| First Drive | Bedfordshire, England | Lotus Evora S IPS |
Key Facts
Model tested: Lotus Evora S IPS
Pricing: £62,100 (£73,950 as tested)
Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged V6 petrol
Transmission: six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-door mid-engined coupé
Rivals: Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, Audi TT RS
CO2 emissions: 229g/km
Combined economy: 28.7mpg
Top speed: 172mph
0-62mph: 4.8 seconds
Power: 350hp at 7,000rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 4,500rpm
In the Metal: 
Stunning. Eye catching. Stand out. Plenty can be said for the Evora's looks, all positive. So good that they nearly match the driving experience on offer, the Evora is the best looking and most resolved model in the firm's recent history. Full of tension and purpose, each panel seems to flow tightly over the bare essentials.
The cabin is probably less convincing though, especially when fitted with the less than usable rear seats of our test example. Still, quality has taken a step up with the 2012 cars and though it can't rival a Porsche for build and finesse, it's a fine motoring palace.
Driving it:
Key to any Lotus experience is that found behind the wheel, and in this instance the Evora S IPS is somewhat of a mixed bag. The supercharged engine is certainly rapid, and keen to rev. But for some the note will be too refined, the muted burble only improved slightly by the Sport button and active exhaust.
Still, nestled between the bolsters of the leather Recaro seats, looking out through the shallow windscreen across the sculpted bonnet, there's no doubt you're in a bona fide sports car. There's no diminishing of that feeling on the move either, the Evora responding instantly to every flex of your right foot.
You'd do well to lift your toes with each gearchange though, as keeping it pinned while the autobox selects the next ratio introduces a thump to the cabin as the cog is engaged. It's not the most decisive either, frantically hunting for the correct gear while you wait for the forward momentum to step up in pace.
The only solution is to use the paddles behind the wheel, and change gear yourself. At which point the manual Evora S would make more sense, allowing you to take advantage of the beautifully weighted controls, delicate handling and incredible agility that are core to the Evora experience.
What you get for your Money:
This is the most grown-up Lotus ever, but one that still feels as exciting and invigorating as the firm's smaller Elise and Exige models. The S obviously gains a supercharger, but outside you'll also notice the sports diffuser, titanium exhaust pipe, cross drilled brakes and red callipers from the standard Sports Pack.
Inside, leather Recaro seats are standard, as is air conditioning and the Sport button, but apart from that the base spec is actually rather sparse. You'd be wise to pay for the Tech and Premium packs, which add extra leather panelling, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod connection, tyre pressure monitoring, parking sensors and cruise control.
Worth Noting
Currently the S is the most potent Lotus Evora you can actually buy, but later this year the firm is to launch its new GTE, a racer for the road. With 444hp and a kerb weight some 105kg less than standard models, the hardcore GTE will sprint from 0-62mph in under 4.5 seconds and top out at around 180mph. The world has already seen a limited edition model, designed by newest Lotus affiliate, music producer Swizz Beatz, which features a chrome red paint finish.
Summary
A great all-rounder, the core values of the Evora still shine brightly, while quality seems to have taken a leap forward as well. But regardless of the dynamic highlights, the IPS gearbox remains the weak link, and for us the manual option makes more sense. Still, for offering customers the choice the firm should still be applauded - and of course in many overseas markets it will likely be a big hit.
