@@jimj2683 Depends on the mission and the roads, I suppose. The Porsche is a little more spacious and comfortable while the Lotus is a little more raw.
Your review is exactly accurate. That is precisely what the Lotus experience is like, and now that you have driven one, you understand what Lotus does better than anyone else, and why they are legendary. The only thing I would add is how the car feels like a go cart. Great review, and glad to see you giddy during the drive like we all get when we drive our Lotus.
What other car offers this level of performance AND full-on exotic car cache starting at around 100k? I think the price point is actually solid for what you get. The GT is a brilliant machine, gorgeous, and the quintessential driver's sports car.
Excellent detailed review by a genuine expert driver. The Evora's coke bottle styling is timelessly attractive. Exquisite manual transmission demands total driver focus and extracts all the flexible fully road-useable power from what has to be one of the easiest maintenance high performance engines on the market.
I love these cars. People point to the Porsche all the time but I have to think if you want to do your own repairs and modifications that this is the way to go. Cheaper parts. Potentially very reliable
Great review, and your delight with the dynamics definitely comes through. Just last night I read the First Drives review in CAR magazine about the last generation of the Elise - so I was primed for this. Slapping a supercharger on a Toyota engine and 'adding lightness'? Genius.
@@BrianMakse Brian, your review is helping me to decide what my next car will be. Reliability is important to me and this appears to be among the few that fit into this category.👍
The evora is one car that would love to own one day. Their price do drop like ice on a summer day; its better to buy used or leftover which you can pick up with 30% discount just about anywhere.
How on earth do you do it Brian Lol, I was just thinking of going to Gentry Lane in Toronto to check out a 2015 Evora s because speccing a new one was darn near impossible and the main reason is I found it hard to get Canadian pricing anywhere. Lotus needs to spend just a small amount on marketing and they would sell a few more of these I would imagine. The all-new Emira is debuting this summer so I will wait to see what it has to offer but an Evora GT for the price of a loaded Cayman GTS or a base C2 is tempting for sure...and much more interesting I imagine. Great review as always Brian, keep up the great work.
Thanks, Chad! I think with the next gen cars, we'll see a marked change in the ways Lotus communicates. Looking forward to seeing what they're all about. Regardless, the Evora is unforgettable, proper driver's car.
@@BrianMakse I've now had 10+ precious years where I can and have put my kids in a sport car with me, 911 etc... I don't understand that most every auto-journalist is oblivious to this obvious use case. Expensive cars are rarely bought by 20 something year olds, but by people that have achieved some career, are older, and often enough have kids. Never do I get info how small is the small seat? Huge difference btw: for 6 year old only, vs good for 11 years vs. small person fits. Saying, oh yeah, not good for big person is absolutely USELESS. Who the F... cares? This is a personal indulgence vehicle for the owner and maybe family. I'm not gonna drag 4 friends with me in a sports car... Rant over, my pet peeve
Most people probably dislike that the engine is from Toyota, but those people need to see my buddies' Yaris thats had its odometer maxed out for over a year, still runs perfectly.
Thanks! Agreed, lovely colour, but shoot, that was forty or fifty cars ago. I usually cover the actual colour in the ‘how to spec’ segment of the show. If it’s not there, I can always look it up.
@@BrianMakse Yep totally understand! That's a ton of cars to review. Looks like on the Lotus website, for the Evora GT410 Sport the options are empire green, vivid and motorsport. I'm thinking possibly empire green. Anyways, really enjoy watching your car reviews.
Still haven’t been back to my desk (that episode is long archived) but my in-house sommelier served me a decent glass of wine, brain cells fired, and I now recall that Lotus may call it Military Grey. Pretty sure that’s correct.
Great looking car in that bronze. You are driving this so smooth at first I thought it was an automatic, great driving. Really a secret with great Toyota reliability. Do you think this car serve as every day car or is it better suited for Sunday curvy road drives?
mighty expensive i must say! well put together video, and again great audio quality! this thing actually sounds surprisingly good! to this day that one thing still cracks me up... you know what i’m talking about.
@@SebastianThierjung oh yes! That thing! It's so unusual, but that reminds me about the last WRX I tested. Almost the same thing, not quite, but close!
Brian, I've driven a new Evora GT last year. It was the best driving experience I've had. Seriously wanted to buy one but concern for parts and support long term stopped me. Out of the many cars I've driven, the most memorable drives (don't laugh at me) were this, a 2016 Mustang GT with PP and manual (that engine, RWD and stick), ND2 Miata RF manual (the update makes it better than the S2000, there I said it) and Veloster N manual (although heard the DCT is better as the stick there is just ok). I don't enjoy the P cars as much, but haven't tried the newer Cayman NA models. Awesome review as always. Late to view it.
Hey Sunny, all great cars and massive fun to drive. Veloster N is quicker than the manual, but also 50kg heavier, so I don’t know about better. I wouldn’t be concerned with Evora reliability because most of the parts are pretty common. Most bits used elsewhere and it’s robust stuff, too.
