Hey guys - just picked up the ECOTY issue, it is finally out in the states. I haven't read the whole thing yet but jumped to the end to see the comparison between Evora and GT3. I apologize if this is redundant but I don't remember much of a discussion other than the Evora won.

"most had found them very hard to separate...The GT3 delivers higher highs and lower lows, the Evora everyday, every-journey brilliance...

(Catchpole) The 911 just beats the Evora because as much as I am in awe of how the Lotus moves across the tarmac and the confidence it inspires and the wonderful balance it possesses, it never managed to give me the moments of sheer exhilaration and joy that the GT3 did...the GT3 can feel uncomfortable at ordinary speeds. Compared with the previous model (997.1) it feels more like a track car with the edges rounded for the road than a road car that will have enough edge on track...

Lotus Evora is not flawless, it's not the most exciting car to look at, but it's a magical thing across the ground...not even a lousy gearchange, a less-than-inspirational Toyota engine, a shape with some dubious angles and joke rear seats can dent the achievement...it's not as insistent, as demanding of your attention as the GT3, and that makes it a great car to live with and drive every day..."

Final tally - Evora 96, GT3 95.5 (Harris gave it a 99 )

Looks like another great issue, well worth buying. There is an article on the RS, turbo, the track car of the year, etc also.

 

I'm sure that the Evora is swell and all, but gimme a break...UK bias, perhaps?

 

You beat me to that post...my thoughts exactly.

 

the Evora had alot of promise but to me looks like a softened "green" car rather than a sportscar.

 

Had? It's not even out yet...I think the Evora HAS a lot of promise. Well positioned pricewise between the Cayman and Carrera, with the handling and performance of the former, and unique, near-exotic look of neither. And keep in mind that, like the Elise/Exige, there will be hotter versions coming. I don't think it will outshine the GT3 in any regard other than daily usability, but a turbo- or supercharged Evora may give a well-optioned Carrera S/4S a run for its money in the $100-110k range.

 

I have the issue, but have yet to read it. If the Evora was American made, does anyone think it would have even made it into the ECOTY issue?

 

I think Evo, of all the magazines, is the fairest when it comes evaluating cars on the right criteria and 'getting it' about cars in general. I have not driven an Evora but I would imagine it is quite special in its handling and ride but that engine and drivetrain, not to mention price when spec'd up (£60k!), are hugely against it. The GT3 is clearly the car that everyone would chose is they had the option and at that money i'd definitely take a used 997.1 GT3 over one too.

 

I just can't reconcile my experience with that of the journlists???

I drove the Evora: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...c4s-spasm.html

It was not really as good as a Cayman to me. I do think a Cayman is a fantastic car. To compare an Evora to a GT3...well that makes my head explode to try to comprehend?

The engine and exhaust sound is soulless. Fit and finish is good but not Porsche good. Visibility to side and rear is dreadful. It does remind one to some degree of a kit car. Powerband is peaky and has very poor low and poor midrange grunt.

 

But other than that it was good car, right?

 

I am not doubting the Evora is not a good car, but EVO has never picked their car based on price or value. It is purely based on the car alone. I think a Zonda won a while back. Given the depth of field in this year's ECOTY, I think the results are quite biased in favor of the Evora.

 

Lol...

It is a good looking car to me. An eye catcher. It had some attractive aluminum forging bits and pieces. The ride was good. I am not a Porsche fanboi or hater of other marques. But the Evora left me surprisingly disappointed. I'd rather have a Miata?

Has no one else driven it and can render an opinion???

 

A Cayman S owner here and I've driven the Evora during it's tour of the U.S. last month. I agree with savyboy with his impressions.

While I didn't completely beat on the car during my test drive, the 30 minutes I spent in it was strangly un-involved (if that is a word). The engine didn't have as much grunt and the 3.4 stock in my Cayman and the car was so quiet it could be an electric car.

During the test drives at the dealership, more then a few people were surprised when the car pulled back in almost silently. One minute it's not there then wham, it appears.

The steering feel was just a bit numb compared to the Cayman. Given the cost of the car and the features, I'm not really sure what role the car is trying to fill. It's not really a hard core sports car, nor luxury.

More photos and my review can be found here:

http://www.planet-9.com/automotive-o...pressions.html

 

the evora is severely underpowered,....IMO - the car will not sell until they upgrade power to at least 350hp

 

not to mentioned overpriced for the power it produces