Auto Express has already...
Auto Express has already driven the 1.5-litre petrol model in Japanese trim on Page 28, but UK buyers will also have the choice of a 1.3-litre petrol unit and a modified version of Fiat"s 1.3-litre diesel engine. While most are expected to opt for a five-speed manual box, Suzuki will offer a conventional automatic transmission on the 1.5 and a sequential clutchless manual on the 1.3. Prices are expected to start at around í‚á£7,000 for entry-level models. To read the first drive, click on the following link Suzuki first drive
Could the Evora be going...
Could the Evora be going electric? A leaked Lotus presentation has revealed that the company is attempting to sell the modelò€™s underpinnings to other manufacturers, while presenting them as the perfect platform for an electric car.
Based on the success of the Elise chassis ò€“ which Lotus sold to Vauxhall to make the VX220 and, more recently, to Tesla to form the basis of that firmò€™s groundbreaking electric Roadster ò€“ itò€™s a shrewd move by the British company.
The Evora is made largely from aluminium extrusions which can be cut to length ò€“ an ideal attribute for packaging the bulky batteries in an electric car.
Lotus has two proposals for an electric layout. The first replaces the rear occasional seats with a large battery stack. This compromises practicality but gives mid-engined handling characteristics and roughly a 230-mile range.
Another suggestion is to keep the 2+2 layout and shoehorn the batteries under the seats, creating more room but stifling the maximum range.
As yet, no one has committed to using the Evoraò€™s architecture ò€“ but based on the rave reviews the coupé has received, it canò€™t be long before somebody does.