British 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora

Tag : aluminium tub

[Source: Lotus]

PRESS RELEASE

The Evora Is Here

With its stunning visual impact, exhilarating all-round dynamicperformance, innovative chassis technology and high levels ofluxury, packaging and convenience, the Evora heralds an excitingnew era for Lotus.

The first all-new Lotus since the iconic Elise made its debut in1995, The Evora enters the sports car market as currently theworld's only mid-engined 2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6engine producing 280 PS, and weighing just 1350 kg (prototypespecification), the Evora promises breathtaking performance. Duringpreliminary testing around the famous Nürburgring, the Lotuschassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and great funto drive - even when clad with the full development disguise thathid the beautiful lines from the prying motor-industry paparazzi.

In addition to its excellent performance and exemplary handling,the Evora offers a more refined ownership experience than Lotus'sexisting smaller four-cylinder models. Its elegantly styled cabinis elegantly trimmed and its equipment list includes contemporaryfeatures such as an advanced touch-screen multi-media system andelectric power-fold door mirrors.

Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customersto the Lotus brand, much attention has been paid to its ease ofuse. Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills make gettingin and out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than it is inLotus's smaller sports cars (the Elise, Exige, Europa and2-Eleven), while the design of the cabin itself will accommodatetwo 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the frontseats.

The 'convenience factor' of the Evora extends to less obvious areasof the car. For instance, beneath the skin the entire front-endstructure is a high tech aluminium sacrificial modular unit,attached to the main extruded aluminium tub. This modular unit isdesigned to deform for maximum safety, and to reduce repair costsin the event of a frontal impact.

The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations inmind, and future derivatives are planed, these including amongstothers, a convertible.

The Evora will be hand crafted and built on a dedicated newassembly line within Lotus's advanced manufacturing facility atHethel in the east of England; capacity limitations will restrictproduction to approximately 2000 cars a year, ensuring the dynamicnew sports car's rarity and exclusivity.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, has this to say about theexciting new model: "The Evora is the biggest milestone Lotus hasachieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago and is part of ourbold five year strategic plan, which includes the introduction ofnew cars and technologies to many more markets around the world.The Evora also represents Lotus core values of performance throughlight weight and efficiency and proves that you can have phenomenalperformance, fuel efficiency elegant design and practicality all ina class leading mid-engine 2+2 sportscar, which will meet globalsafety and homologation standards"
Mike Kimberley continues, "Looking to the future, we will continueto research, develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicleswhich are linked to our extensive and well-regarded work on allaspects of future fuels, alternative engines and electric andhybrid vehicle solutions for the future. We all have anenvironmental responsibility to future generations and the Evora isanother example where Lotus is seen to make significant stepstowards improving the efficiency and sustainability of the motorcarkeeping Britain at the forefront of the high technology motorindustry."

THE EVORA IN DETAIL

Style or function? Have both...
Designed 'in-house' by Lotus Design, the sleek and athletic formuses fluid forms and crisp surfaces to communicate velocity,agility and sophistication. Low and wide with modern cab forwardproportions, muscular rear haunches and function optimised hip airintakes this is clearly a serious mid engined sportscar thatskilfully hides the practicality of its two plus two capability.

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design, led the Evora's design teamwith Steven Crijns, Design Manager responsible for the exterior andAnthony Bushell, Senior Designer, responsible for the interior.

"A cornerstone of the design's success was working closely with thetechnical team to develop a package that allowed us to get theproportions correct," says Head of Design Russell Carr, "Theasymmetric wheel sizes, the short rear overhang, long frontoverhang and cab forward visor screen all contribute to giving thecar visual movement and an agile stance. This is incrediblyimportant to us because we want the car's aesthetics to communicateits driving characteristics".

Lotus products have always embodied a perfect balance between formand function and the Evora successfully continues this heritage."We never lost sight of the fact that, although this car mustprovide real world useability, sportscars are emotional purchasesand that you have to seduce the customer through beguiling looksand exotic persona. We are, therefore, very proud that we have beenable to use technical and user functionality to positively drivethe design in key areas and create some of the car's mostdistinctive features". says Carr.