Brian I really need your opinion. Years back I purchased a Ford Focus RS sight unseen no test drive and I immediately regretted it the suspension was so harsh, beat the crap out of me, I couldn't take it and I ended up selling it after only eight months. I've never driven a lotus evora and today I put down a deposit for the new Lotus Emira again with no test drive. Can you let me know how the Evora suspension compares to the Ford Focus RS, I hope it's much more compliant and comfortable, and way less firm. I just don't want to make the same mistake again with the Emira. I read that the Emira comes with two suspension options, a touring suspension and a sport suspension so I'm hoping the touring is comfortable and livable. Thanks.
Hi Doug, I would have helped you with your Focus RS purchase by suggesting you don’t purchase one! Can’t really comment on Emira and, in short, I think you’re going to have to put some faith into the engineer’s touring spec. I think this is a much more broad and deep conversation.
@@BrianMakse thanks Brian, I've spoken to many people who have driven both the RS and Evora and they all reassured me that the Lotus suspension is not near as firm as the Focus RS. My plan is to order the Emira in the touring spec, not the sport spec. I have driven a GT4 which I could live with, and they all said that the GT4 was more firmly sprung than the Evora. I've always wanted to get a later model Lotus Exige 430, but unfortunately they weren't allowed in Canada. Personally I think the Emira looks very exotic, like a mini supercar rather than a sports car, styled beautifully. Plus, I think the Emira since it is the last Lotus with an internal combustion engine, will hold its value or actually appreciate in value over time. Now just a 2 year wait.
What about understeer and the higher center of gravity as a lot of mass is mounted fairly high. I know you like the Cayman GTS 981.....I believe the Evora has the better performance numbers, but what about the driving dynamics. Do you favor the Cayman or the Evora?
Today's episode is about the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. Check it out! As for understeer, as I say at the close of each episode, cars don't understeer by themselves. Centre of gravity is one of many dynamic factors, but it's the only the driver that makes a car understeer and the driver's job is to pilot the car appropriately.
@@BrianMakse the Internet needs more of this discussion because a lot of people have an amount of money that could get something newer (Evora) vs something older that was perhaps more of a dream car (a Ferrari). So after all this time has the Evora caught up and overtaken? Or are 15yo supercars still extra-special in comparison..? 🤷🏻♂️
@@BillySabillon123 Excellent, unlike the GT3 I considered, it doesn't need specialized tools and a complicated process just for oil changes; you can DIY it pretty reasonably with the Toyota oil filter and some good off the shelf oil. The only real expense I've had so far was the first break in service that included the first oil change. The visit was $300.
Do you daily yours? I've been seriously considering one for a summer daily but I'm curious how it does out of its element with some normal everyday driving
I actually have both (well a 2018 Evora 400, not a GT but they are virtually the same) and I’m commenting prior to watching his video but my experience is the Lotus sounds so much better than the Porsche stock to stock (I have over axle pipes on mine which helps a lot but the Lotus still sounds more visceral), the Lotus rides far better and literally has the best ride/handling trade off I’ve experienced in any car, the steering on the Evora is also better and shockingly it feels every bit as tightly constructed as the body structure is granite solid. I would say overall if your going to be driving on roads (and occasionally track) I’d take the Lotus. The 718 GT4 is much more focused and hardcore but to me a little less fun as it’s limits are actually quite a bit higher than the Evoras. At new sticker versus new sticker price it’s a no brainer .....Porsche everytime, but I paid $85k for my 400 brand new and lightly used ones are even less, by comparison my decently equipped (no PCCB, or buckets) 718 GT4 was $119k but putting your money in any Porsche GT car is as safe as it gets and that definitely means something. I find myself using the Lotus more than the Porsche because it turns even short errands into play time where the GT4 and it’s tall gearing, high limits, and sound that doesn’t start getting decent till 5,000RPM requires more to come into its own
@@jameswillard1 Thank you very much for your feedback. It was very interesting to see a comparison from an owner's point of view. I am taking delivery of my GT4 next month, but when I ordered the GT4 I was considering the Lotus. Honestly, as you said I think the GT4 will hold its value better, and I can get an lightly used Evora for much less money here in Toronto (Canada). I've already ordered the Akrapovic over-axel pipe to improve the noise of the GT4, but I still think that the Lotus sounds better. Cheers
I ask a lot of reviewers this question, but I never get an answer that makes sense. Maybe you'll try. Tell me why you think driving any modern day, high performance car, with a manual transmission, is more fun then the same car with an automatic? Modern automatics can up or down shift faster than any human. I just don't get the fun out of shifting gears. I always think of having fun driving, is beating someone in a quarter mile race or around a road course. A dual clutch tranny helps you do either of these faster. When you drive your car in the city, you can put the transmission in auto, it's much more convenient and less stressful on your legs. If you like shifting gears that's cool, I'm not downing you, I just don't see how it's more fun then a dual clutch?
