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Took an Evora GT for an extended test drive and was blown away. Car is phenomenal. Not sure I could live with the build quality or the horrific deprecation though.
I don't know why people say that the Lotus would have poor build quality or that it would break. What they did is the smartest thing they could do: Use a Toyota drivetrain. Much more dependable than a Porsche. Statistically. Most Porsche models have issues. Serious ones. GT4 transmission 3rd gear loss is a good example.
I can't speak for Lotus owners but I would be shocked if the engine or transmission would be problematic. And they are growing as a company. Expect an SUV and sedan like all the others I suspect.
I just drove an Evora GT and it was amazing in every way, shape and form. Incredibly fun. It was much more exciting than the outgoing GT4. The new one? Hard to say. The new GT4 is bad-***. As to depreciation, it's not a ton different than Cayamns. Not as good as the old GT4 but those were limited production and I hear the new one will not be. A 2014 Evora with 23k miles that retailed for about $80k is in the high 40's.
I was shocked at how good it was. CNC Motors in Upland is making a big push with them.
I don't know why people say that the Lotus would have poor build quality or that it would break.
The drivetrain was never my concern personally. I have lots of experience with the 2GR motor... you can find them in everything from the Camry to the Sienna and they are pretty much bombproof. It’s the rest of the car that bothered me...interior panels, overall fit and finish, etc. Please don’t misunderstand me, the car was absolutely fabulous to drive (for reference, daily driver is a 991.2 GT3). I just couldn’t spend 100k on an Evora GT when it gave me the impression it wasn’t built as well as the equivalent Porsche product (even if that impression may or may not be purely subjective).
I really don’t think build quality is the issue. I think it’s comparing a $115k with basically an unlimited budget (GT4) vs a $115k with a very tight budget (evora GT). If lotus got the European bumper federalized and released a true GT430, with ohlins and jhooks — it would be neck and neck. But they didn’t. And therefore made a hybrid 400/430 with 410 suspension. All on a 10 year old platform. That’s just tough when the new GT4 is basically the same price. My opinion. And I’m a lotus fanboy.
I also have no issues with the build quality of the Lotus. In fact, based upon the stripper spec of the GT4 I would build with partial leather, (if I get an allocation), I think the Lotus would have the nicer interior. The standard finishes on the lotus are much higher end than the Porsche, from what I can tell. Essentially, the only issue pushing me towards the GT4 would be the "perceived" value retention of the car a few years down the road. I say perceived because no one knows how the value of the 718 GT4 will hold up, especially if Porsche end up building a lot of them, or simply more than the 981 GT4 numbers.
I also have no issues with the build quality of the Lotus. In fact, based upon the stripper spec of the GT4 I would build with partial leather, (if I get an allocation), I think the Lotus would have the nicer interior. The standard finishes on the lotus are much higher end than the Porsche, from what I can tell. Essentially, the only issue pushing me towards the GT4 would be the "perceived" value retention of the car a few years down the road. I say perceived because no one knows how the value of the 718 GT4 will hold up, especially if Porsche end up building a lot of them, or simply more than the 981 GT4 numbers.
There is something to be said about that. If Porsche keeps the numbers low. But a friend of mine was talking about the new GT3's and that Porsche built a lot more of them and they are not as "limited" as the 997 version. True? And that the GT4 may not be limited in numbers? I for one am tempted to get one....like I need it. The Lotus was an 11 on a scale of 1-10 for fun.
Sold my GT4 last year and missing the midengined, 6 speed, lightweight feel, so I am picking up this 2020 Evora GT in a week...was on the list for a 718 Spyder (no word on allocation from local dealer) then 718 GTS 4L (told no allocation til spring 2021) and saw this at Cars on 5th...Viola Purple bespoke paint with purple and silver bespoke interior stitch with “black pack” ( carbon pack louvers make rear visibility virtually impossible), Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, AP racing calipers/discs, forged lightweight aluminum wheels, forged aluminum double wishbones front and back, valves exhaust, 420 HP, 3100 lbs, Carbon fiber foldable (2+2 family car, lol) seats, carbon bumper, carbon instrument binnacle and door sills and A pillar, etc..
will update after a proper break in at Watkins Glen 😉
I'm in the same boat as OP. I've given up on finding a used GT3. I haven't tested the Evora yet (weather) but have two upfront concerns. New they run about 118-130k, that's quite a lot for whats really a 60-70k car. The acceleration of new prices under the new ownership is probably a function of the funny money economy but I wouldn't touch it new outside the 90s. I think most areas mine included have a sole Lotus dealer. If you have difficulties with the dealership, you're ****ed and they know it. Not a big fan of that kind of relationship asymmetry with that tribe.
Sold my GT4 last year and missing the midengined, 6 speed, lightweight feel, so I am picking up this 2020 Evora GT in a week...was on the list for a 718 Spyder (no word on allocation from local dealer) then 718 GTS 4L (told no allocation til spring 2021) and saw this at Cars on 5th...Viola Purple bespoke paint with purple and silver bespoke interior stitch with “black pack” ( carbon pack louvers make rear visibility virtually impossible), Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, AP racing calipers/discs, forged lightweight aluminum wheels, forged aluminum double wishbones front and back, valves exhaust, 420 HP, 3100 lbs, Carbon fiber foldable (2+2 family car, lol) seats, carbon bumper, carbon instrument binnacle and door sills and A pillar, etc..
will update after a proper break in at Watkins Glen 😉
Congratulations, how do you like it? When you get a chance can you peak under the seat an get an idea if the seats could be mounted lower with a custom mount?
01-19-2020 | 08:25 PM
