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Lotus has revealed its first all-new model since the Elise in 1995. The Evora is destined to be the world's only mid-engined 2+2 sports car.
Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine and weighing less than 1400kg, the Evora promises striking performance.
In addition to the usual Lotus virtues of strong acceleration and nimble handling, the company says Evora will set new standards for the brand in comfort and finish (not traditionally a Lotus strength).
The equipment list includes an advanced touch-screen multi-media system and electric power-fold door mirrors.
Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus brand, much attention has been paid to ease of use.
Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than it is in Lotus' smaller sports cars.
And the design of the cabin will accommodate two 99th percentile American males in the front seats.
The Evora will be hand-crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line within Lotus' manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England.
Capacity limitations will restrict production to about 2000 cars a year.
By the time the Evora reaches showrooms sometime next year, it will be the most thoroughly tested road car in the history of Lotus.
