October 13, 2024 • 15 mins
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.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Welcome to the Mega Car Review Podcast from
Confounderit, your go-to showfor everything cars, whether
you're a gearhead or justshopping for your next set of
wheels.
Every week, your hosts, marvand Claudia, dive into the
latest automotive trends, givehands-on reviews and share the
insights you need to make thesmart decisions in the world of
cars From the hottest models tomarket secrets.
(00:28):
Marv and Claudia have youcovered.
Get ready for expert opinions,lively debates and all the
details you won't hear anywhereelse.
Now let's join Marv and Claudiafor another episode of the Mega
Car Review Podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Hey everyone and welcome back.
Today we're diving into a carthat's well, let's just say it's
got a reputation.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
A reputation for uh.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
For being extraordinary, but also a little
bit misunderstood.
Maybe the Lotus Evora.
People want to know what is itabout this car, what makes it
special, and, if you're thinkingabout getting behind the wheel
of one, what do you need towatch out for?
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Yeah, it's a fascinating car really.
I think when you look at theEvora, you see Lotus trying to
do something different, you know, trying to reach a wider
audience.
But the question is, did theypull it off without losing what
makes a Lotus, well, a Lotus?
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Yeah, exactly.
So how did they try and walkthat tightrope?
Because they didn't go soft,did they?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
No, not at all.
I mean Lotus.
They've always been known forthese bare-bones track machines.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Cars that are more comfortable on a racetrack than
they are driving to the grocerystore, the Evora.
It was their way of saying,look, we can build something
refined.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
We can build something comfortable, but don't
think for a second that we'velost our edge.
Okay, I like the sound of that,so give me an example.
What's one thing, a specificdetail about the Evora that
really showcases this blend ofhardcore performance and daily
drivability?
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Well, I think the chassis is a great place to
start, actually, okay, they useda bonded aluminum structure
which is incredibly lightweightEssential for a Lotus, right,
absolutely Essential for a Lotusbut it's also incredibly stiff,
and that stiffness translatesinto a more refined ride, a more
comfortable ride, which is notsomething you typically
associate with a Lotus.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
So it's like they're using racing car technology, but
making it livable for the restof us.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Exactly.
And they didn't stop there.
They offered a range of enginesas well, to appeal to a whole
bunch of different drivers.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Okay, so let's talk engines, because I know this
wasn't just a case of likepicking your color.
The Evora had some seriousgrunt under the hood.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Oh yeah, it started with a naturally aspirated V6.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Okay, for those of us who don't speak, engine
translate that for us.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Basically, it means you've got a powerful,
responsive engine withoutneeding any sort of forced
induction like a turbocharger oranything.
Right, and we're talking aboutin those early models, around
276 horsepower.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Which is not too shabby at all.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Plenty to have some fun with.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
But then things got really interesting as the Evora,
you know, kind of evolved.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
It's about me.
They got like more powerful.
Well, they did yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
They introduced the supercharged versions of that v6
.
You saw it in the avoris s, theavora 400, the hardcore 430 and
, oh boy, these things wereabsolute beasts.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
You're talking horsepower figures jumping well
over 400 wait, 400 horsepowerand 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 atthe pump, but like an insurance
must have been.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Yeah, we'll definitely get into the
insurance side of things alittle bit later.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
But yeah, lotus, they weren't just about brute force.
With the Evora, they paid a lotof attention to aerodynamics,
especially with those latermodels.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Okay, so aerodynamics we're talking like wings and
spoilers and all that like racecar stuff.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
Exactly they redesigned the body work.
They added spoilers, diffusers,I mean all these things that at
first glance might seem purelycosmetic actually have a massive
impact on how the car cutsthrough the air.
They even went as far as totweak the underbody to make it
as slippery as possible.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
So what does that do Like?
What's the real world effect ofall that when you're actually
behind the wheel?
Speaker 3 (04:08):
So, in the simplest terms, it helps the car stick to
the road, especially at highspeeds, you know, think about
taking a fast corner.
All those aerodynamicimprovements that redesign body
work.
They create what's calleddownforce.
Downforce yeah basically theopposite of lift.
So the faster you go, the morethe air pushes the car down onto
the road, giving you more grip,more stability, which means you
(04:30):
can corner faster, you canbrake later and you know you
just have that added confidencein the car's handling.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
It's not just about going fast, it's about being in
control at speed.
Yeah, okay clever, but let's behonest, lotus isn't exactly
known for building.
You know family cars, but let'sbe honest, lotus isn't exactly
known for building you knowfamily cars.
What's the inside of an Evoralike?
Is it all like bare bones andrace gory inside?
Speaker 3 (04:52):
You know, that's actually one of the areas where
the Evora really tried to setitself apart from its
predecessors.
Lotus knew that to attract awider audience, they needed to
step up their interior game.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
And by step up, you mean.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
They actually tried to make it, dare I say,
luxurious.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
A jury a lotus.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
I know, I know, compared to other lotuses, the
Evora's interior, it was arevelation.
We're talking leather seats, adecent infotainment system.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
They even attempted to squeeze in rear seats.
Wait, hold on Rear seats in alotus.
Is that even possible?
Speaker 3 (05:24):
I know right, and, to be fair, the source material is
pretty clear that those rearseats are well, let's just say
they're more aspirational thanpractical.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
More like a shelf, then, than actual seats, for,
you know, human beings.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
Yeah, you wouldn't want to be stuck back there for
a long road trip.
Let's put it that way.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Got it More of a penalty box than a backseat, OK,
but hey, at least they triedright.
Speaker 3 (05:43):
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 Practicalityin a performance car it often
comes with some caveats.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
And those back seats are perhaps the perfect example.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Speaking of practicality, you know what is
it actually like to live with anEvora.
We dug into the used market alittle bit and let me tell you,
things get interesting.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Yeah well, buying a used Evora it's not just about
owning a car, is it?
It's like owning a piece ofhistory, a piece of that Lotus
legacy.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Yeah, you're buying into that lightweight
performance, that undeniableLotus character.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
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 (06:30):
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 (06:36):
Okay, so not exactly cheap, but not like completely
out of reach either.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
No, not at all, especially when you consider
that those early models theygive you that pure no, not at
all.
Especially when you considerthat those early models they
give you that pure, naturallyaspirated V6 experience.
It's that linear power delivery, incredibly satisfying Music to
(07:07):
my ears.
But what if you want somethingwith a bit more?
You know oomph to spend a bitmore though.
Think like 40,000 to 55,000pounds depending on the
condition, the mileage you know.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Okay, so a jump up in price.
But what do you get for that?
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Quite a bit actually Typically more standard features
on the S models.
And then there's thatsupercharged engine.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Ah, yes, the supercharger.
We're talking seriousperformance now.
But for the true diehardhorsepower junkies, there's the
Evora 400, right, that's thestuff of legend.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
Yeah, there's something else Introduced around
2016, the 400, and then thelater 410 and 430 models.
Those represent the peak of theEvora's evolution Faster, more
powerful and, as you can imagine, significantly more expensive
on the used market.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Okay, give me the numbers.
What are we talking here?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
You're looking at upwards of 55,000 pounds for a
400 and potentially double thatfor a pristine 430.
These are highly sought-aftercars.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Double.
Ouch Guess exclusivity likethat comes with the price tag.
But it can't all be likesunshine and rainbows, right.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
Right?
Of course not.
I mean, we've talked about theperformance, the looks.
But you know, responsibleownership means being aware of
the potential downsides as well.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
You're talking about the dreaded I-word insurance.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
Yeah, Insurance companies.
They have a way of reminding usthat performance comes at a
price.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
So lay it on me.
How painful are we talking here?
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Well, those early models, the naturally aspirated
ones, they're not exactly cheapto insure but they're manageable
.
You're looking at likeinsurance groups 45 to 47.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Insurance groups Sorry for those of us who don't
speak insurance.
What does that even mean?
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Oh right, Insurance companies use these groups to
basically categorize cars basedon things like their value,
their performance, the cost torepair them, that kind of thing.
Higher group means higherpremiums.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
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 (08:57):
That's where things can get a bit spicy.
