Lotus Evora Specifications: 10 Powerful Facts for 2025
The Evolution of a British Performance Icon
Lotus Evora specifications represent the pinnacle of Lotus engineering, blending supercar performance with everyday usability. Here’s a quick overview of the key specs:
Specification | Base Evora | Evora S | Evora 400 | Evora GT | Evora GT430 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L Boostd V6 | 3.5L Boostd V6 | 3.5L Boostd V6 | 3.5L Boostd V6 |
Power | 276 hp | 345 hp | 400 hp | 416 hp | 430 hp |
0-60 mph | 5.1 sec | 4.6 sec | 4.1 sec | 3.8 sec | 3.7 sec |
Top Speed | 162 mph | 172 mph | 186 mph | 188 mph | 196 mph |
Weight | 3,046 lbs | 3,168 lbs | 3,075 lbs | 3,104 lbs | 2,773 lbs |
Born as “Project Eagle” and unveiled at the 2008 British International Motor Show, the Lotus Evora marked the first all-new Lotus platform since the 1995 Elise. Produced from 2009 to 2021 with just 6,117 units built, the Evora occupied a unique position in the sports car market as the only mid-engine 2+2 in its class.
What makes the Evora special is its bonded aluminum chassis that’s 2.5 times stiffer than the Elise, combined with a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers both reliability and thrilling performance. The chassis uses proprietary 6000 Series alloy extrusions bonded with epoxy adhesive for maximum torsional rigidity.
As Jeremy Clarkson aptly described it, the Evora is “the only car I’ve ever driven, ever, which is a killer attack dog and an old sofa.” This captures the Evora’s dual personality – track-day performer and comfortable grand tourer.
Throughout its production run, the Evora evolved from the base naturally-aspirated model to increasingly potent boostd variants, culminating in the GT430 with 430 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The Evora GT, the final version for North America, could sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds while generating 141 pounds of downforce at top speed.
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Evolution & Model Timeline
The Evora’s 12-year lifecycle is a master-class in continuous improvement. What began in 2009 as a 276-horsepower 2+2 quickly grew into a genuinely quick, surprisingly civilised super-sports car.
Highlights at a glance
- 2010 Evora S – 345 hp, Eaton boostr, 0-60 mph in 4.6 s, 172 mph top speed
- 2015 Evora 400 – 400 hp, major chassis and aero update, improved cabin
- 2016 Sport 410 / 2018 GT410 Sport – 70 kg lighter, 96 kg of downforce
- 2017 GT430 – 430 hp, 1,258 kg, 196 mph, limited to 60 cars
- 2020 Evora GT (North America) – 416 hp, 3.8 s 0-60 mph, the final edition
All told, 6,117 Evoras left Hethel before production ceased in 2021 and the baton passed to the Emira.
Key Milestones
Project Eagle went from first sketch to showroom in a remarkable 27 months, debuting at the 2008 British International Motor Show. A podium finish for the GTE variant at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans cemented the car’s motorsport credibility and helped Lotus transition into its modern era.
Want to see how it stacks up against other exotics? Have a look at the bugatti chiron technical specifications or the fiat 124 spider specifications.
Lotus Evora Specifications: Engines, Performance & Dimensions
The heart of any sports car is its powertrain, and the lotus evora specifications in this department reveal a thoughtful approach to performance engineering. All Evora models used a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine, chosen for its reliability and favorable packaging dimensions.
