Ahead of an official release at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Lotus have unveiled the Evora S and Evora IPS models. Lotus have added a 257 kW 3.5-litre V6 to the ‘S’ model and a 6-speed automatic ‘Intelligent Precision Shift’ gearbox, or IPS.
The 3.5-litre Toyota-sourced engine is the centerpiece of the Evora ‘S’. Overall, it provides 51 kW more than the standard model, achieving the 0 – 100km/h sprint in just 4.6 seconds and an increased top speed of 275 km/h. Torque is also increased to 400 Nm.
In addition, a sport pack is included as a standard, which consists of a ’sport’ button that allows the driver control of the throttle response, exhaust by-pass valve, increased rev limit and changes to the dynamic stability control settings. A new set of cross-drilled brake discs and 19-inch wheels are also part of the package, while the only gearbox option available will be the 6-speed manual currently used on the standard Evora. The new engine and features have increased the car’s overall weight slightly, from 1 380 kg to 1 437 kg.
Lotus’ Chief Executive Officer, Dany Bahar, says the Evora S “is the next level of Evora experience. It communicates with you better, the suspension setting has been fine tuned for added power and control so it responds even more to direction. It is an instinctual car, the experience is pure.”
The Evora IPS retains the same 206 kW 3.5-litre V6 as found in the standard Evora, however, the Evora IPS is equipped with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, featuring the company’s own transmission control software. The new box offers both manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes both with ’sport’ modes also included.
“The Evora IPS is set to broaden the appeal of the Evora and reach out to a slightly different market. We hope it will be popular with established automatic locations such as Asia, the Middle East and the US. It’s been a long time since Lotus created an automatic and we have spent a great deal of time refining this one to make sure that it perfectly complements the Evora drive experience”, says Lotus CEO, Dany Bahar.
