What’s New for 2017?
After taking off the 2015 and 2016 model years, Evora is back with a limited-production, high-performance model called the 2017 Lotus Evora 400. Unsurprisingly, it features 400 horsepower.
What We Like
Reliable engine; surprisingly good gas mileage; fairly practical (for a Lotus); great driving experience
What We Don’t
Styling isn’t as wild as Elise; still not practical by most standards; Lotus’s future is uncertain
Overview
For several years, the mid-engine Evora has been Lotus’s flagship model. Now, it’s the brand’s only model, as the Elise and Exige left the market a few years back. And while we thought the Lotus might be gone for good after the Evora skipped the 2015 and 2016 model years, the Evora 400 revives the sporty coupe with a vengeance.
Designed to square off against established sports cars such as the Porsche Cayman, the Evora 400 features either 2- or 4-seat configurations and a 3.5-liter V6 sourced from — this is actually true — the Toyota Camry. But the Evora is otherwise un-Camry-like in every way, touting 400 hp thanks to a supercharger and some massaging under the hood.
It isn’t just extra power that makes the 2017 Lotus Evora 400 stand out compared to its predecessor, as the model also offers a 92-pound weight reduction from the outgoing version — along with an improved interior. There’s also the impressive top speed of 186 miles per hour, and the 0-to-60 time of around 4 seconds.
The only drawback is price: While we appreciate the Evora and its excellent driving experience, the Evora 400 starts at a pricey $94,800 with shipping — big money for a V6-powered car from an automaker whose future (including future parts supply, should things go wrong) is decidedly uncertain.
The Lotus is a true drivers sports car with drivers feedback. It is different than the Porsche I personally owned both the Cayman s and the 911 4s and the Porsche’s electric steering takes away the true road feel. The Lotus has a less expensive service costs, and the Lotus is one of the last true hand made cars.