Ingress and egress, for example, dictated a minimal "step-over" toget into the Evora. We simply cut away the surface under the doorand created a unique and dramatic piece of sculpture that enhancesthe stance of the car as well as its useability.

Elsewhere, aerodynamic considerations for drag, down force andcooling had significant but positive influence on the overall formand details such as air intakes. A desire to create balanced downforce, that increases cornering performance, led to the adoptionof, the now, "signature" top exit radiator vent, race car inspireddiffuser and "floating rear wing". Drag limitation, drove thedramatic tear-dropped cabin layout and the curvaceous plan view hasgiven the car a more muscular rear shoulder and conveys a level ofsophistication appropriate to this market segment.

"We believe that our designs should be honest as well as dramaticand so we are really pleased with the fact that these iconicfeatures all do a real job" says Steven Crijns, Design Manager.

This inherent understanding of the relationship between thetechnical and the aesthetic paid dividends the first time afull-scale model of the Evora was wind-tunnel tested – onlyminimal adjustments were required to the car's aerodynamic packageto meet the targets for downforce and stability.

Steve Crijns continued, "Overall the design language shows a clearDNA link with its Lotus siblings, whilst establishing its owndistinctive and contemporary theme. The undulating shoulder line isbrilliantly mirrored in the lower part of the bodyside by the cut-away sill that creates a torseau-like muscularity."

"The front three-quarter view is really powerful" Russell Carrcontinues, "Your eye is drawn effortlessly, from our signaturemouth, rearward by fluid surfaces and fast lines that create asense of speed even when the car is stationary. From this angle youcan also see how dramatically the visor screen sweeps around theteardrop form of the cabin and the gently waisted plan shapeperfectly accentuates the muscularity of the rear fender. This isunmistakeably mid engined language and the Evora is unmistakeably aLotus."

The view from the rear three-quarters is just as striking and theone that many will become familiar with as the car passes them onthe road. The tapered cabin, diffuser, floating wing, centrallymounted twin tailpipes and distinctive engine bay vents all combineto create a completely unique look.

Moving right inside...
The design language of the interior reflects that of the exterior– simple, fluid surfaces, soft forms and crisp feature lineswrap around the cabin cosseting the occupants. Unlike recent Lotusproducts that use a race car inspired, technical minimalism, theEvora employs a softer approach that utilises premium qualitymaterials and finishes to create a contemporary but luxuriousambience that is unique to Lotus products.

It is, according to Head of Lotus Design Russell Carr, "A hugedeparture from what people might expect based on Lotus's recentpast. We wanted the Evora's cabin to feel special and to besurprising as well as sporty. Precision engineered metal insertsand quality edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed againstsoft hand-stitched leather surfaces to give a modern interior witha classic twist."

Russell Carr continues, "The flat bottomed steering wheel, figurehugging sports seat, contemporary instrumentation and ergonomicallypositioned controls provide an intuitive environment that instantlyforms a connection between driver and car ensuring that it becomesan extension of his or her body."

Anthony Bushell Senior Designer explained about the choice ofmaterials in the Evora's interior, "Tactile quality is incrediblyimportant within this segment and so we wanted the interior to usehonest premium materials. Much of the switchgear is bespoke, andevery metallic component is actually metal."

Focused courtesy lighting is used throughout the interior, giving aspectacular illuminated feel to the sculpture design feature of thecabin.
The extensive use of handcrafted, premium leather differentiatesThe Evora from other Lotus products and such is its importance tothe character of the car that an entire new trim shop has beenbuilt at the Lotus Headquarters in the UK, dedicated to itsproduction.

Even the entry level versions of the Evora will featureleather-upholstered seats, upper door trim panels and facia, but itis expected that most customers will opt for the full hidetreatment. With a range of leather colours available, customerswill have the opportunity to personalise their Evora.