As a driver, the act of shifting this Lotus is magic and it's delightful. It's one of the most refined and satisfying manual cars I've experienced in a long time. As a racer, give me the quickest car, regardless of transmission, but this isn't a race car. This one isn't available with a dual clutch, but rather a torque converter auto. Tune in Saturday for an episode about a Cayman four litre with a dual clutch gearbox! In the meantime, check out our episode entitled the Ultimate Guide To Heel and Toe for some advanced techniques.
@@BrianMakse OK, must be an acquired taste. I grew up in Detroit Michigan, and we have a lot of stop n go traffic, and I grew to hate shifting gears at rush hour and between all the traffic lights.
Some just like the feeling of rowing your own gears, I had an Elise, and now the Evora. Both are terrific manual cars and the best I've ever had. I do look forward to my soon-to-be (hopefully) purchase which will an M2 Competition though - reason being, on B-roads the Evora is a charm but if frequently stuck at traffic lights and jams.. Yeah an auto is better.
I love my Evora S1 which is the first automatic car I've ever owned. On a day to day basis the auto works great and is fine for me. If I was out for spirited drive then a manuel would absolutely be more fun for sure though. I guess you lose the highs with an auto but gain on the lows if that makes sense. Btw the whole back seats being useless definitely isn't accurate, well not if you're relatively short like myself at 5'8. Kids of average size up to 10 can fit back there just fine.....I've done it many a time. Lovely video, really enjoyed it and it definitely makes me want to upgrade to the newer facelifted Evora.
We're still a channel about driving and, sure, we're gonna talk about it, but I'd rather show y'all something better in the time that we have together.
you hit on its tiny flaws. pedals to close, and soft brake pedal. i removed the metal piece pedal to get a fraction more space. combined with brake pedal travel or height of pedal causes and occasional hitting the gas. didn't like the seats the series 1 evora seats were better, and not Sparco. thanks for the good/correct comment every where else
This lotus does not qualify as fast nor fun, it's an absolute snooze fest (drove friend's GT recently, he had an NA before), Elise owner myself. The gearing is stupidly tall (3rd goes into triple digits), there is no aero, it is very heavy for a lotus. Seats are extremely uncomfortable (wouldn't want to do more than 20 minutes in that car, maybe I'm just not fat enough), rear visibility is awful (you can see the throttle cable moving, that's about it), visibility is bad in corners thanks to gigantic side mirrors in stupid spots (was horrible in his NA in left handers) rear camera has laughable quality considering the price, head unit is junk as well, noises it makes are boring outside of downshifts, the engine itself is a turd because it's a boring and smooth engine (supercharger makes it not die off 1500 rpms before redline like it did in NA form), it still doesn't have much grip, torque is just ok at best, shifter is wonky going down into 4th, clutch and shifter are much improved over na, so is the body control, steering is still great until you drive an elise. Brakes are weak (better than na, but still awful compared to eliges), suspension does a great job compared to na, rides great and doesn't roll around like crazy (that's what na did while riding even better), but still doesn't inspire confidence and falls apart when driven hard, the whole car falls apart when driven hard: it doesn't know if it wants to be a gt car or a sports car (fails at both since it's not nice enough not sporty enough), na was more of a cohesive soft cruiser package. It's numb and boring. GT is more neutral, NA understeered like hell. Good down shifts and steering, that's about it. Interior is a downgrade from Evora and Evora S, more generic and full of plastic vs aluminum buttons and switches on the older model years. Would take a miata or brz over this extremely expensive pile of junk any day. This pig is not a lotus, now drive an elige to understand why. It may feel raw and connected compared to a modern numb non gt Porsche or something similar. There are lots of cars that have more performance, fun, and character for a lot less money (including offerings from chivy and ford, although most of them lose in the steering feel category). Power delivery of this camry engine is anything but exciting.
@@volodymyrshoniia2424 An Elise qualifies as a slow, boring and heavy car compared to any race car, even a Formula Ford. The rest of your rant just makes you look ignorant.