The supercharged Evoras,particularly those 400 and above
.
They can land you an insurancegroup 50, sometimes even higher.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Ouch, that's a serious chunk of change on top
of an already pricey car.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Yeah, it's something to factor in.
For sure, you might find anamazing deal on a used Evora,
but then if the insurance quotescome back and you're like
having heart palpitations, itkind of takes the fun out of it.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Very true.
So let's say you've done yourhomework, factored in the
insurance, and you're ready totake the plunge.
What should people actually belooking out for when they're
shopping for a used Evora?
Because, like with anyperformance car, I imagine one
that's been driven hard mightcome with a few, shall we say,
surprises.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Oh, absolutely.
For instance, those earlymodels, they were known to have
a few electrical gremlins.
You know, the infotainmentsystem in particular could be a
bit temperamental.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Oh no, not the infotainment system.
Can you imagine like mid-corner?
You're perfectly in tune withthe car and then suddenly your
driving playlist just goeshaywire.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
Yeah, not ideal.
And while the Evora S modelsare generally pretty reliable,
you definitely want to check theclutch.
Especially on higher mileageexamples, those supercharged
engines they can really put alot of stress on the clutch.
And a replacement.
Well, that's not going to be acheap fix.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Makes sense, so preventative maintenance is key
with these high-performancemachines.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
Absolutely.
And then when it comes to thoselater models, the 400 and above
, they're still relatively newto the used market.
But you know, one thing to bewary of is any sign of track use
.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Yeah, because as fun as track days are, they can
really put a car through itspaces.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
Exactly so.
You want to check those brakes,inspect the suspension, make
sure everything's in tip-topshape.
It's almost like being adetective.
You know you're looking forclues about the car's past to
make sure you're not inheritingsomeone else's problems.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
A little bit of due diligence goes a long way.
Okay, so we've covered theEvora's like origin story, we've
gone under the hood, talkedabout what to watch out for on
the used market, but we'd beremiss if we didn't talk about,
well, the competition.
Because, let's face it, in theworld of sports cars, someone's
always right on your tail.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Yeah, it's a crowded field out there, no doubt, but
even with some seriouscontenders the Evora it still
holds its own.
We've got some heavy hittersfrom 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 ownunique flavor to the table.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
Okay, so let's look it down, one contender at a time
.
First up, the Porsche Cayman.
It's almost the default rightSleek, quick, reliable as the
sunrise.
How does the Evora stack upagainst that kind of pedigree?
Speaker 3 (11:33):
Well, I think it's a classic case of like head versus
heart.
You know the Cayman.
It's objectively the morepolished choice, maybe even the
more sensible one.
It'll probably be a bit cheaperto run Finding someone to
service, it isn't a headache.
But and this is a big but theEvora has this like rawness to
it, a sense of occasion that theCayman, even in its sportier
(11:54):
trims it, just can't quitereplicate.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
It's that Lotus mystique right, that feeling of
like driving something trulyspecial.
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
Yeah, exactly.
But you know, let's notdiscount the Cayman.
It's a phenomenal sports car inits own right.
Now, how about we switch gearsa bit?
Talk about the Alpine A110.
Now, how about we switch gearsa bit?
Talk about the Alpine A110.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Bit of a dark horse in this race, I'd say Right, the
A110, the lightweight contender.
It punches way above its weightclass when it comes to handling
, but can it really keep up withthe Evora when it comes to, you
know, just pure straight linespeed?
Speaker 3 (12:22):
See, that's where those horsepower figures really
come into play.
The A110, it's all aboutagility, right, it's about
carrying speed through thecorners, feeling light on its
feet an absolute blast on atwisty back road.
But the Evora, especially withthat supercharged V6, it just it
has more grunt.
If you're looking for rawacceleration, you want that like
satisfying push back into yourseat the Evora might be the more
(12:45):
satisfying choice.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
So it's a tradeoff agility versus like brute force.
Yeah, okay, next up we've gotwell, 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 tourerthan a pure sports car?
Speaker 3 (13:02):
that's a great point.
Yeah, the f-type definitelyleans more towards that
luxurious experience.
It's a bigger car than theavora.
