Lotus Evora (2009-21)
Overview: The **Lotus Evora** was a pivotal model for **Lotus Cars**, marking a shift toward a more refined and practical sports car while maintaining the brand’s core principles of lightweight performance and agility.
**Significance to Lotus**
- **First All-New Platform Since 1995**: The Evora was built on a completely new chassis, the first since the **Lotus Elise**, allowing for greater versatility.
- **Market Expansion**: Unlike previous Lotus models, the Evora was designed to compete with **Porsche 911** and other premium sports cars, broadening Lotus' appeal.
- **2+2 Seating Configuration**: It was the only Lotus model with a **2+2 layout**, making it more practical for everyday use.
- **Toyota-Sourced V6 Engine**: The Evora introduced a **3.5L Toyota V6**, offering reliability alongside Lotus' signature handling.
- **Performance Evolution**: Variants like the **Evora S**, **Evora 400**, and **Evora GT430** pushed the model into supercar territory.
- **Transition to the Emira**: The Evora paved the way for the **Lotus Emira**, which replaced it in 2021 as Lotus' next-generation sports car.
The Evora helped Lotus **modernize its lineup**, proving that the company could blend **comfort, technology, and performance** without sacrificing its racing DNA. You can also check out more details [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Evora).
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Production Total: 6,117
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Price New: The Lotus Evora, launched in 2009, was priced at approximately **£49,875** in the UK. It was celebrated for its blend of performance, comfort, and practicality, making it a standout in the sports car market.
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Sales: The **Lotus Evora** was a **moderate sales success**, helping Lotus transition into a more refined sports car market. Produced between **2009 and 2021**, it was designed to compete with **Porsche 911** and other premium sports cars.
**Sales & Market Impact**
- **Production Numbers**: While exact figures vary, the Evora contributed to Lotus' best global retail sales performance in a decade, with **1,710 new cars sold in 2021**, marking a **24% increase** from 2020.
- **U.S. Market Success**: The **Evora 400** played a key role in Lotus achieving its **first operating profit in nearly 40 years**, particularly in the **United States**, where demand exceeded supply.
- **Final Year Boost**: The Evora, alongside the **Elise** and **Exige**, saw strong sales in its final production year, helping Lotus achieve record-breaking sales in multiple regions.
- **Transition to the Emira**: The Evora paved the way for the **Lotus Emira**, which replaced it in 2021 as Lotus' next-generation sports car.
Despite facing **strong competition** from Porsche and other brands, the Evora proved that Lotus could blend **comfort, technology, and performance** without sacrificing its racing DNA. You can also check out more details [here](https://media.lotuscars.com/en/news-articles/lotus-global-retail-sales-up-24-in-best-performance-for-a-decade.html?highlight=sales).
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Lotus Evora** has seen fluctuating values over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among classic car enthusiasts. Based on recent valuation sources:
- **Lowest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£19,600**.
- **Highest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£118,911**.
- **Median price** for an Evora in average condition: **£42,963**.
- **Total sales value** since 2020: **£1,168,229**.
- **Sell-through rate**: **74%**, indicating strong demand in the collector market.
These figures suggest that the Evora remains a sought-after classic, with values influenced by condition, provenance, and market demand. If you're looking for a more detailed valuation or historical trends, platforms like **Parkers** and **Old Cars Data** provide insights into pricing comparisons over time.
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Rivals: In 2009, the Lotus Evora competed with several sports cars in the UK market. Here are some approximate prices of its main rivals at the time:
- **Porsche Cayman S**: Around £44,000.
- **BMW Z4 Roadster**: Approximately £37,000.
- **Audi TT RS Coupe**: Starting at about £42,000.
- **Nissan 370Z**: Around £30,000.
These cars offered a mix of performance, luxury, and practicality, making the sports car market quite diverse.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **1,023 Lotus Evora cars** recorded as licensed in the UK, with an additional **1,112 on SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)**. It's impressive to see how many of these modern classics have been preserved.