@@EvoraGT430why are you comparing a street car to a race car? Of course it is heavy compared to caterhams, gbs, atoms, bac,2-11s, 3-11s, Xbow etc. And what does this even have to do with anything? The point is Evora is not a lotus, it's a sales and marketing disaster piece of junk attempt to go after a 911 or a cayman, but even a cayman is more entertaining to drive than an evora (coming from a total Porsche hater). Elige is a toy that is still usable as a normal car, even though it's not great at normal car activities. It doesn't really have any competition (4c would be the closest thing here, but it's significantly heavier, doesn't come in manual, and isn't all that great), and it is what people think about when they hear Lotus. It is the car that saved the brand. It is compromised compared to some super light barely road legal things that don't have roof/head unit/hvac/doors/passenger seat. Evora is a pig that pretends to have rear seats, doesn't have a removable roof, and doesn't want to be driven hard, all inputs and responses are delayed, feedback is muffled, not a lotus at all. Sort of a smooth gentleman's cruiser for an obscene amount of money compared to competition, ss1le, coxster, gt350, 911 and other competitors will absolutely annihilate it in any department outside of steering feel while not being built like junk lotus style (I guess that is where Evora is a lotus), any Miata, 86 or anything similar is a lot more engaging and fun, and any Aston or lc500 or any other real GT car will be a better gt/road trip/daily. Almost anything else will have more storage since it's not trying to pull off an idiocy of having tiny rear seats, tiny trunk, and no frunk, no other brand is stupid enough to use absolute junk of an infotainment and camera or have such bad build quality. There is really no buyer for this camry powered characterless pile outside of a total lotus fan boy or somebody who just likes the looks and haven't driven any of the alternatives. The funny part is when many car journalists say this should be a third or fourth toy car when it's designed to be a daily driver. Older NA would be a great cruiser/road trip car (if you are fine with very little storage and unusable rear seats or opt out of having them) with a perfectly plush ride and couch like seats. So our target audience is a buyer who wants a blend of gt and sports car that cannot really fulfill either duty. We all wish we got v6 exiges here. Used S or 400 probably is a sweet spot since it's not as expensive while being basically the same as GT, but still too much for what it is. Let's find a shorter final drive to make these more engaging and less slow and torqueless feeling. Bottom line is the driving experience isn't worth the money, neither is the lack of dealerships for most people to cover warranty work and make up for build quality issues.
I was literally just watching evora gt reviews and saw this pop up. Finally another good quality gt video by a good reviewer. Thanks Brian!
Thanks Shahul!
@@BrianMakse Which car would you choose to drive on a longer sunday trip: Lotus Evora or 718 GTS 4.0L?
@@jimj2683 Depends on the mission and the roads, I suppose. The Porsche is a little more spacious and comfortable while the Lotus is a little more raw.
@@BrianMakse Don't forget the rear seats/bench in the Evora; you can get a huge amount in there.
Your review is exactly accurate. That is precisely what the Lotus experience is like, and now that you have driven one, you understand what Lotus does better than anyone else, and why they are legendary. The only thing I would add is how the car feels like a go cart. Great review, and glad to see you giddy during the drive like we all get when we drive our Lotus.
If only all V6's could sound like this bad boy
"lets go for a drive" within 15 seconds into the video. Spoken like a true car Enthusiast. No time wasted. I liked and subscribed right way.
Thanks, Moose! We don't fool around here.
Gorgeous. Seems you really enjoyed this one!
Always had a soft spot for Lotus...
I sure did, Vito! Wicked fun!
So pretty. So tempting. But high price. Temptation falling. But driving so sweet, so pure. Temptation rising, rising. Damn you, Lotus.
Agreed, T!
What other car offers this level of performance AND full-on exotic car cache starting at around 100k? I think the price point is actually solid for what you get. The GT is a brilliant machine, gorgeous, and the quintessential driver's sports car.
If I could afford it, I'd buy one if not two of them and drive them as often as possible.
Captivating review of a true driver's car. It came into my radar after I saw one on the road and it sounded glorious!
They’ve made it sound like an exotic.
Excellent detailed review by a genuine expert driver. The Evora's coke bottle styling is timelessly attractive. Exquisite manual transmission demands total driver focus and extracts all the flexible fully road-useable power from what has to be one of the easiest maintenance high performance engines on the market.
I love these cars. People point to the Porsche all the time but I have to think if you want to do your own repairs and modifications that this is the way to go. Cheaper parts. Potentially very reliable
That motor will probably last forever. Doesn't feel stressed, always eager.
Great review from someone that knows what they're talking about.
Cheers, thanks Colin!
This is now a collectors item Brian. You should buy one!
I’m too busy with racecars to think about road cars!
Great review, and your delight with the dynamics definitely comes through. Just last night I read the First Drives review in CAR magazine about the last generation of the Elise - so I was primed for this. Slapping a supercharger on a Toyota engine and 'adding lightness'? Genius.
Thanks, Cameron!
Would definitely take this over the cayman gts 4.0
I actually had an allocation for a fairly customized gts 4.0 before grabbing my Evora. Beyond happy I did that.
Great review.
Lotus are great, raw cars
Excellent review! Thanks and Happy New Year.
Cheers! Glad you enjoyed, Dave.
@@BrianMakse Brian, your review is helping me to decide what my next car will be. Reliability is important to me and this appears to be among the few that fit into this category.👍
New Emira looks interesting
I own one. Perfect review!
Right on!
The evora is one car that would love to own one day. Their price do drop like ice on a summer day; its better to buy used or leftover which you can pick up with 30% discount just about anywhere.
I never see them on the used market, at least here in Canada. How do they fare?
@@BrianMakse Here in NY a 2017 is about $70 to $75k. I am between a new corveter for $65k or a used evora gt or 400.
