Entry-Level Lotus Evora Heading to the US Sans Supercharger
The U.S. market is going to get an entry-level, detuned version of the Lotus Evora.
With the Lotus Evora scheduled to be relaunched in the U.S. starting this May, the British automaker will offer a model without a supercharger in order to meet emissions requirements. The Lotus Evora is powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 with 400 horsepower, and instead of going with a turbocharged four-cylinder mill, Lotus will simply offer a naturally aspirated variant of he V6 that will be cheaper and less powerful.
The move necessary to improve fuel economy because regulations say Lotus must show a three percent-per-year reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over a five-year period.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Lotus Evora 400 Price Announced
Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales doesn’t believe a four-cylinder fits with the Evora and will follow in the footsteps of McLaren by using an engine that already fits into the car. The McLaren 570S uses the same V8 engine found in the 650S, but has been detuned for improved fuel economy. Gales also ruled out the prospect of hybrid powertrains for Lotus models.
In related news, the company will start selling the entry Elise two-seater sports car in the U.S. again, but only when the all-new car comes after 2020. According to Gales, the company has received 250 orders for the new Evora and Lotus plans to sell 400 units annually in the U.S. A roadster version of the Evora will join the lineup in 2017.
[Source: Automotive News]
Discuss this story on our Lotus Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation