Lotus Evora Sports Racer revealed with upgraded kit and styling
Lotus has launched the Evora Sports Racer, a special edition with new paint options, gloss black trim and extra equipment, priced from £57,900 in the UK.
Lotus has introduced the Evora Sports Racer, a special edition of its mid-engined 2+2, featuring new colour options, gloss black exterior details and a higher level of standard equipment. The car is available to order in the UK from £57,900, with deliveries scheduled to begin shortly after the announcement in December 2012. This new variant aims to refresh interest in the Evora as competition in the sports car market intensifies, particularly from rivals such as Porsche.
Lotus Evora Sports Racer: Overview
Distinctive Design and Colour Options
The Evora Sports Racer stands out from the regular Evora range with a choice of exclusive paint finishes, including Carbon Grey, Nightfall Blue and Aspen White. Lotus has also applied gloss black to the front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser, giving the car a more aggressive appearance. These visual changes are intended to distinguish the Sports Racer from both standard Evoras and new rivals such as the Porsche Cayman, which was due to reach the market in 2013. The contrasting black accents not only enhance the car's sporty character but also help it appeal to buyers looking for a unique and modern design.
Engine Options and Performance
Buyers can choose between the standard 3.5-litre V6 or the supercharged Evora S, with both versions benefitting from the Sports Racer’s cosmetic and equipment upgrades. The naturally aspirated engine offers a balance between performance and everyday usability, while the supercharged Evora S provides enhanced power for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. Interior and performance specifications remain in line with existing Evora models, so the focus is on appearance and standard features rather than mechanical changes. This means that while the Sports Racer looks more distinctive, its driving characteristics will be familiar to those who have experienced the regular Evora.
Enhanced Standard Equipment
Lotus equips the Evora Sports Racer with the Tech Pack as standard, adding features that were previously optional. This pack includes parking sensors, a rearview camera and cruise control. These additions bring the Evora’s equipment list closer to rivals in the segment, addressing one of the criticisms of earlier versions, which were often seen as sparsely equipped for the price. The inclusion of these features as standard reflects Lotus's response to customer feedback and the increasing expectations of buyers in the sports car market.
Pricing and Market Position
The Evora Sports Racer’s starting price is £57,900, positioning it above the regular Evora but below some high-spec Evora S models. This pricing strategy places the Sports Racer in a competitive spot relative to its direct competitors, including the upcoming Porsche Cayman. Lotus hopes that the combination of distinctive looks, improved standard equipment and the option of two different powertrains will appeal to a broad range of sports car enthusiasts. The Sports Racer is available to order immediately, with both naturally aspirated and supercharged versions on offer.
Market Context and Rivals
The launch of the Evora Sports Racer comes as Lotus faces increased competition from the likes of Porsche’s new Cayman. The Cayman, unveiled in 2012 and set to reach the market in 2013, brought fresh attention to the segment and challenged established rivals to keep pace. By offering a special edition with extra kit and distinctive styling, Lotus aims to keep the Evora relevant and attract buyers looking for exclusivity as well as performance. The company has not announced production limits for the Sports Racer, but the combination of unique styling and improved specification is likely to appeal to enthusiasts seeking a more individual version of Lotus’s flagship sports car.
Summary of Features
- Exclusive paint options: Carbon Grey, Nightfall Blue, Aspen White
- Gloss black exterior accents on splitter, sills and diffuser
- Available with standard 3.5-litre V6 or supercharged Evora S engine
- Tech Pack as standard, including parking sensors, rearview camera and cruise control
- Pricing starts at £57,900 in the UK
Appeal to Enthusiasts
With its combination of distinctive styling, enhanced standard equipment and the choice of two powertrains, the Lotus Evora Sports Racer is aimed at enthusiasts who value both exclusivity and driving enjoyment. The special edition is designed to stand out in a competitive market, offering a more individual take on the established Evora formula. For buyers considering alternatives such as the Porsche Cayman, the Sports Racer presents a compelling option with its unique blend of British design and performance.