@@JuanLopez-oz9kh The Lotus would be so much more interesting. I'm already seeing too many C8s at Cars and Coffees.
@@BrianMakse correct; it would be more exclusive!
I have the same car same color with carbon pack. Its amazing.
Nice! Enjoy!
What is maintenance like ?
Evora-lution has resulted in such a pure driving experience.
Please compare this 2021 GT with the Lotus Emira coming next year.
I’ll be doing the same kind of review with Emira, that’s for sure.
How on earth do you do it Brian Lol, I was just thinking of going to Gentry Lane in Toronto to check out a 2015 Evora s because speccing a new one was darn near impossible and the main reason is I found it hard to get Canadian pricing anywhere. Lotus needs to spend just a small amount on marketing and they would sell a few more of these I would imagine. The all-new Emira is debuting this summer so I will wait to see what it has to offer but an Evora GT for the price of a loaded Cayman GTS or a base C2 is tempting for sure...and much more interesting I imagine. Great review as always Brian, keep up the great work.
Thanks, Chad! I think with the next gen cars, we'll see a marked change in the ways Lotus communicates. Looking forward to seeing what they're all about. Regardless, the Evora is unforgettable, proper driver's car.
My kids loved back seats
Small kids...
@@BrianMakse 11 year old twins, boy and a girl. And you know, kids are by definition small.
@@BrianMakse I've now had 10+ precious years where I can and have put my kids in a sport car with me, 911 etc... I don't understand that most every auto-journalist is oblivious to this obvious use case. Expensive cars are rarely bought by 20 something year olds, but by people that have achieved some career, are older, and often enough have kids. Never do I get info how small is the small seat? Huge difference btw: for 6 year old only, vs good for 11 years vs. small person fits. Saying, oh yeah, not good for big person is absolutely USELESS. Who the F... cares? This is a personal indulgence vehicle for the owner and maybe family. I'm not gonna drag 4 friends with me in a sports car... Rant over, my pet peeve
Most people probably dislike that the engine is from Toyota,
but those people need to see my buddies' Yaris thats had its odometer maxed out for over a year, still runs perfectly.
I’m pretty sure they don’t need to see a Yaris, unless it’s the new GR.
Hi Brian, wonderful review and video! What color is this? It's beautiful especially paired with the yellow calipers!
Thanks! Agreed, lovely colour, but shoot, that was forty or fifty cars ago. I usually cover the actual colour in the ‘how to spec’ segment of the show. If it’s not there, I can always look it up.
@@BrianMakse Yep totally understand! That's a ton of cars to review. Looks like on the Lotus website, for the Evora GT410 Sport the options are empire green, vivid and motorsport. I'm thinking possibly empire green. Anyways, really enjoy watching your car reviews.
Still haven’t been back to my desk (that episode is long archived) but my in-house sommelier served me a decent glass of wine, brain cells fired, and I now recall that Lotus may call it Military Grey. Pretty sure that’s correct.
@@BrianMakse Awesome. Thanks and cheers!
I think he likes it
Nah, he didn't like it.
Great looking car in that bronze. You are driving this so smooth at first I thought it was an automatic, great driving. Really a secret with great Toyota reliability. Do you think this car serve as every day car or is it better suited for Sunday curvy road drives?
Thanks, Paul. It’s definitely a special occasion kind of thing. You could daily it, but it would lose its charm if you drove it that frequently.
@@BrianMakse Have one, can confirm.
mighty expensive i must say! well put together video, and again great audio quality! this thing actually sounds surprisingly good! to this day that one thing still cracks me up... you know what i’m talking about.
Thanks a ton! (Which thing is that? There are lots of things!)
@@BrianMakse head unit
@@SebastianThierjung oh yes! That thing! It's so unusual, but that reminds me about the last WRX I tested. Almost the same thing, not quite, but close!
Brian, I've driven a new Evora GT last year. It was the best driving experience I've had. Seriously wanted to buy one but concern for parts and support long term stopped me. Out of the many cars I've driven, the most memorable drives (don't laugh at me) were this, a 2016 Mustang GT with PP and manual (that engine, RWD and stick), ND2 Miata RF manual (the update makes it better than the S2000, there I said it) and Veloster N manual (although heard the DCT is better as the stick there is just ok). I don't enjoy the P cars as much, but haven't tried the newer Cayman NA models. Awesome review as always. Late to view it.
Hey Sunny, all great cars and massive fun to drive. Veloster N is quicker than the manual, but also 50kg heavier, so I don’t know about better. I wouldn’t be concerned with Evora reliability because most of the parts are pretty common. Most bits used elsewhere and it’s robust stuff, too.
Better looking than Porsche...beautiful design...
Glad you like it!
Straight competition for the Porsche Cayman GT3 718
Superb 😊
Thank you! Cheers!
Brian I really need your opinion.
