretty clear that those rear seats are well, let's just say they're more aspirational than practical.
Speaker 2:
More like a shelf, then, than actual seats, for, you know, human beings.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, you wouldn't want to be stuck back there for a long road trip. Let's put it that way.
Speaker 2:
Got it More of a penalty box than a backseat, OK, but hey, at least they tried right.
Speaker 3:
They did and I think it speaks to their desire to make the Evora a more livable, more usable kind of sports car. But you're right Practicality in a performance car it often comes with some caveats.
Speaker 2:
And those back seats are perhaps the perfect example.
Speaker 3:
Exactly.
Speaker 2:
Speaking of practicality, you know what is it actually like to live with an Evora. We dug into the used market a little bit and let me tell you, things get interesting.
Speaker 3:
Yeah well, buying a used Evora it's not just about owning a car, is it? It's like owning a piece of history, a piece of that Lotus legacy.
Speaker 2:
Yeah.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, you're buying into that lightweight performance, that undeniable Lotus character.
Speaker 2:
Okay, so for someone who wants to get behind the wheel of one of these things, what are we looking at price-wise on the used market?
Speaker 3:
Well, if you're looking for an entry point, those early models, you know, like 2009 to 2012-ish, you can find them starting around, say, 30,000 pounds.
Speaker 2:
Okay, so not exactly cheap, but not like completely out of reach either.
Speaker 3:
No, not at all, especially when you consider that those early models they give you that pure no, not at all. Especially when you consider that those early models they give you that pure, naturally aspirated V6 experience. It's that linear power delivery, incredibly satisfying Music to my ears. But what if you want something with a bit more? You know oomph to spend a bit more though. Think like 40,000 to 55,000 pounds depending on the condition, the mileage you know.
Speaker 2:
Okay, so a jump up in price. But what do you get for that?
Speaker 3:
Quite a bit actually Typically more standard features on the S models. And then there's that supercharged engine.
Speaker 2:
Ah, yes, the supercharger. We're talking serious performance now. But for the true diehard horsepower junkies, there's the Evora 400, right, that's the stuff of legend.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, there's something else Introduced around 2016, the 400, and then the later 410 and 430 models. Those represent the peak of the Evora's evolution Faster, more powerful and, as you can imagine, significantly more expensive on the used market.
Speaker 2:
Okay, give me the numbers. What are we talking here?
Speaker 3:
You're looking at upwards of 55,000 pounds for a 400 and potentially double that for a pristine 430. These are highly sought-after cars.
Speaker 2:
Double. Ouch Guess exclusivity like that comes with the price tag. But it can't all be like sunshine and rainbows, right.
Speaker 3:
Right? Of course not. I mean, we've talked about the performance, the looks. But you know, responsible ownership means being aware of the potential downsides as well.
Speaker 2:
You're talking about the dreaded I-word insurance.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, Insurance companies. They have a way of reminding us that performance comes at a price.
Speaker 2:
So lay it on me. How painful are we talking here?
Speaker 3:
Well, those early models, the naturally aspirated ones, they're not exactly cheap to insure but they're manageable. You're looking at like insurance groups 45 to 47.
Speaker 2:
Insurance groups Sorry for those of us who don't speak insurance. What does that even mean?
Speaker 3:
Oh right, Insurance companies use these groups to basically categorize cars based on things like their value, their performance, the cost to repair them, that kind of thing. Higher group means higher premiums.
Speaker 2:
Okay, so those early Evoras are up there, but not, like in the stratosphere. What about the later models, those supercharged beasts? What did they land in?
Speaker 3:
That's where things can get a bit spicy. The supercharged Evoras, particularly those 400 and above. They can land you an insurance group 50, sometimes even higher.
Speaker 2:
Ouch, that's a serious chunk of change on top of an already pricey car.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, it's something to factor in. For sure, you might find an amazing deal on a used Evora, but then if the insurance quotes come back and you're like having heart palpitations, it kind of takes the fun out of it.
Speaker 2:
Very true. So let's say you've done your homework, factored in the insurance, and you're ready to take the plunge. What should people actually be looking out for when they're shopping for a used Evora? Because, like with any performance car, I imagine one that's been driven hard might come with a few, shall we say, surprises.
Speaker 3:
Oh, absolutely. For instance, those early models, they were known to have a few electrical gremlins. You know, the infotainment system in particular could be a bit temperamental.
Speaker 2:
Oh no, not the infotainment system. Can you imagine like mid-corner? You're perfectly in tune with the car and then suddenly your driving playlist just goes haywire.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, not ideal. And while the Evora S models are generally pretty reliable, you definitely want to check the clutch. Especially on higher mileage examples, those supercharged engines they can really put a lot of stress on the clutch. And a replacement. Well, that's not going to be a cheap fix.
Speaker 2:
Makes sense, so preventative maintenance is key with these high-performance machines.