The interior feels a bit more Idon't know special occasion.
If you want a comfortablecruiser that can still, you know
, put a smile on your face whenyou put your foot down.
The F-Type's a strong contender, but the Evora that's a
driver's car through and throughyou know, it's all about the
connection between you and themachine, being completely
(13:24):
immersed in that drivingexperience.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
So the F-Type's the suave gentleman and the Evora is
the adrenaline junkie.
Speaker 3 (13:30):
Yeah, I like that All right.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
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 likesheer driving thrills?
Speaker 3 (13:43):
The TT RS.
It really is a technologicalmarvel.
It's super capable, in no smallpart due to Audi's quattro
all-wheel drive system.
I mean, you can take this thingout in any weather and feel
confident.
And the interior it's just likea master class in tech and
design.
But it doesn't quite have thatraw, visceral feel of the Evora.
It's more clinical, moreprecise, but maybe lacking that
(14:05):
last bit of engagement that theEvora just has in spades.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
So, really, what we're seeing here is that each
of these cars has its ownstrengths and weaknesses.
It all comes down to whatyou're looking for in a sports
car.
Are you after comforttechnology, all weather
capability or that pure,unadulterated, connected driving
experience?
Speaker 3 (14:22):
Exactly.
There's no single right answer.
It's about understanding whatmakes each car unique and then
matching that to your owndriving style, your own
priorities.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Couldn't have said it better myself.
We've covered a lot of groundtoday.
We talked about the Evora'sunusual start, how it performs,
what to look out for if you'rebuying one used and, of course,
how it measures up against someserious competition.
And I think one thing's clearthe Evora, it's more than just a
car, isn't it?
It's an experience.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
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 totheir roots.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Yeah, it really makes you wonder what they've got up
their sleeves next, doesn't it?
But for now, if you had to pickjust one of these sports cars
to park in your garage, whichone would it be and, more
importantly, why?
We want to hear from you.
Let us know your thoughts inthe comments.
This has been the Deep Dive.
Thanks for joining us on thisrather exciting ride.
Speaker 3 (15:17):
Until next time you.
Welcome to the Mega Car Review Podcast from
Confounderit, your go-to showfor everything cars, whether
you're a gearhead or justshopping for your next set of
wheels.
Every week, your hosts, marvand Claudia, dive into the
latest automotive trends, givehands-on reviews and share the
insights you need to make thesmart decisions in the world of
cars From the hottest models tomarket secrets.
(00:28):
Marv and Claudia have youcovered.
Get ready for expert opinions,lively debates and all the
details you won't hear anywhereelse.
Now let's join Marv and Claudiafor another episode of the Mega
Car Review Podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Hey everyone and welcome back.
Today we're diving into a carthat's well, let's just say it's
got a reputation.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
A reputation for uh.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
For being extraordinary, but also a little
bit misunderstood.
Maybe the Lotus Evora.
People want to know what is itabout this car, what makes it
special, and, if you're thinkingabout getting behind the wheel
of one, what do you need towatch out for?
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Yeah, it's a fascinating car really.
I think when you look at theEvora, you see Lotus trying to
do something different, you know, trying to reach a wider
audience.
But the question is, did theypull it off without losing what
makes a Lotus, well, a Lotus?
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Yeah, exactly.
So how did they try and walkthat tightrope?
Because they didn't go soft,did they?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
No, not at all.
I mean Lotus.
They've always been known forthese bare-bones track machines.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Cars that are more comfortable on a racetrack than
they are driving to the grocerystore, the Evora.
It was their way of saying,look, we can build something
refined.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
We can build something comfortable, but don't
think for a second that we'velost our edge.
Okay, I like the sound of that,so give me an example.
What's one thing, a specificdetail about the Evora that
really showcases this blend ofhardcore performance and daily
drivability?
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Well, I think the chassis is a great place to
start, actually, okay, they useda bonded aluminum structure
which is incredibly lightweightEssential for a Lotus, right,
absolutely Essential for a Lotusbut it's also incredibly stiff,
and that stiffness translatesinto a more refined ride, a more
comfortable ride, which is notsomething you typically
associate with a Lotus.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
So it's like they're using racing car technology, but
making it livable for the restof us.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Exactly.
