Lotus: In love for Evora more

Tall passengers now have plenty of space in the $170,000 eco-friendly car. Photo / Supplied

The all-new Lotus Evora goes into production on March 23, in good time for its European launch in May. It will come to New Zealand, but on an order-basis only, according to Lotus Cars NZ.

The Evora, the first new Lotus since the 1995 Elise, took 27 months to develop. It aims to draw new customers to the brand, and the front seats will accommodate 1.8-metre tall passengers, a first for the traditionally diminutive cars.

That's the initial clue Evora eschews the Elise bare basics formula, paying a weight penalty for increased comfort.

However, 1350kg isn't much for the 206kW, 3.5-litre Lotus-tuned Toyota V6 engine to shift, and 0-100 acceleration is claimed at 5.5 seconds. The light weight has another benefit; gentle driving should net a 8.7l/100km thirst.

GM of Lotus Australia sales and marketing Jonathan Stretton says the Evora is a sports car for our time. "Car-makers are striving to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles, Lotus is already there - and it always has been."

Owners less interested in eco ideals will be waiting for the planned supercharged version, which takes power to 261kW and cuts 0-100 acceleration by half a second. Lotus says the Evora engine bay has already been designed to suit, with the supercharger to fit between the cylinder banks in a compact set-up which will maintain rear-mirror visibility.

The supercharged car will arrive in 2011, alongside a soft-top convertible.

Lotus says that has its own challenges, as customers at this price point expect an electric folding roof, presenting packaging problems for the still compact car.

Also under development is a torque converter auto variant with the American market in mind.

No doubt the US market will also approve of the Evora's comparative spaciousness, and the fact its two-plus-two format can be optioned as a two-seater with the rear used instead for luggage.

Either way, owners will benefit from unaccustomed levels of finish including a touch screen multi-media system and hand-stitched leather trim.

The first 450 cars will be a special launch edition fitted with options such as power-fold door mirrors, and a reversing camera.

New Zealand prices have yet to be announced, but Lotus NZ predicts $150,000-$170,000 - equal to Porsche's Cayman S.