Years back I purchased a Ford Focus RS sight unseen no test drive and I immediately regretted it the suspension was so harsh, beat the crap out of me, I couldn't take it and I ended up selling it after only eight months.
I've never driven a lotus evora and today I put down a deposit for the new Lotus Emira again with no test drive.
Can you let me know how the Evora suspension compares to the Ford Focus RS, I hope it's much more compliant and comfortable, and way less firm.
I just don't want to make the same mistake again with the Emira.
I read that the Emira comes with two suspension options, a touring suspension and a sport suspension so I'm hoping the touring is comfortable and livable.
Thanks.
Hi Doug, I would have helped you with your Focus RS purchase by suggesting you don’t purchase one! Can’t really comment on Emira and, in short, I think you’re going to have to put some faith into the engineer’s touring spec. I think this is a much more broad and deep conversation.
@@BrianMakse thanks
Brian, I've spoken to many people who have driven both the RS and Evora and they all reassured me that the Lotus suspension is not near as firm as the Focus RS.
My plan is to order the Emira in the touring spec, not the sport spec.
I have driven a GT4 which I could live with, and they all said that the GT4 was more firmly sprung than the Evora.
I've always wanted to get a later model Lotus Exige 430, but unfortunately they weren't allowed in Canada.
Personally I think the Emira looks very exotic, like a mini supercar rather than a sports car, styled beautifully.
Plus, I think the Emira since it is the last Lotus with an internal combustion engine, will hold its value or actually appreciate in value over time.
Now just a 2 year wait.
The lotus evora is a strong vehicle plus has that toyota supercharger v6 if i hit lottery im getting one
What about understeer and the higher center of gravity as a lot of mass is mounted fairly high. I know you like the Cayman GTS 981.....I believe the Evora has the better performance numbers, but what about the driving dynamics. Do you favor the Cayman or the Evora?
Today's episode is about the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. Check it out!
As for understeer, as I say at the close of each episode, cars don't understeer by themselves. Centre of gravity is one of many dynamic factors, but it's the only the driver that makes a car understeer and the driver's job is to pilot the car appropriately.
See 9:24 onwards; there is no understeer.
Keep it up
Thanks!
You guys know why these cars are so expensive? Because they’re worth it.
It’s also because people will buy them.
I am thinking between Lincoln navigator or Tesla model X plaid or this car but chances r more for this car
Totally believable.
So get the Evora or wait for the new Evira?
Why not get an Evora now and trade it in on the new car? Best of both worlds!
@@BrianMakse Because depreciation will totally make it not worth doing that.
How would you say an Evora compares with older supercars like say the F430?
That’s a long discussion! Evora is an interesting mix of old and new. 430 isn’t current, but has a lot of current tech like the e diff for example.
@@BrianMakse the Internet needs more of this discussion because a lot of people have an amount of money that could get something newer (Evora) vs something older that was perhaps more of a dream car (a Ferrari). So after all this time has the Evora caught up and overtaken? Or are 15yo supercars still extra-special in comparison..? 🤷🏻♂️
"At what price" literally nothing more than the sales price, I have one and it's a great F'ing car, immediately go buy one.
How is maintenance? As far as cost goes?
@@BillySabillon123 Excellent, unlike the GT3 I considered, it doesn't need specialized tools and a complicated process just for oil changes; you can DIY it pretty reasonably with the Toyota oil filter and some good off the shelf oil. The only real expense I've had so far was the first break in service that included the first oil change. The visit was $300.
@@jamiea8318 interesting you mentioned a GT3, that was the other car I have my eyes on 😂
Do you daily yours? I've been seriously considering one for a summer daily but I'm curious how it does out of its element with some normal everyday driving
Would you get an Evora GT instead a 718 GT4?
Well...Saturday's review is about the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and it's a thorough episode!
I actually have both (well a 2018 Evora 400, not a GT but they are virtually the same) and I’m commenting prior to watching his video but my experience is the Lotus sounds so much better than the Porsche stock to stock (I have over axle pipes on mine which helps a lot but the Lotus still sounds more visceral), the Lotus rides far better and literally has the best ride/handling trade off I’ve experienced in any car, the steering on the Evora is also better and shockingly it feels every bit as tightly constructed as the body structure is granite solid. I would say overall if your going to be driving on roads (and occasionally track) I’d take the Lotus. The 718 GT4 is much more focused and hardcore but to me a little less fun as it’s limits are actually quite a bit higher than the Evoras. At new sticker versus new sticker price it’s a no brainer .....Porsche everytime, but I paid $85k for my 400 brand new and lightly used ones are even less, by comparison my decently equipped (no PCCB, or buckets) 718 GT4 was $119k but putting your money in any Porsche GT car is as safe as it gets and that definitely means something. I find myself using the Lotus more than the Porsche because it turns even short errands into play time where the GT4 and it’s tall gearing, high limits, and sound that doesn’t start getting decent till 5,000RPM requires more to come into its own
@@jameswillard1 Thank you very much for your feedback. It was very interesting to see a comparison from an owner's point of view. I am taking delivery of my GT4 next month, but when I ordered the GT4 I was considering the Lotus. Honestly, as you said I think the GT4 will hold its value better, and I can get an lightly used Evora for much less money here in Toronto (Canada). I've already ordered the Akrapovic over-axel pipe to improve the noise of the GT4, but I still think that the Lotus sounds better. Cheers
@@brunodudo85 congrats, you will love the GT4. I had a 2016 981 GT4 before the 718 and they are absolutely fabulous cars
I want one can I get wholesale prices?