High-tech treats
Contemporary technology also features in the Evora's cabin. A newlydeveloped Alpine multi-media system with a 7 inch touch-screenprovides advanced audio, satellite navigation, video,Bluetooth® hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivityfunctions; the screen also serves as a monitor for The Evora'soptional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of thesystem is removable, allowing you to programme it from the comfortof your home, or take it with you to continue your journey in anunfamiliar pedestrian location.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotivesystems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ soundenhancement technology, it is able to cancel out sound imbalances,caused by the cabin window glass, for instance, creating echoes,while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies – resulting inamazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever youare seated in the car.

A bespoke air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom isstandard on all models, and has been designed for the hottestclimate or the closest humidity to help provide maximum occupantcomfort. Lotus traction control and on-board tyre pressuremonitoring will also be available.


One size fits all
The front seats themselves are very supportive and leather cladwith a lightweight manual adjustment mechanism for fore and aft,rake and lumbar, designed to give a supported driving position.

The rear seats of 2+2 versions of the Evora –are intended forchildren and smaller adults. There will also be a two-seaterderivative with a luggage shelf in the back. To maximise comfort inthe rear, there's a decent amount of foot-room under the seats infront, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings for securechild seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area,adding to the Evora's appeal as an everyday car. The 160 litreboot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system toreduce the effect of any heat ingress from the engine bay, willalso accommodate a full set of golf clubs.

Easy in, easy out
With the Elise and its derivatives, the no-compromise character ofthe car makes getting in and out across a wide sill and through acomparatively narrow door/window aperture part of the charm ofownership. For the Evora and its remit for the serious dailydriver, and to attract newcomers to the Lotus brand, greaterconvenience and practicality is provided.

As a consequence the sill is now lower and slimmer (80mm widecompared with 100mm in the Elise), and the whole door aperturetaller. The doors open wider than on the Elise and its siblings,while the height of the front seat is raised by 65mm.

But while The Evora is undeniably more 'lifestyle' in respect ofits everyday practicality, once you're seated behind itsflat-bottomed steering wheel, it feels every bit as exotic andsporting as you would expect a Lotus to be.

Safely does it
In common with the Elise and its derivatives, The Evora's bondedextruded aluminium chassis tub has incredible inherent strength,particularly in regard to side impacts. Additional torsionalstrength is given to the whole structure by the tubular steelseatbelt anchorage frame that also acts as a rollover structure.

Deformable sacrificial aluminium front and steel rear subframemodules are attached to the tub using joints which are designed tominimise damage to the tub, protecting the main passenger cell inthe event of an accident.

Driver and passenger airbags are standard. The airbag on thepassenger side is cleverly engineered to deploy vertically and thenbe deflected rearwards by the windscreen, to provide protection forchildren as well as adults.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as is Lotus TractionControl (LTC); these systems have been specially developed inco-operation with Bosch and enable up and coming drivers toconsistently exploit the braking and acceleration capabilities ofthe Evora, whilst allowing skilled enthusiasts the freedom to enjoythe full Lotus driving experience.

The chassis: Production Low Volume Versatile Vehicle Architecture
The Evora's chassis is an evolution of the Versatile VehicleArchitecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept vehicle previouslyshowcased at the Geneva Motorshow, and allows for the developmentof a range of vehicles up to a gross vehicle weight of 1,900 kg.This architecture has been designed to be more applicable tomid-volume applications by utilising our low capital investmentmanufacturing processes. The Evora structure progresses the Lotus'bonded and riveted' technology used in the Elise family ofvehicles with unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providingcontemporary ease of ingress/egress, build modularity and improved,lower cost repairs.