When you peek under the hood of an Evora, you’re looking at British ingenuity wrapped around Japanese reliability. It’s like getting the best of both worlds – the soul-stirring character of a proper sports car with the peace of mind that it’ll start every morning.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the lotus evora specifications across its key variants:
Specification | Base Evora | Evora S | Evora 400 | Evora GT | Evora GT430 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L SC V6 | 3.5L SC V6 | 3.5L SC V6 | 3.5L SC V6 |
Displacement | 3,456 cc | 3,456 cc | 3,456 cc | 3,456 cc | 3,456 cc |
Power | 276 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 345 hp @ 7,000 rpm | 400 hp @ 7,000 rpm | 416 hp @ 7,000 rpm | 430 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 302 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
0-60 mph | 5.1 sec | 4.6 sec | 4.1 sec | 3.8 sec | 3.7 sec |
Top Speed | 162 mph | 172 mph | 186 mph | 188 mph | 196 mph |
Curb Weight | 3,046 lbs (1,382 kg) | 3,168 lbs (1,437 kg) | 3,075 lbs (1,395 kg) | 3,104 lbs (1,408 kg) | 2,773 lbs (1,258 kg) |
Length | 171.0 in (4,350 mm) | 171.0 in (4,350 mm) | 172.6 in (4,384 mm) | 172.6 in (4,384 mm) | 172.6 in (4,384 mm) |
Width | 72.8 in (1,848 mm) | 72.8 in (1,848 mm) | 72.6 in (1,844 mm) | 72.6 in (1,844 mm) | 72.6 in (1,844 mm) |
Height | 48.4 in (1,229 mm) | 48.4 in (1,229 mm) | 48.4 in (1,229 mm) | 48.4 in (1,229 mm) | 48.4 in (1,229 mm) |
Wheelbase | 101.4 in (2,575 mm) | 101.4 in (2,575 mm) | 101.4 in (2,575 mm) | 101.4 in (2,575 mm) | 101.4 in (2,575 mm) |
Drag Coefficient | 0.337 | 0.337 | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 |
Size-wise, the Evora is refreshingly compact in today’s world of bloated sports cars. With a wheelbase of 101.4 inches, it strikes that sweet spot between stability and agility. At around 172 inches long, it’s significantly shorter than many rivals, which helps explain why it dances through corners with such grace.
Engine Lotus Evora Specifications
The engine lotus evora specifications tell a story of thoughtful evolution. Starting with Toyota’s reliable 2GR-FE V6, Lotus worked their magic to create something special. In its natural state, this 3.5-liter engine delivered a respectable 276 horsepower – plenty for the lightweight Evora chassis.
But Lotus engineers weren’t satisfied. The Evora S introduced an Eaton-type boostr that transformed the car’s character entirely. Later models received a Harrop HTV 1320 boostr with Eaton Twin Vortex Series technology, paired with cleverly designed charge cooling systems that kept temperatures in check while maximizing power.
You could have your Evora with either a satisfyingly mechanical six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic dubbed “Intelligent Precision Shift” (IPS). The manual in later models came with a Torsen limited-slip differential that helped put power down when exiting corners – a feature you’d appreciate when releaseing all that torque.
One of the most impressive aspects of the engine lotus evora specifications is the near-perfect 39:61 front-to-rear weight distribution. This balance is the secret sauce behind the Evora’s supernatural handling abilities – the car seems to pivot around the driver in a way that feels almost telepathic.
Performance Lotus Evora Specifications
On paper, the performance lotus evora specifications are impressive, but numbers don’t tell the whole story. The Evora GT pulls 1.04 g on the skidpad – a figure that puts it in the company of cars costing twice as much. But what the numbers don’t convey is how the car communicates these forces to you, how it telegraphs its grip levels through the steering wheel and seat.
Stopping power is equally impressive, with the Evora GT halting from 70 mph in just 148 feet. This braking prowess comes courtesy of AP Racing four-piston calipers and two-piece cross-drilled discs that resist fade even after repeated hard stops at the track.
The aerodynamics deserve special mention in any discussion of performance lotus evora specifications. The Evora GT generates 141 pounds of downforce at maximum speed, while the track-focused GT430 creates a whopping 550 pounds of downforce at 190 mph. This isn’t just marketing fluff – you can feel this downforce working as the car becomes more planted the faster you go.
Tire choice plays a huge role in the Evora’s grip levels. Later models wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (245/35R19 front, 295/30R20 rear) that offer incredible grip in both dry and wet conditions. These aren’t just track-day specials – they work remarkably well on public roads too.
Surprisingly for a car with this level of performance, fuel economy isn’t terrible. The EPA rates the manual Evora GT at 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. You can check the EPA fuel estimates for more detailed information on specific model years. Not that you’d buy an Evora to save on gas, but it’s nice to know you won’t be stopping every 150 miles.