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The Lotus Evora, produced from 2009 to 2021, is known for its performance and handling, but like any car, it has its share of common issues. Here are some of the more frequently reported faults:
1. **Air Conditioning**: The air conditioning condenser is prone to failure due to road debris.
2. **Electrical Issues**: Problems with the infotainment system, windows, and air conditioning not working properly.
3. **Interior Wear**: Leather around the lower dash and door sills can get easily scuffed.
4. **Water Leaks**: Dampness in the front passenger footwell is a common issue.
5. **Mechanical Issues**: Clutch and transmission problems have been reported.
6. **Miscellaneous**: Rear tailgate rubber bump stops sometimes push into the body panels.
Despite these issues, many owners find the driving experience of the Evora to be well worth it.
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Generations
The Lotus Evora has six generations, each bringing various updates and improvements:
1. **Evora (2009-2011)**: The original model featured a 3.5L V6 engine producing 276 hp. It was praised for its handling and performance.
2. **Evora S (2010-2014)**: Introduced a supercharged version of the 3.5L V6, boosting power to 345 hp. It also included improved suspension and brakes.
3. **Evora 400 (2015-2018)**: This model saw significant updates, including a more powerful 400 hp engine, revised styling, and a lighter chassis.
4. **Evora Sport 410 (2016-2018)**: A lighter and more focused version of the Evora 400, with 410 hp and enhanced aerodynamics.
5. **Evora GT430 (2017-2019)**: The most powerful Evora, with 430 hp, extensive use of carbon fiber, and advanced aerodynamics for improved performance.
6. **Evora GT (2019-2021)**: The final iteration, available in North America, featured a 422 hp engine and combined elements from previous models for a refined driving experience.
Each generation of the Evora has built upon the strengths of its predecessors, offering a blend of performance, handling, and unique Lotus character.
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Body Styles
The Lotus Evora was primarily available in a **two-door coupé** body style throughout its production run from 2009 to 2021¹². This sleek and aerodynamic design was consistent across all its generations, emphasizing performance and handling.
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Engines
The Lotus Evora was equipped with a variety of engines throughout its production run from 2009 to 2021. Here are the main engine options:
1. **3.5L Toyota 2GR-FE V6**: This naturally aspirated engine was used in the base Evora models, producing around 276 hp.
2. **3.5L Toyota 2GR-FE Supercharged V6**: Found in the Evora S, Evora 400, Evora Sport 410, Evora GT430, and Evora GT models, this engine was supercharged to produce between 345 hp and 430 hp, depending on the model.
These engines were paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with "Intelligent Precision Shift".
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Spares
You can find spares for your Lotus Evora at several reputable suppliers in the UK and Ireland. Here are a few options:
1. **Bell and Colvill (Lotus Surrey)**: They offer a wide range of genuine Lotus parts and accessories for the Evora.
2. **Seriously Lotus**: This supplier provides both genuine and third-party parts for the Evora, as well as other Lotus models.
3. **Breakeryard**: They offer used and reconditioned parts for the Lotus Evora, often at a fraction of the dealer prices.
4. **Esprit Engineering**: Specializes in Lotus parts and has an extensive online catalogue for the Evora.
5. **BuyCarParts.co.uk**: An online store with a variety of parts and accessories for the Lotus Evora.
These suppliers should have what you need to keep your Evora in top condition.
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Specialists
You can find specialists for Lotus vehicles in the UK and Ireland through several reputable sources:
1. Lotus Centres: You can locate your nearest authorised Lotus dealer or service centre by using the search tool on the Lotus Cars UK website.
2. Bell and Colvill: One of the oldest and most respected Lotus dealers in the UK, offering sales, service, and parts for all Lotus models.
3. Paul Matty Sports Cars: Specialises in Lotus sales, service, and parts, with a strong reputation in the Lotus community.
4. Esprit Engineering: Known for their expertise in Lotus vehicles, offering a wide range of services and parts.
5. Lotus Silverstone: An official Lotus dealer providing sales, service, and parts for Lotus cars.
These specialists should be able to assist you with any needs related to your Lotus vehicle.