Try asking the dealer nicely!
Race car for the street
Brilliant car, but way too soft to be considered a race car.
I ask a lot of reviewers this question, but I never get an answer that makes sense. Maybe you'll try. Tell me why you think driving any modern day, high performance car, with a manual transmission, is more fun then the same car with an automatic? Modern automatics can up or down shift faster than any human. I just don't get the fun out of shifting gears. I always think of having fun driving, is beating someone in a quarter mile race or around a road course. A dual clutch tranny helps you do either of these faster. When you drive your car in the city, you can put the transmission in auto, it's much more convenient and less stressful on your legs. If you like shifting gears that's cool, I'm not downing you, I just don't see how it's more fun then a dual clutch?
As a driver, the act of shifting this Lotus is magic and it's delightful. It's one of the most refined and satisfying manual cars I've experienced in a long time. As a racer, give me the quickest car, regardless of transmission, but this isn't a race car.
This one isn't available with a dual clutch, but rather a torque converter auto. Tune in Saturday for an episode about a Cayman four litre with a dual clutch gearbox! In the meantime, check out our episode entitled the Ultimate Guide To Heel and Toe for some advanced techniques.
@@BrianMakse OK, must be an acquired taste. I grew up in Detroit Michigan, and we have a lot of stop n go traffic, and I grew to hate shifting gears at rush hour and between all the traffic lights.
I live in downtown Toronto. Pretty sure that’s worse than Motown!
Some just like the feeling of rowing your own gears, I had an Elise, and now the Evora. Both are terrific manual cars and the best I've ever had. I do look forward to my soon-to-be (hopefully) purchase which will an M2 Competition though - reason being, on B-roads the Evora is a charm but if frequently stuck at traffic lights and jams.. Yeah an auto is better.
I love my Evora S1 which is the first automatic car I've ever owned. On a day to day basis the auto works great and is fine for me. If I was out for spirited drive then a manuel would absolutely be more fun for sure though. I guess you lose the highs with an auto but gain on the lows if that makes sense.
Btw the whole back seats being useless definitely isn't accurate, well not if you're relatively short like myself at 5'8. Kids of average size up to 10 can fit back there just fine.....I've done it many a time.
Lovely video, really enjoyed it and it definitely makes me want to upgrade to the newer facelifted Evora.
Can i buy this car in germany?
Carbon & aluminum chassi and its still over 3k lbs.. Dang Gallard V10 AWD is lighter
This or an M2 cs?
I don't think I've seen khakis that baggy since the late 90's.
Yeah, they’re older than my podium champagne bottles.
Lovely. Did you move out west? Seems like you've been out west a lot lately.
The more appropriate question is why be in Ontario this year?
@@BrianMakse so true!
@@BrianMakse So true. Enjoy your time there and meanwhile...thanks for the awesome videos as always.
@@-Munditimum- thank you, sir! For the next little while, we've got two episodes per week. Hope you enjoy!
@@BrianMakse or even Canada now it's locking down again...3rd time.........
One year of low mileage will save you 30% on the used market! Always buy used!
A lotus has a Camry engine. Not a big deal.
The new Supra has a Bmw engine. Everyone complains.
Who complains? It works brilliantly. Sound proper, too.
This or a GTS 4.0 Mate? Possibly a GT4
Are you tracking the car? How will you use it?
@@BrianMakse I have the same question. 75% Norcal mountains/twisties, 25% track, weekend car. GT4vs Evora GT vs GTS 4.0 vs M2C/CS
Chassis is bonded, not riveted
It is bonded and riveted.
Why not look at the backseat?
We're still a channel about driving and, sure, we're gonna talk about it, but I'd rather show y'all something better in the time that we have together.
@@BrianMakse but the back seat is where the fun is?
@@romererunamerika9437 for dogs perhaps!
@@romererunamerika9437 Not in the Evora it isn't -- unless you are a Lilliputian or contortionist.
you hit on its tiny flaws. pedals to close, and soft brake pedal. i removed the metal piece pedal to get a fraction more space. combined with brake pedal travel or height of pedal causes and occasional hitting the gas. didn't like the seats the series 1 evora seats were better, and not Sparco. thanks for the good/correct comment every where else
There's not much else to fault. I enjoyed my time with this one.