And they didn't stop there.
They offered a range of enginesas well, to appeal to a whole
bunch of different drivers.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Okay, so let's talk engines, because I know this
wasn't just a case of likepicking your color.
The Evora had some seriousgrunt under the hood.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Oh yeah, it started with a naturally aspirated V6.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Okay, for those of us who don't speak, engine
translate that for us.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Basically, it means you've got a powerful,
responsive engine withoutneeding any sort of forced
induction like a turbocharger oranything.
Right, and we're talking aboutin those early models, around
276 horsepower.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Which is not too shabby at all.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
Plenty to have some fun with.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
But then things got really interesting as the Evora,
you know, kind of evolved.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
It's about me.
They got like more powerful.
Well, they did yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
They introduced the supercharged versions of that v6
.
You saw it in the avoris s, theavora 400, the hardcore 430 and
, oh boy, these things wereabsolute beasts.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
You're talking horsepower figures jumping well
over 400 wait, 400 horsepowerand 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 atthe pump, but like an insurance
must have been.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
Yeah, we'll definitely get into the
insurance side of things alittle bit later.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
But yeah, lotus, they weren't just about brute force.
With the Evora, they paid a lotof attention to aerodynamics,
especially with those latermodels.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Okay, so aerodynamics we're talking like wings and
spoilers and all that like racecar stuff.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
Exactly they redesigned the body work.
They added spoilers, diffusers,I mean all these things that at
first glance might seem purelycosmetic actually have a massive
impact on how the car cutsthrough the air.
They even went as far as totweak the underbody to make it
as slippery as possible.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
So what does that do Like?
What's the real world effect ofall that when you're actually
behind the wheel?
Speaker 3 (04:08):
So, in the simplest terms, it helps the car stick to
the road, especially at highspeeds, you know, think about
taking a fast corner.
All those aerodynamicimprovements that redesign body
work.
They create what's calleddownforce.
Downforce yeah basically theopposite of lift.
So the faster you go, the morethe air pushes the car down onto
the road, giving you more grip,more stability, which means you
(04:30):
can corner faster, you canbrake later and you know you
just have that added confidencein the car's handling.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
It's not just about going fast, it's about being in
control at speed.
Yeah, okay clever, but let's behonest, lotus isn't exactly
known for building.
You know family cars, but let'sbe honest, lotus isn't exactly
known for building you knowfamily cars.
What's the inside of an Evoralike?
Is it all like bare bones andrace gory inside?
Speaker 3 (04:52):
You know, that's actually one of the areas where
the Evora really tried to setitself apart from its
predecessors.
Lotus knew that to attract awider audience, they needed to
step up their interior game.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
And by step up, you mean.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
They actually tried to make it, dare I say,
luxurious.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
A jury a lotus.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
I know, I know, compared to other lotuses, the
Evora's interior, it was arevelation.
We're talking leather seats, adecent infotainment system.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
They even attempted to squeeze in rear seats.
Wait, hold on Rear seats in alotus.
Is that even possible?
Speaker 3 (05:24):
I know right, and, to be fair, the source material is
pretty clear that those rearseats are well, let's just say
they're more aspirational thanpractical.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
More like a shelf, then, than actual seats, for,
you know, human beings.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
Yeah, you wouldn't want to be stuck back there for
a long road trip.
Let's put it that way.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Got it More of a penalty box than a backseat, OK,
but hey, at least they triedright.
Speaker 3 (05:43):
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 Practicalityin a performance car it often
comes with some caveats.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
And those back seats are perhaps the perfect example.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Speaking of practicality, you know what is
it actually like to live with anEvora.
We dug into the used market alittle bit and let me tell you,
things get interesting.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Yeah well, buying a used Evora it's not just about
owning a car, is it?
It's like owning a piece ofhistory, a piece of that Lotus
legacy.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Yeah, you're buying into that lightweight
performance, that undeniableLotus character.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
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 (06:30):
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 (06:36):
Okay, so not exactly cheap, but not like completely
out of reach either.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
No, not at all, especially when you consider
that those early models theygive you that pure no, not at
all.
