MotorMouths

The Evora looks fabulous, it’s a quantum leap up in Lotus refinement and driveability, yet it retains the feathery, purebred feel of its feisty two-seat siblings.

According to Lotus, the Evora will get to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and 100 mph in 12.3. It’ll top out at 162 mph. My only complaint? I wish the Toyota engine sounded better.

Lotus seems as if it’s ready to break out of its niche as a maker of hobby cars to become a mainstream manufacturer. You can actually live with an Evora every day.

The 2011 Lotus Evora combines 160mph performance and sub-5.0 sec 0-60mph acceleration with estimated 30mpg real-world fuel consumption.

A discerning few Porsche clients might find they prefer the new Lotus Evora, less raw and more relaxed than the Elise but still 300 pounds lighter than the lightest 911.

Lotus really has struck a rare seam of creativity with the Evora. It’s different while being as comfy as any rival, and it drives brilliantly.

You won’t buy an Evora just because it’s a Lotus. You’ll buy it because you want a comfortable, practical, mid-engined supercar and no one else makes such a thing.

Lotus’s Evora offers a compelling alternative to a Porsche 911, with fine handling, a supple ride and more extreme looks. Some quirks let it down but it’s an impressive package.

Lotus has patented a kind of easy, predictable balance and directness so even average drivers walk away from the Evora feeling like Mario Andretti. At $73,500, what you have here is the everyman’s Ferrari.

Other than a few low-rent interior items,we think that Lotus, overall, has nailed it. The Evora’s dazzling driver feedback easily won over our one-track mind.

I present to you perhaps the most fun available on four wheels: The 2010 Lotus Evora. No, not fun. Joy. Inexpressible, diamond-showering, running-naked-through-a-field-of-virgins ecstasy. Handling perfection. I am going to buy one.

The Lotus Evora is a driver’s sports car, yet will still be kind enough on your kidneys. If you are looking for a sub-$100k sports car with exotic appeal, a comfortable ride and a mean sporty side, the Evora should be on your short list.