Speaker 3:
Absolutely. And then when it comes to those later models, the 400 and above, they're still relatively new to the used market. But you know, one thing to be wary of is any sign of track use.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, because as fun as track days are, they can really put a car through its paces.
Speaker 3:
Exactly so. You want to check those brakes, inspect the suspension, make sure everything's in tip-top shape. It's almost like being a detective. You know you're looking for clues about the car's past to make sure you're not inheriting someone else's problems.
Speaker 2:
A little bit of due diligence goes a long way. Okay, so we've covered the Evora's like origin story, we've gone under the hood, talked about what to watch out for on the used market, but we'd be remiss if we didn't talk about, well, the competition. Because, let's face it, in the world of sports cars, someone's always right on your tail.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, it's a crowded field out there, no doubt, but even with some serious contenders the Evora it still holds its own. We've got some heavy hitters from the research you sent over. We've got the Porsche Cayman, the Alpine A110, the Jaguar F-Type and the Audi TTRS. Each one kind of brings its own unique flavor to the table.
Speaker 2:
Okay, so let's look it down, one contender at a time. First up, the Porsche Cayman. It's almost the default right Sleek, quick, reliable as the sunrise. How does the Evora stack up against that kind of pedigree?
Speaker 3:
Well, I think it's a classic case of like head versus heart. You know the Cayman. It's objectively the more polished choice, maybe even the more sensible one. It'll probably be a bit cheaper to run Finding someone to service, it isn't a headache. But and this is a big but the Evora has this like rawness to it, a sense of occasion that the Cayman, even in its sportier trims it, just can't quite replicate.
Speaker 2:
It's that Lotus mystique right, that feeling of like driving something truly special. Yeah.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, exactly. But you know, let's not discount the Cayman. It's a phenomenal sports car in its own right. Now, how about we switch gears a bit? Talk about the Alpine A110. Now, how about we switch gears a bit? Talk about the Alpine A110.
Speaker 2:
Bit of a dark horse in this race, I'd say Right, the A110, the lightweight contender. It punches way above its weight class when it comes to handling, but can it really keep up with the Evora when it comes to, you know, just pure straight line speed?
Speaker 3:
See, that's where those horsepower figures really come into play. The A110, it's all about agility, right, it's about carrying speed through the corners, feeling light on its feet an absolute blast on a twisty back road. But the Evora, especially with that supercharged V6, it just it has more grunt. If you're looking for raw acceleration, you want that like satisfying push back into your seat the Evora might be the more satisfying choice.
Speaker 2:
So it's a tradeoff agility versus like brute force. Yeah, okay, next up we've got well, this one's a bit different the jaguar f-type. It's got the looks, the sound, a certain british charm, but is it more of a like grand tourer than a pure sports car?
Speaker 3:
that's a great point. Yeah, the f-type definitely leans more towards that luxurious experience. It's a bigger car than the avora. The interior feels a bit more I don't know special occasion. If you want a comfortable cruiser that can still, you know, put a smile on your face when you put your foot down. The F-Type's a strong contender, but the Evora that's a driver's car through and through you know, it's all about the connection between you and the machine, being completely immersed in that driving experience.
Speaker 2:
So the F-Type's the suave gentleman and the Evora is the adrenaline junkie.
Speaker 3:
Yeah, I like that All right.
Speaker 2:
Last but not least, we've got the Audi TT RS. This is the all-weather, tech-heavy option, but how does it hold up in terms of like sheer driving thrills?
Speaker 3:
The TT RS. It really is a technological marvel. It's super capable, in no small part due to Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. I mean, you can take this thing out in any weather and feel confident. And the interior it's just like a master class in tech and design. But it doesn't quite have that raw, visceral feel of the Evora. It's more clinical, more precise, but maybe lacking that last bit of engagement that the Evora just has in spades.
Speaker 2:
So, really, what we're seeing here is that each of these cars has its own strengths and weaknesses. It all comes down to what you're looking for in a sports car. Are you after comfort technology, all weather capability or that pure, unadulterated, connected driving experience?
Speaker 3:
Exactly. There's no single right answer. It's about understanding what makes each car unique and then matching that to your own driving style, your own priorities.
Speaker 2:
Couldn't have said it better myself. We've covered a lot of ground today. We talked about the Evora's unusual start, how it performs, what to look out for if you're buying one used and, of course, how it measures up against some serious competition. And I think one thing's clear the Evora, it's more than just a car, isn't it? It's an experience.
Speaker 3:
It is and you know, even though it's been discontinued, I think, the Evora. It says a lot about Lotus, about their commitment to innovation, to staying true to their roots.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, it really makes you wonder what they've got up their sleeves next, doesn't it? But for now, if you had to pick just one of these sports cars to park in your garage, which one would it be and, more importantly, why? We want to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. This has been the Deep Dive. Thanks for joining us on this rather exciting ride.
