Lotus sports all-new model

Lotus is to unveil its first all-new model since 1995 in a move it hopes will broaden the appeal of the UK sports car brand.

The Evora is the first of three new models, and the fruit of a five-year plan set out by Lotus chief executive Mike Kimberley in 2006.

Lotus head of design Russell Carr, who led the brand’s six-strong in-house design team on the project, explains that ‘everyday usability’ was a key stipulation of the design, but that the Evora had to retain the visual impact typically associated with sports cars. ‘The car had to provide everyday usability, but have the capabilities and visual DNA of Lotus,’ says Carr.

As well as improved accessibility and ergonomics, the Evora’s biggest departure is its interior, which Carr says is more ‘exotic and sumptuous’ than traditional Lotus models. ‘Every surface trimmed with leather has carefully placed stitches to indicate it genuineness. It’s not a harsh environment like sitting in an Elise,’ reveals Carr.

Carr, who has been with Lotus for more than 18 years, predicts the market will become more diverse. ‘We don’t want to forget that cars need to be distinctive to seduce but there has to be an element of everyday usability for the driver of today.’