The Lotus Evora uses a Toyota-based 3.5-liter V6.

A small company that's long been a legend in sports-car circles, Lotus of England chose L.A. for the North American debut of its latest and largest model, the Evora grand touring coupe. It's claimed to be the world's only mid-engine 2+2, which means the engine sits behind a cockpit with two main seats fore and two occasional--read "emergency"--seats aft. A two-seat version is also planned, however.

Per company tradition, the Lotus Evora is engineered for minimum weight to maximize performance and with a low center of gravity to maximize agility, hence the mostly aluminum structure (made of bonded-and-riveted elements) and a ground-hugging stance. Evora is built on what Lotus calls its "Low Volume Versatile Vehicle Architecture." This is similar in concept to the platform of Lotus' smaller Elise and Exige models, but is claimed to be even more rigid--among the stiffest in the industry.

Evora uses a Lotus-modified Toyota-based 3.5-liter V6. Projected outputs are 276 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, which look more than adequate for a quoted curb weight of under 3,000 pounds. Transmissions comprise a 6-speed manual and, eventually, a 5- or 6-speed automatic. Other technical highlights include a standard stability and traction-control system that can be switched off where needed and/or prudent; an all-independent suspension, also made largely of aluminum; big 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS; and performance tires on 18-inch front alloy wheels and 19-inch rears.

Despite its performance-focused nature, Evora will be the latest "luxury Lotus," so standard equipment also includes leather upholstery, sport front bucket seats, climate control, and a touch-screen navigation system with rearview camera and integrated high-end Alpine audio system.

The Evora is a work-in-progress at the moment, as production won't begin until October 2009. Lotus expects to start U.S. sales the following month for the 2010 model year. A pricing announcement, needless to say, is still some ways off, but we'd look for a minimum entry fee of $60,000.

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