2009 Lotus Evora Australian Delivery And Trim Specifications Confirmed

Lotus has confirmed that its latest lightweight sportscar is destined for Australia, in fact, the order book is now open.

The Evora debuted at the London Motor Show in July of this year, and is expected to land in Australia in the third quarter of 2009. It will be the first of three all-new Lotus models planned for the coming five years.

"As the world's only mid-engined 2+2 sports car, Evora features 21st century performance combined with practicality and economy. Evora will continue the strengthening of the Lotus brand worldwide, and in Australia and we are very excited that it heralds a new wave of Lotus sports cars that will complement the existing four-model range of Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven,” said Lotus Cars Australia Sales & Marketing Manager Jonathan Stretton

The Evora is powered by a Lotus-tuned version of the all-alloy Toyota 3MZ-FE 3.3-litre V6. Featuring double-overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams, Lotus has tweaked the tune and improved driveability, response and power.

Evora's seating will offer two as standard equipment, with the a 2+2 configuration with rear ISOFIX child anchorage points.

The 2+2 interior is dominated by two adjustable leather covered Recaros. Other interior features include a flat-bottomed steering wheel with new power-assistance, edge-lit bespoke controls, along with storage bins and consoles, a 160-litre boot that will accommodate a full set of golf clubs, and a boot cooling system that keeps the boot cool, despite the proximity of the engine.

There will be three standards of trim available. The Premium Pack includes accent interior lighting a number of leather trim and matching floor mat colours including Charcoal (black), Paprika (red), Chestnut (Tan) and Oyster (magnolia).

The Tech Pack includes cruise control and parking sensors and an advanced Alpine Imprint EQ stereo that doubles as a multi-media system. The Alpine system features a seven-inch touch screen, iPod connectivity, DVD player, Bluetooth hands-free phone compatibility and a low tyre-pressure warning.

The system also features satellite-navigation that is removeable, allowing the unit to be used by owners who don’t mind mind hoofing it. A reversing camera is also incorporated into the screen.

The Alpine Imprint EQ sound system also uses technology that cancels out sound imbalances such as echoes from glass or absorption by carpets, resulting in amazingly crisp, clear undistorted sound from any seat.

The Sport Pack is designed for the performance driver, with a switchable sport dynamic setting, sports springs and dampers, cross-drilled brake discs, upgraded grilles for added cooling and painted brake callipers.

All of the optional packs are available separately or in combination with stand-alone options including the premium Alpine Imprint Dynamic EQ audio system, reversing camera, electric folding mirrors, bi-xenon headlights and forged-alloy Stealth grey wheels.

"Lotus Cars Australia had its best year in Australia in 2007 and in 2008 we have launched a number of thrilling models: the Exige S Performance Pack offers outstanding performance comparable to supercars two and three times its price; the new Elise SC is proving extremely popular as it is the first time the flexibility and power of a supercharged engine has been offered in a Lotus with a removable roof.

"The $69,990 Elise S continues to be the most popular model, enabling more buyers into a Lotus than ever before, while the 2008 updates to the entire Lotus range have been extremely well received."

The Australian Evora order book is now officially opened and the dealer network is securing deposits ahead of final pricing confirmation, due in the coming months.