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Sometimes in the wonderful world of automobiles, a car comes along that is just way more than your expectations dreamed of. You see pictures of the car and think “ that’s cool” and you move on. Then you see the car for real and how many times do you say “the pictures just don’t do it justice” Then if you are real lucky you get to drive it. Then, well you just don’t want to stop driving it. All of the above is so true with the Lotus Evora. Early pictures made for interesting thoughts just because it was a new Lotus, then as the cars were being unloaded at the dealership you get stopped in your tracks and say “the pictures didn’t do it justice” Then as I am real lucky, I did/have/still am, driving it !!! So far I have put 4000 miles on the first two demos that arrived with us 6 weeks ago. First was the Storm Titanium car and then Ardent Red. I’m not usually a fan of Red sports cars (except for a Ferrari of course) But a Lotus in Red, oh yes !! In Brief, the Evora is a mid engine 2+2 ( worlds only one) created in house by Lotus design. Aluminum front sub frame, aluminum central tub and galvanized welded rear sub frame make up the architecture of the car. The power train is Lotus tuned and Toyota-sourced 3.5 liter V6 engine with dual overhead cams and variable value timing. It generate 276 bhp and 258 lbs of torque and….only weighs in at a  whisker over 3000 lbs !! The interior is a surprise and delight.  Hand trimmed leather, aluminum instrument and center console with all the controls in easy access. Flat bottom steering wheel (love that) and Recaro adjustable seats which a very comfortable even on a 300 mile trip. Yep did that. At 6’ 2” I fit with ease and have plenty of head room which isn’t always the case with some designs. Room for a helmet if you feel the need for speed on a track. Driving the car really is a joy whether in the city, stuck on the 128 (which I am daily) or more to the purpose of the car, out and free on the highways and byways.  Its beautifully balanced and the handling is a dream, no lift or roll and the point and squirt steering gives you exactly the right feel and feedback back through your hands. The 6 speed gearbox is short shift and easy to select.  Bosch ventilated discs have AP Racing  4 piston Calipers and stop on a dime. Ok, yep did that too!! Plenty of gismos to enhance the performance,  traction control, stability control, ABS, normal fruit these days, but turn it all off and WHOOO HOO BABY !! Although the back seats are compromised in terms of adult usage you can fit children back there are there are seat anchors for child seats, realistically what you have is a nice bench seat for appropriate sized luggage for a proper road trip. There is a rear trunk which has its uses for sure but well let’s not get carried away.  The Evora comes with all the latest and greatest electrical gadgets so you can MP3 ipod blue tooth, blah blah til your hearts content. All of the cars we have ordered come with the full list of options and I’m glad we did. There are three option packages: Technology package, which includes Alpine portable Sat Nav, hi powered amp, 7” touch screen display, back up camera ( a must!)  blue tooth cruise, cruise control, parking sensors.Sport package: switchable sport mode, sports traction control, sport diffuser, brake calipers, cross drilled brakes. Titanium tipped sports exhaust.Premium package: Full leather interior, center armrests, accent lighting. You can choose separate options but I would go with the packages, makes more sense. There are 20 different exterior colors, 4 interiors and 4 wheel choices. Fully loaded the car has an MSRP of 86k and change. But it’s really all about the driving and rarely have I been so impressed straight out of the gate. To live with, the Evora is everything you could want from a sports car, balanced handling, controlled speed and a lovely torque band. I really can’t find fault after 4000 miles and I can’t remember saying that before even back in my Aston days, and no gear heads I am not comparing it to an Aston Martin!  I’m talking about the overall experience of an everyday drivable livable sports car. It’s a complete package. Are there quicker cars? of course, greater top speed? Definitely, more luxurious? absolutely, but the Lotus Evora isn’t trying to be those things. The Evora is just plain honest in what it is and what it does, it’s not offering you anymore than it says on the box before you take it out and won’t leave you hanging when you drive it. If your expectations are higher then you’ve missed the point or can’t afford it, or both, whatever.  I am so taken with the car I even took one in the nuts for driving it so much, but that’s another story…. Happy motoring whatever you ride is ! John 

Note: Both demo cars are now being offered at demo pricing. Call John or Pat for details.