New Lotus named

LOTUS last night announced that its long-awaited mid-engined four-seater will be called the Evora.

Officially unveiled at the British International Motor Show in London, the first all-new Lotus since the Elise in 1995 will go on sale in the first half of 2009 and will arrive in Australia later in the year.

As reported last week, it will be powered by a 206kW version of the Toyota 3.5-litre V6 engine that powers the Aurion and Kluger among other models.

Lotus chief Mike Kimberley said the Evora is a more refined car than Lotus’s hardcore four-cylinder models and features a fully-trimmed cabin with an advanced touch-screen multi-media system, but still offers agile handling.

“The Evora is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago and is part of our bold five-year strategic plan, which includes the introduction of new cars and technologies to many more markets around the world,” said Mr Kimberley.

“It also represents Lotus core values of performance through light weight and efficiency and proves that you can have phenomenal performance, fuel efficiency elegant design and practicality all in a class-leading mid-engine 2+2 sportscar, which will meet global safety and homologation standards.

“Looking to the future, we will continue to research, develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicles which are linked to our extensive and well-regarded work on all aspects of future fuels, alternative engines and electric and hybrid vehicle solutions for the future.

“We all have an environmental responsibility to future generations and the Evora is another example where Lotus is seen to make significant steps towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of the motorcar keeping Britain at the forefront of the high technology motor industry.

“This year Lotus celebrates its 60th anniversary and it is fitting that 2008 is also the birth of the Lotus Evora, a fantastic addition to the Lotus range. I think [Lotus founder] Colin Chapman would have approved.”

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