Lotus Evora - Design Story
By Russell Carr – Head of Lotus Design
Evora, designed in-house by Lotus Design, is our first all-new Lotus since the
iconic Elise and represents the first stage of an exciting three-car model line
up on which we are hard at work.
The bold decision to create a unique 2+2 mid-engine layout was all part of our
strategy to broaden the Lotus customer base by offering a vehicle that offers
greater everyday usability and cabin accessibility without compromising looks
or driving experience. However, we are not about to abandon Lotus' unique
performance through light-weight philosophy and will continue to develop the
Elise-based product lines (Exige and 2-Eleven) for those customers who
demand the purest driving experience. Whereas Elise was originally conceived
as a track car for the road, Evora is perceived as a road car for the track.
The brief we were given by the Lotus Chief Executive, was simply to design a
stunning 2+2 mid-engine sports car which also offered the everyday usability
demanded by modern customers. We knew that we had to move the game on
and create a progressive and dynamic design statement that also retained
strong Lotus DNA. Although aggressive aerodynamic and packaging criteria
dictated that the form would have to complement the function, we never lost
sight of the fact that sports cars are, above all, emotional purchases that
seduce the customer through beautiful design. Therefore we ensured that the
2+2 capability became a hidden bonus rather than the dominant feature of the
design. It was also important to consider the longevity of the production life
and avoid fashionable themes in favour of designs that were contemporary
with a classical twist.
Exterior
We kicked off the programme in the autumn of 2006 with a plan to start
production in January 2009. A three-week exterior sketch programme,
involving all the design team, was concluded by the selection of the three
designs from Anthony Bushell, Steven Crijns and myself. These themes were
then developed into 1/3 scale models for review in December 2006. During
this phase, the studio worked closely with the vehicle architect, Richard
Rackham, and the packaging group to optimise the proportions around this
tight package and challenging 2+2 layout.
Although we don't have a rigid corporate design language there are some
common visual philosophies which guided the early designs. Firstly, the design
should reflect the unique driving experience of our cars, and therefore it needs
to be athletic, agile and sleek. Secondly, we like where appropriate to make a
feature of functional details. Thirdly, and most obviously, we have a distinctive
front intake, the 'Lotus Mouth', which has evolved from the simple elliptical
device applied to our road and race cars of the 1950s.
Unsurprisingly then, the three themes clearly showed some consistent design
ideas but were subtly differentiated by surface language and window graphics.
The themes convey agility through a strong stance which is created by the
short rear overhang and 'cut away' sill that push the large (larger than the
front), rear wheels to the extremities of the body. Athleticism comes from the
taut body that wraps tightly over the package and the strong 'Coke bottle' form
that highlights the muscle of the rear fender. Sleekness is communicated by
the fast, visor screen graphic that sweeps around the tear-drop cabin and by
the fluid surfaces that draw the eye effortlessly over the length of the car.
The ingenious treatment of aerodynamic criteria such as the downforce
generating, top exit radiator vent, diffuser and rear wing clearly demonstrate
the integration of form and function. Elsewhere intakes, such as the shoulder
scoops have been located in the optimised position. However, form and
function is also evident in the distinctive, cutaway sill that not only improves
stance by removing visual weight from the bodyside but also improves ingress
and egress.
The scale model from Steve Crijns was selected in December 2006 for
development as fully feasible full-size clay which achieved sign-off in early
August 2007. Everyone is very proud of the whole design but I think the
greatest success is the way in which we were able to work with the proportions
of a 2+2 layout. We had to play a few tricks to disguise the length of the
wheelbase (the kicked shoulder line and sill cut) and the height of the cabin
(the 'crossover graphic' between the side glass and rear screen) but they
have, ironically, become some of the car's signature features.
Interior Design
In order to be instantly recognisable as a Lotus, the Evora's interior had to be
sporty, pure and driver-focused. However, within this market segment, the
race car inspired technical minimalism of the Elise and Exige was
inappropriate. The cabin had to feel more luxurious, special and surprising. We
have played on our skills as a lowvolume manufacturer by using soft handstitched
leather trimmed surfaces but juxtaposed them against precisionengineered
metal inserts to give a contemporary but classical, British handcrafted
ambience.
Tactile quality is incredibly important within this segment and so we wanted the
interior to use honest premium materials. Much of the switchgear is bespoke,
and every component that looks as though it is made from metal genuinely is
made from metal. High-quality features abound such as the flush-mounted
metal momentary switches that sit within the metal panels. They feel special to
use and their edge-lit design is reminiscent of a high-end hi-fi.
The fluid surfaces and crisp feature lines of the interior perfectly harmonise
with the forms of the exterior design. From the outset the team wanted to
create a cockpit-like environment that would connect the occupants with the
driving experience. To achieve this, careful attention was paid to both layout
and form. Inspired by the
dramatic sweep of the visor screen, the interior surfaces, which are highlighted
by a contrast band of colour, wrap seamlessly around the cabin and cosset the
passengers. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, figure-hugging sports seats,
contemporary instrumentation and ergonomically-positioned controls provide
an intuitive connection between driver and car, ensuring that it becomes a
natural extension of their body.
Prior to the British International Motorshow unveiling, I was frequently asked
whether I was nervous about the public and press reaction. Designing a new
Lotus obviously carries a significant responsibility but I was uncharacteristically
confident because I was 100% sure that as a team we had met and exceeded
the expectations of the brief. So far my confidence does not appear to have
been misplaced and the car has received generous praise from press, industry
and customers. The initial feedback appears to confirm that we have
successfully extended our brand beyond the enthusiast market while retaining
the DNA to make the car instantly recognisable as a Lotus.
Lotus Evora: 205 g/km CO2
32.5 mpg (8.7 litres / 100 km) - Combined Cycle
22.8 mpg (12.4 litres / 100 km) - Urban Cycle
43.5 mpg (6.5 litres / 100 km) - Extra Urban Cycle
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