The Low Volume VVA architecture has been designed so that it can beextended in width, length and height. The strength and stiffness ofthe low volume VVA chassis can be modified cost effectively byvarying the wall thickness of the extrusions, without altering theexterior dimensions. The ability to lengthen or shorten extrusionswith the option to tailor the chassis stiffness, vastly increasesthe number of vehicles that can be developed from this vehiclearchitecture. Front and mid engine installations have beenconsidered, as well as hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV)applications.

The Lotus Evora employs a composite roof as a stressed structuralmember to give an exceptional vehicle stiffness of 26,000 Nm perdegree, thanks in part to the seatbelt anchorage frame's secondaryfunction as a roll over structure, and partly because the high-techcomposite body panels are stressed items. However, despite thishigh stiffness, the complete chassis and modules weight just 200 kg(prototype weight), helping to keep the weight of the whole car tojust 1350 kg (prototype weight).

To deliver this high performance structure, bonded and riveted highgrade aluminium extrusions and simple and elegant folded sheetelements are used in the lower structure, building upon awardwinning research projects in this field. Lotus pioneered thetechnology of bonded aluminium extrusions for use in road vehiclesand has successfully developed high performance cars for other carcompanies around the world.

The central tub is attached to an extruded aluminium subframe atthe front and a lightweight welded steel subframe at the rear.These subframe modules also offer advantages in terms ofconvenience and low cost of repair, and during manufacturing can bebrought to the production line fully assembled, ready to beattached.

The high technology Lotus Evora chassis will be manufactured at thenew Lotus Lightweight Structures facility in Worcester, UK. LLSemploys 120 skilled engineers, technicians and sales staff and willmanufacture all the Lotus aluminium structures, including those forthe Elise, Exige, 2–Eleven and Europa and aluminium andcomposite structures and components for Lotus's extensive globalclient base.

Suspended & animated
The Evora suspension wishbones are forged from aluminium to reducethe unsprung mass. These are similar in weight, and stiffer thanthe steel items found on the much smaller Elise, Exige and Europavehicles, and have a far higher vehicle weight capacity. They areattached to the front and rear modules via bespoke bushes. TheEvora will use Bilstein high performance dampers and Eibach springswith unique dual path top mounts for optimised vehicle refinement.Hydraulically assisted power steering is provided by a Lotus tunedTRW steering rack.

All in all, the Evora delivers. It has incredible Lotus handlingand provides unsurpassable driving pleasure. In fact, word from theride and handling team is that the new car is likely to become aclass standard-setter for speed and agility.

Stop right now...
Vented and cross-drilled brake discs – massive 350mm items onthe front and 332mm at the rear – and high performancebespoke Lotus AP Racing 4 pot callipers ensure impressive stoppingpower.

Everyone connected with the brake testing programme, conducted onthe punishing corners, climbs and descents of the Nürburgring,has described the brakes as 'phenomenal' with excellent thermalperformance and outstanding feel even after extended sessions ofextreme use.

Part of that testing programme was to finalise settings for the ABSsystem being developed in conjunction with Bosch. The system is setto very high thresholds and operates so progressively that driversare often unaware that they have actually triggered the ABS.

Safe. Fun. Lotus Traction Control
The Switchable Lotus Traction Control (LTC) system has beendeveloped simultaneously with the ABS and works through the enginemanagement system to reduce power when required to maintaintraction. Unlike many traction control systems, LTC has been tunedto complement the skills of the driver without taking over. TheLotus LTC is active above 5 mph (8 km/h) and operates much morequickly than many brake based systems. The system can bedeactivated completely, giving no traction control intervention.

Keeping a grip – 18 inch at the front, 19 inch at the rear.
Tyre choice is a vital component in the handling performance ofevery Lotus and for the Evora, Yokohama was chosen as developmentpartner.

Lotus's long-term relationship with Yokohama was swiftly rewardedduring development when initially the front tyre size did notgenerate the Lotus required lateral grip, the Japanese grip guruswent away and developed bespoke tyres especially for the Evora– a 225/40 ZR18 at the front and larger diameter; 255/35 ZR19at the rear. Both have carcass construction and a rubber compoundunique to Lotus and are identified by the letters 'LTS' on thesidewalls.

