(Tue 22 Jul 08)

The car which until now has been known under the codename of Project Eagle has been formally unveiled at the British International Motor Show under its proper name, the Lotus Evora.

The Evora is still six months from the end of its development, but most of the details are in place. For a start, it's the world's only mid-engined 2+2 sports car, with enough room up front for two six foot five adults and further space for two much smaller people in the rear.

Power comes from a 3.5-litre V6 Toyota engine which has been modified by Lotus to produce a maximum of 276bhp and drives through a six-speed gearbox, again supplied by Toyota. A similar gearbox with closer ratios is still being developed.

The lightweight structure of the car - composite body panels on an extruded aluminium chassis - means that the prototype weighs just 1350kg, and with the power available that means a top speed of around 160mph and a 0-60mph expected to be confirmed at under five seconds. But the lack of weight also means relatively good fuel economy and CO2 emissions (estimated at over 30mpg and under 225g/km respectively), plus superior handling and braking.

Just to make sure of those last two points, though, Lotus has persuaded Yokohama to develop special tyres for the car (255/40x18 at the front, 225/35 at the rear), and has fitted 350mm front discs and 332mm rears along with AP Racing four-pot brake calipers.

The Evora is a suitably significant vehicle for Lotus to unveil during its 60th anniversary year. It's also the second of what will eventually become a three-platform range for the company, the first being the Elise family (including the Exige and Europa) and the third, due for release in 2010, being a new mid-engined supercar.

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