All new Lotus Evora makes world debut

The all-new Lotus Evora has been unveiled to the world at the 2008 British Motor Show.

Initially codenamed ‘Project Eagle’ the Lotus Evora is the first all-new model from the Norfolk car maker for 13 years and took just 21 months to develop.

Powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-litre Toyota-sourced V6 engine, the Lotus Evora produces a 276bhp.

View images of the all new Lotus Evora

While Lotus hasn’t revealed performance figures, it’s anticipated the Evora will accelerate from 0-62mph in less than five seconds and be capable of a top speed in excess of 150mph.

Lotus claims the Evora is a "real character in a faceless society", and launched the car to a soundtrack of haunting music, and a host of characters with their faces removed. Proton - who owns the British company - have described the Evora as 'the greatest ever Lotus'.

As with all Lotuses, a lot of effort is focussed on the car’s handling, so weight is kept down with an all-aluminium body, while a rear spoiler and splitter are designed to increase downforce and make the car more stable at speed.

The Lotus Evora is known as a 2+2 so it does have rear seats. However, it seems there is very little room in the rear for a child let alone adult.

Lotuses have been renowned for having basic interiors which serve as little purpose as possible in order to keep weight down. But the Evora’s inside has a far higher level of quality and is a big step forward for the Norfolk company.

With a new level of comfort offered, Lotus is hoping to take customers from the likes of Porsche.

View images of the all new Lotus Evora

The Lotus Evora is the first car to be produced as part of the British car maker’s six year business programme which will see the launches of two more new cars - including a new Esprit.

When it goes on sale towards the end of 2008, the Lotus Evora is expected to cost around £50,000.