Design, Interior, Technology & Safety
Lotus wrapped the Evora’s bonded aluminium chassis in flowing, functional bodywork penned by Russell Carr. A three-piece structure (centre tub plus bolt-on front and rear subframes) makes crash repairs quicker and cheaper than on most mid-engined rivals.
• Hydraulic steering – brimming with feel in an age of numb electric racks.
• Double-wishbone suspension – Bilstein dampers & Eibach springs tame rough roads without dulling response.
• Optional carbon pack – roof, tailgate and aero pieces trim 49 lb (22 kg).
Inside, the Evora is far more habitable than an Elise yet still purpose-built. Choose two seats or a 2+2; the small rear bench is best for kids or luggage. Sparco buckets (leather or Alcantara) offer long-distance comfort, and there’s even a cooled rear boot.
Tech is lean: a 7-inch Alpine touchscreen, Bluetooth and optional nav do the basics, but Apple CarPlay/Android Auto require aftermarket kits. Advanced driver-assistance features are absent—this is a driver’s car first and foremost.
For a broader look at cutting-edge cabin tech, visit our roundup on Luxury Car Technology.
Ownership Insights: Fuel Economy, Warranty & Maintenance
Running an Evora is refreshingly realistic for an exotic. A 2021 Evora GT returns an EPA-rated 17 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (manual), and the Toyota-sourced V6 keeps service costs sane. Lotus backs the car with a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty plus an 8-year unlimited-mile corrosion guarantee.
Pros
- Magical steering feel and supple ride
- Distinctive looks; you won’t park next to another every day
- Reliable Toyota drivetrain
- Small rear seats double as handy luggage space
Cons
- Infotainment lags behind rivals
- Wide sills make graceful exits a learned art
- Sparse dealer network in some regions
- Minimal modern driver-assist tech
Considering alternatives? Check our guide to Affordable Luxury Sports Cars to see where the Evora fits.
Special Editions, Motorsport & Legacy
Limited-run models such as the GT410 and GT430 pushed the Evora concept to its limits—430 hp, 550 lb of downforce and only 60 cars worldwide make the GT430 the collector’s pick. Lotus even built a 414E hybrid prototype to preview an electrified future.
On track, the Evora Cup/GT4 and Type 124 endurance racers scored class wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, while the GTE variant claimed a podium at Le Mans in 2011. Two specially equipped Evora S patrol cars even served with Italy’s Carabinieri.
That breadth shows why the Evora is more than a stop-gap between Elise and Emira—it proved Lotus could marry day-to-day usability with old-school driver involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many were built? 6,117 across all variants (2009-2021).
Is the engine reliable? Yes. The Toyota 2GR-FE V6 is renowned for durability, and Lotus’s boostd versions retain that reputation.
Can adults use the rear seats? Only for very short trips; think “occasional use.”
Most collectible model? The GT430, thanks to its 60-unit run and extreme aero.
Looking for an Evora? The used market offers strong value and potential future appreciation.
Conclusion
The Lotus Evora represents a fascinating chapter in sports car history—a daily-usable supercar that stayed true to Lotus’s handling-focused philosophy while offering more practicality than previous models. Its lotus evora specifications tell the story of continuous improvement, from the original 276-horsepower naturally aspirated model to the track-focused 430-horsepower GT430.
What makes the Evora special isn’t just its impressive performance figures but how it delivers that performance. The hydraulic steering provides feedback that’s increasingly rare in modern sports cars, while the supple suspension manages to combine precise handling with remarkable ride comfort.
Despite its relatively niche appeal and modest sales numbers, the Evora’s legacy is secure. It kept Lotus viable during a challenging transition period and demonstrated that the company could build a more refined sports car without compromising its core values.
For enthusiasts seeking a distinctive alternative to mainstream sports cars, the Evora offers a compelling blend of performance, character, and exclusivity. Its Toyota-sourced powertrain provides reliability uncommon in the exotic car world, while its limited production numbers ensure you won’t see another one at every traffic light.
As we at Car News 4 You continue to explore the fascinating world of automotive engineering, the Lotus Evora stands as a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding driving experiences come from cars that prioritize driver engagement over outright numbers or cutting-edge technology.
For more insights into luxury sports cars and automotive innovation, explore our Luxury category insights at Car News 4 You.