💙💙🤗
Way to expensive and underpowered, slow. Having owned 11 Lotus's I am very qualified to discuss.
So, what you're saying is that you made the same mistake ten times over?
Brian Makse 🤣😂🤣🔥
@@BrianMakse perfect reply !! lol
This lotus does not qualify as fast nor fun, it's an absolute snooze fest (drove friend's GT recently, he had an NA before), Elise owner myself. The gearing is stupidly tall (3rd goes into triple digits), there is no aero, it is very heavy for a lotus. Seats are extremely uncomfortable (wouldn't want to do more than 20 minutes in that car, maybe I'm just not fat enough), rear visibility is awful (you can see the throttle cable moving, that's about it), visibility is bad in corners thanks to gigantic side mirrors in stupid spots (was horrible in his NA in left handers) rear camera has laughable quality considering the price, head unit is junk as well, noises it makes are boring outside of downshifts, the engine itself is a turd because it's a boring and smooth engine (supercharger makes it not die off 1500 rpms before redline like it did in NA form), it still doesn't have much grip, torque is just ok at best, shifter is wonky going down into 4th, clutch and shifter are much improved over na, so is the body control, steering is still great until you drive an elise.
Brakes are weak (better than na, but still awful compared to eliges), suspension does a great job compared to na, rides great and doesn't roll around like crazy (that's what na did while riding even better), but still doesn't inspire confidence and falls apart when driven hard, the whole car falls apart when driven hard: it doesn't know if it wants to be a gt car or a sports car (fails at both since it's not nice enough not sporty enough), na was more of a cohesive soft cruiser package. It's numb and boring. GT is more neutral, NA understeered like hell.
Good down shifts and steering, that's about it.
Interior is a downgrade from Evora and Evora S, more generic and full of plastic vs aluminum buttons and switches on the older model years.
Would take a miata or brz over this extremely expensive pile of junk any day.
This pig is not a lotus, now drive an elige to understand why. It may feel raw and connected compared to a modern numb non gt Porsche or something similar.
There are lots of cars that have more performance, fun, and character for a lot less money (including offerings from chivy and ford, although most of them lose in the steering feel category). Power delivery of this camry engine is anything but exciting.
Having a bad day?
@@BrianMakse more like being honest and objective 🤷🏻♂️ I mean it's all relative and it all depends on what we compare it to
@@volodymyrshoniia2424 An Elise qualifies as a slow, boring and heavy car compared to any race car, even a Formula Ford. The rest of your rant just makes you look ignorant.
@@EvoraGT430why are you comparing a street car to a race car? Of course it is heavy compared to caterhams, gbs, atoms, bac,2-11s, 3-11s, Xbow etc. And what does this even have to do with anything? The point is Evora is not a lotus, it's a sales and marketing disaster piece of junk attempt to go after a 911 or a cayman, but even a cayman is more entertaining to drive than an evora (coming from a total Porsche hater).
Elige is a toy that is still usable as a normal car, even though it's not great at normal car activities. It doesn't really have any competition (4c would be the closest thing here, but it's significantly heavier, doesn't come in manual, and isn't all that great), and it is what people think about when they hear Lotus. It is the car that saved the brand. It is compromised compared to some super light barely road legal things that don't have roof/head unit/hvac/doors/passenger seat.
Evora is a pig that pretends to have rear seats, doesn't have a removable roof, and doesn't want to be driven hard, all inputs and responses are delayed, feedback is muffled, not a lotus at all. Sort of a smooth gentleman's cruiser for an obscene amount of money compared to competition, ss1le, coxster, gt350, 911 and other competitors will absolutely annihilate it in any department outside of steering feel while not being built like junk lotus style (I guess that is where Evora is a lotus), any Miata, 86 or anything similar is a lot more engaging and fun, and any Aston or lc500 or any other real GT car will be a better gt/road trip/daily. Almost anything else will have more storage since it's not trying to pull off an idiocy of having tiny rear seats, tiny trunk, and no frunk, no other brand is stupid enough to use absolute junk of an infotainment and camera or have such bad build quality. There is really no buyer for this camry powered characterless pile outside of a total lotus fan boy or somebody who just likes the looks and haven't driven any of the alternatives. The funny part is when many car journalists say this should be a third or fourth toy car when it's designed to be a daily driver.
Older NA would be a great cruiser/road trip car (if you are fine with very little storage and unusable rear seats or opt out of having them) with a perfectly plush ride and couch like seats.
So our target audience is a buyer who wants a blend of gt and sports car that cannot really fulfill either duty. We all wish we got v6 exiges here.
Used S or 400 probably is a sweet spot since it's not as expensive while being basically the same as GT, but still too much for what it is. Let's find a shorter final drive to make these more engaging and less slow and torqueless feeling.
Bottom line is the driving experience isn't worth the money, neither is the lack of dealerships for most people to cover warranty work and make up for build quality issues.
Wow I think thou doth protest too much. Nice review Brian, that's my dream car.