Lotus Evora unveiled at Norm Baker Motor Co.
In town for a limited 72-hour engagement, the 2010 Lotus Evora was unveiled in December at Norm Baker Motor Co.
About 60 people from various local car clubs were on hand and applauded enthusiastically when the draping was pulled off the main attraction.
“Everybody flipped out when they saw it,” said Norm Baker Motor Co. general manager Tim Donnelly. “If you like Lotus and were waiting for something a little bigger, take at look at this car.”
Donnelly not only invited the car clubs to see the car, but also treated guests to brunch and live entertainment.
“We certainly made a spectacle out of it,” said Donnelly, who expects the car to go on sale in the U.S. by fall 2009.
The latest sports car design from the renowned British manufacturer combines classic Lotus features — midengined, lightweight and smaller than most everything else on the road — with the added benefit of being a daily driver, capable of even hauling a set of golf clubs in the rear-mounted trunk. “It’s entirely a new car,” said Donnelly, referring specifically to the two-plus-two configuration that provides for rear seating and adjustable Recaro leather sports seats for the front. It is the first all-new addition to the Lotus lineup since 1995.
The 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that is capable of producing about 280 horsepower. Thanks to the 2,976-pound overall weight, the Lotus Evora stopped the clock at less than five seconds in the 0 to 60 mph test. The car is suspended by Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs. Stopping power is provided by AP Racing four-piston calipers.
All the modern, high-tech gadgets are available, including an Alpine multimedia system with 7-inch touch screen, satellite navigation, DVD, Bluetooth technology and iPod connectivity.
“The Evora will be positioned above the Elise and Exige S models and, like the not-for-the-U.S. Europa, aims to provide increased day-to-day usability, which means it should be no harder to get in and out of than a Corvette with a low, flat door sill,” wrote Jake Holmes at www.caranddriver.com. “Think Porsche Cayman as opposed to all-out track toy. The Evora will carry more creature comforts and be larger (although that’s a relative term) than the Elise and Exige in an attempt to help attract new customers to the Lotus brand.”
Norm Baker Motor Co., provider of high-line, exotic and classic automobiles for more than 38 years, is currently taking orders for the new Lotus Evora, which Donnelly estimated would carry a base price of $75,000 to $85,000.
Norm Baker Motor Co. is located at 6175 W. Sahara Ave. Call 385-5511 or visit www.normbakermotorco.com.