Especially when you considerthat those early models they
give you that pure, naturallyaspirated V6 experience.
It's that linear power delivery, incredibly satisfying Music to
(07:07):
my ears.
But what if you want somethingwith a bit more?
You know oomph to spend a bitmore though.
Think like 40,000 to 55,000pounds depending on the
condition, the mileage you know.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Okay, so a jump up in price.
But what do you get for that?
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Quite a bit actually Typically more standard features
on the S models.
And then there's thatsupercharged engine.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Ah, yes, the supercharger.
We're talking seriousperformance now.
But for the true diehardhorsepower junkies, there's the
Evora 400, right, that's thestuff of legend.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
Yeah, there's something else Introduced around
2016, the 400, and then thelater 410 and 430 models.
Those represent the peak of theEvora's evolution Faster, more
powerful and, as you can imagine, significantly more expensive
on the used market.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Okay, give me the numbers.
What are we talking here?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
You're looking at upwards of 55,000 pounds for a
400 and potentially double thatfor a pristine 430.
These are highly sought-aftercars.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Double.
Ouch Guess exclusivity likethat comes with the price tag.
But it can't all be likesunshine and rainbows, right.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
Right?
Of course not.
I mean, we've talked about theperformance, the looks.
But you know, responsibleownership means being aware of
the potential downsides as well.
Speaker 2 (08:12):
You're talking about the dreaded I-word insurance.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
Yeah, Insurance companies.
They have a way of reminding usthat performance comes at a
price.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
So lay it on me.
How painful are we talking here?
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Well, those early models, the naturally aspirated
ones, they're not exactly cheapto insure but they're manageable
.
You're looking at likeinsurance groups 45 to 47.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Insurance groups Sorry for those of us who don't
speak insurance.
What does that even mean?
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Oh right, Insurance companies use these groups to
basically categorize cars basedon things like their value,
their performance, the cost torepair them, that kind of thing.
Higher group means higherpremiums.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
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 (08:57):
That's where things can get a bit spicy.
The supercharged Evoras,particularly those 400 and above
.
They can land you an insurancegroup 50, sometimes even higher.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Ouch, that's a serious chunk of change on top
of an already pricey car.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Yeah, it's something to factor in.
For sure, you might find anamazing deal on a used Evora,
but then if the insurance quotescome back and you're like
having heart palpitations, itkind of takes the fun out of it.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Very true.
So let's say you've done yourhomework, factored in the
insurance, and you're ready totake the plunge.
What should people actually belooking out for when they're
shopping for a used Evora?
Because, like with anyperformance car, I imagine one
that's been driven hard mightcome with a few, shall we say,
surprises.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Oh, absolutely.
For instance, those earlymodels, they were known to have
a few electrical gremlins.
You know, the infotainmentsystem in particular could be a
bit temperamental.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Oh no, not the infotainment system.
Can you imagine like mid-corner?
You're perfectly in tune withthe car and then suddenly your
driving playlist just goeshaywire.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
Yeah, not ideal.
And while the Evora S modelsare generally pretty reliable,
you definitely want to check theclutch.
Especially on higher mileageexamples, those supercharged
engines they can really put alot of stress on the clutch.
And a replacement.
Well, that's not going to be acheap fix.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
Makes sense, so preventative maintenance is key
with these high-performancemachines.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
Absolutely.
And then when it comes to thoselater models, the 400 and above
, they're still relatively newto the used market.
But you know, one thing to bewary of is any sign of track use
.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Yeah, because as fun as track days are, they can
really put a car through itspaces.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
Exactly so.
You want to check those brakes,inspect the suspension, make
sure everything's in tip-topshape.
It's almost like being adetective.
You know you're looking forclues about the car's past to
make sure you're not inheritingsomeone else's problems.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
A little bit of due diligence goes a long way.
Okay, so we've covered theEvora's like origin story, we've
gone under the hood, talkedabout what to watch out for on
the used market, but we'd beremiss if we didn't talk about,
well, the competition.
Because, let's face it, in theworld of sports cars, someone's
always right on your tail.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Yeah, it's a crowded field out there, no doubt, but
even with some seriouscontenders the Evora it still
holds its own.