The V6 Engine - dual VVT-i ('intelligent' variable valve timing)
The exceptional working relationship that Lotus has enjoyed withToyota over several decades, combined with the overwhelminglyenthusiastic reception for the company's four-cylinder power unitsin the Elise and Exige, guaranteed the Japanese giant's inclusionon the shortlist for the Evora engine supplier.

The final choice was Toyota's all-alloy 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 DOHC,with dual VVT-i ('intelligent' variable valve timing). Lotus haspainstakingly developed its own T6e engine management software forthis engine to optimise its compatibility with the uniquerequirements of the Evora to give a peak power output to 280 PS at6400 rpm, while boosting its maximum torque to 342 Nm at 4700 rpm(prototype figures).

Changes to the engine management and exhaust systems also allow theV6 to rev more freely and provide rapid throttle response; feedbackfrom the development team suggests that the strength of theengine's mid-range torque means that gutsy performance will beeasily accessible without having to thunder through to the redline.This makes the Lotus Evora a thoroughly satisfying car for everydayroad use and a rewarding one when you just want to drive.

The 2GR-FE V6 engine is mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, againToyota-sourced. A close-ratio version of this gearbox is alsocurrently under development for the even more sport-focusseddriver.
Many Lotus owners enjoy the blend of unique performance andefficiency that the brand's cars offer. True to the Lotus value of"performance through light weight" CO2 emissions are expected to bea class leading sub-225 g/km (prototype figures) while testersreport fuel consumption in the region of 30+ mpg (pending formalhomologation testing).

What'll she do?
At the time of its unveiling, full performance figures have yet tobe compiled on a production specification Lotus Evora, Lotus hasanother 6 months development to conduct.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability atspeed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the0-60 mph sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds(prototype figures).

Test. Test. Then test some more
It's a global car, so the Evora has been tested around the world.From the icy wastes of the arctic to the heat of the desert, thehigh altitude of the Alps as well as the country roads around theHethel factory.

It has spent hours howling around the Nürburgring andendlessly lapped Lotus's test track at Hethel. By the time theEvora enters production, prototypes will have travelled forhundreds of thousands of miles along some of the worst public roadsin the world and been tortured for as many miles on some of thetoughest proving grounds the motor industry has to offer includingextreme pave tests, to Australia and even the Arizona outback.

It has been flung into barriers at low and high speeds, at amultitude of angles, including head-on; it has even had its roofcompressed!

By the time the Evora reaches the Lotus showrooms from Spring 2009onwards, it will be the most thoroughly tested Lotus car in thehistory of Lotus. It will also be one of the company's greatmilestones.
The order book is now open in the UK and across continental Europe,with markets around the world to start taking orders in due course.Final specifications, options and prices of the production LotusEvora will be published closer to the sale date in the many Lotusmarkets around the world.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc sums up, "Thisyear Lotus celebrates its 60th anniversary and it is fitting that2008 is also the birth of the Lotus Evora, a fantastic addition tothe Lotus range. The Lotus Evora represents Group Lotus, a companythat is at the forefront of the automotive industry, in a changingworld where priorities of efficiency, economy and environmentalimpact go hand in hand with performance, design and individuality.I think Colin Chapman would have approved."Notes For Editors:

About Group Lotus plc:
The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd,which has two operating divisions - Lotus Engineering and LotusCars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotiveengineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilitiesinclude those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China andoffices in Germany and Japan, with rapid expansion in newterritories such as South East Asia and the Gulf States.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancyservices to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offeringa full engineering service from initial concept and project designthrough development and integration of the complete vehicle to meetall worldwide markets and customers to full production. Thisincludes third party 'niche vehicle' engineering and manufactureworldwide.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sportscars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic LotusElise, and the Exige and Europa. Lotus is a global high-techcompany, expanding and committed to driving forward technology forboth Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading researchinto such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.