We've got some heavy hittersfrom 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 ownunique flavor to the table.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
Okay, so let's look it down, one contender at a time
.
First up, the Porsche Cayman.
It's almost the default rightSleek, quick, reliable as the
sunrise.
How does the Evora stack upagainst that kind of pedigree?
Speaker 3 (11:33):
Well, I think it's a classic case of like head versus
heart.
You know the Cayman.
It's objectively the morepolished choice, maybe even the
more sensible one.
It'll probably be a bit cheaperto run Finding someone to
service, it isn't a headache.
But and this is a big but theEvora has this like rawness to
it, a sense of occasion that theCayman, even in its sportier
(11:54):
trims it, just can't quitereplicate.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
It's that Lotus mystique right, that feeling of
like driving something trulyspecial.
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
Yeah, exactly.
But you know, let's notdiscount the Cayman.
It's a phenomenal sports car inits own right.
Now, how about we switch gearsa bit?
Talk about the Alpine A110.
Now, how about we switch gearsa bit?
Talk about the Alpine A110.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Bit of a dark horse in this race, I'd say Right, the
A110, the lightweight contender.
It punches way above its weightclass when it comes to handling
, but can it really keep up withthe Evora when it comes to, you
know, just pure straight linespeed?
Speaker 3 (12:22):
See, that's where those horsepower figures really
come into play.
The A110, it's all aboutagility, right, it's about
carrying speed through thecorners, feeling light on its
feet an absolute blast on atwisty back road.
But the Evora, especially withthat supercharged V6, it just it
has more grunt.
If you're looking for rawacceleration, you want that like
satisfying push back into yourseat the Evora might be the more
(12:45):
satisfying choice.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
So it's a tradeoff agility versus like brute force.
Yeah, okay, next up we've gotwell, 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 tourerthan a pure sports car?
Speaker 3 (13:02):
that's a great point.
Yeah, the f-type definitelyleans more towards that
luxurious experience.
It's a bigger car than theavora.
The interior feels a bit more Idon't know special occasion.
If you want a comfortablecruiser that can still, you know
, put a smile on your face whenyou put your foot down.
The F-Type's a strong contender, but the Evora that's a
driver's car through and throughyou know, it's all about the
connection between you and themachine, being completely
(13:24):
immersed in that drivingexperience.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
So the F-Type's the suave gentleman and the Evora is
the adrenaline junkie.
Speaker 3 (13:30):
Yeah, I like that All right.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
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 likesheer driving thrills?
Speaker 3 (13:43):
The TT RS.
It really is a technologicalmarvel.
It's super capable, in no smallpart due to Audi's quattro
all-wheel drive system.
I mean, you can take this thingout in any weather and feel
confident.
And the interior it's just likea master class in tech and
design.
But it doesn't quite have thatraw, visceral feel of the Evora.
It's more clinical, moreprecise, but maybe lacking that
(14:05):
last bit of engagement that theEvora just has in spades.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
So, really, what we're seeing here is that each
of these cars has its ownstrengths and weaknesses.
It all comes down to whatyou're looking for in a sports
car.
Are you after comforttechnology, all weather
capability or that pure,unadulterated, connected driving
experience?
Speaker 3 (14:22):
Exactly.
There's no single right answer.
It's about understanding whatmakes each car unique and then
matching that to your owndriving style, your own
priorities.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Couldn't have said it better myself.
We've covered a lot of groundtoday.
We talked about the Evora'sunusual start, how it performs,
what to look out for if you'rebuying one used and, of course,
how it measures up against someserious competition.
And I think one thing's clearthe Evora, it's more than just a
car, isn't it?
It's an experience.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
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 totheir roots.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Yeah, it really makes you wonder what they've got up
their sleeves next, doesn't it?
But for now, if you had to pickjust one of these sports cars
to park in your garage, whichone would it be and, more
importantly, why?
We want to hear from you.
Let us know your thoughts inthe comments.
This has been the Deep Dive.
Thanks for joining us on thisrather exciting ride.
Speaker 3 (15:17):
Until next time you.
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