The Lotus Evora GT is too good to be forgotten | RATED | Ep. 204

The future of Lotus is electric, but you can still buy a gorgeous and gas-powered Lotus Evora GT. But should you, when you can get a Cayman GT4 for about the same price? Zack Klapman and Pikes Peak champion Dai Yoshihara find out.
New Car Review: www.hagerty.com/media/hagerty...
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Episode chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - What is the Lotus Evora GT?
02:00 - Impressions of the Evora GT
04:00 - On being a Hemsworth brother
04:44 - Ok, it's not perfect.
05:58 - On track impressions with Dai
09:11 - Rating
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#rated #zackklapman #neverstopdriving

[@keith6360]

Zack is really getting good with compelling reviews. A little bit of history, a little bit of technical stuff, layman's terms and sarcasm. No longer is he the, pun intended, "anonymous guy" behind some of the TST production work but coming to his own. Hope he can do more of these reviews.

[@lr_s3102]

I know that this comment is literally on all Hagerty videos, but Hagerty is at the top of their game. Keep it up!

[@Vegas_Des]

It’s true, they got Dai for the track tests

[@claysmell]

I wonder how many thousands of "the last gas model" cars will be mothballed by collectors hoping for a payday 20 years down the road.

[@zackklapman3569]

Probably too many.

[@daveblock4061]

Almost all the Elises for sale in the US disappeared online when it was announced they have been cancelled.

[@pkuudsk9927]

It's already illegal to make moon shine so in 30 years when gas is 100.00 a gallon who would be able to drive one . The price of gas rises faster then income over the last 10 years and will only get worse .

[@alvanprathama375]

@@pkuudsk9927 and it will be the same to electricity too if it doesn't meet the demand for both building electricity and car electricity. If some part of California have rolling blackouts you can imagine what'll happen to these electric cars.

[@racesuey]

Since everyone is comparing this car to Porsche, Evora is like having a 911 GT3 steering rack (although one in Evora is better because it's hydraulic and not electric) and chassis/suspension parts with 911 Carerra dampers/springs. Modern "GT-sportscars" kinda ruined the definition of a GT car, but Evora is GT in the traditional sense. It's pure because of extremely communicative steering and rigid tub chassis yet compliant suspension and hydraulically assisted steering means comfortable and effortless driving. It's a car that pushes you to drive with joy through pure and communicative sensations while giving a comfortable ride. 992 (or any other modern GT-sportscars) are capable and comfortable, but they tone down the sensation. But as an enthusiast, we should be asking for more sensation and Evora delivers on that. 992 is really fast, but it feels like E-Class on regular driving. Evora retains all the sports car feel while being comfortable and it always urges you to go fast.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Yes it is and thank you for saying so.

[@rrazvanrr]

100% true, and it achieves this mix without any settings on the suspension. It’s amazing on a track, but then my wife also falls asleep in our evora 400 on highway driving. How?!

[@vomErsten]

@@rrazvanrr Small, rhythmic bumps in the road put me to sleep if I'm not driving, maybe your wife is the same way?

[@rrazvanrr]

@@vomErsten could be it. like a train’s rhythmic sway

[@nigo1787]

I get your point, you're certainly right. But saying the steering rack differentiate a E-Class from a sports-car ? we all know the 911 is a luxury car nowadays and the sporty option is the Cayman, as it has been the case for over 20 years. Sadly it's a 4 banger now, except for the great (but maybe too sporty and expensive) GT4. Long live the old Cayman S

[@tima6549]

The greatest thing about the Lotus that trumps the other super cars: Toyota reliability. And with such a common drive train you are not going to pay an arm or a leg at a specialty shop for maintenance on such a little beast.

[@RCXDerp]

The electrics were always the problem. Hope they asked Toyota for the cabin harness too.

[@johngoe420]

Surprisingly this advantage can be found in the new nsx as well. A rare quality to have and it's nice to see another car lover appreciate such things.

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

It’s generally everything else that’s the issue in Lotuses. Plus it’s no longer the 80s and supercars are far more reliable.

[@Ficon]

My Lotus dealer is the Ferrari dealer. You are going to pay an arm and a leg, delivered through the butt, for service, unless you do the work yourself. You are not really going to bring a Lotus-tuned engine to Bob's Toyota Emporium.

[@vladx2]

The Toyota V6 engine in my Lotus just blew up on track. Now I’m waiting on my mechanic to take the heads off and see what exactly happened. I’d love to have some of that Toyota reliability as well please.

[@paisis123]

I drove my Evora GT now to 20K miles. I daily it. Its my only car. Worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY

[@4thManonCross]

Growing up Isuzu cars & even their trooper jeep used to pass me by with stickers on the side labeled "handling by Lotus" it created a mystique and made me wonder who they were, When i played the first Gran Turismo driving simulator, i found out why. and even before then in Test Drive 1, on dos, the Lotus Esprit was my favorite car. A car i've loved since pretty woman, Lotus has a soul that can be connoted even through electronics media, so electrification shouldn't be a hindrance to thier greatness

[@thekeccles1996]

This is the car for those of us who care more about driving feel over technology/infotainment. It's got one suspension setting because if a car is set up right, one setting is all you need. It's got a slick manual gearbox and a fabulous engine in that perfect mid-engine layout. If you need more tech, look elsewhere. This thing has heated seats (in a Lotus!!!) and cruise control -- everything you need, nothing you don't. Snatch these up now, people. You're going to miss them when they're gone.

[@edim108]

Drove one and was blown away! The suspension setup is perfect. It's unreal how well it handles through tight corners while also being comfortable. Normally a car that corners this well would shake your bones out on the slightest bumps. The Evora you can drive on gravel and it'll still be a comfortable ride.

[@JasonSmith-ki6xl]

Zack is doing a stellar job with these Rated videos. I've always enjoyed his take on TST and it's nice to see him over here on Hagerty. Him and Dai make a great team and I appreciate both of their inputs.

[@Brotherbear75]

Loved how you parked it up and watched people watching it as a style review. Very clever. Very cool

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I believe that the "soft" suspension that still avoids excessive body roll is due to its light weight and low center of gravity.

[@rrazvanrr]

I agree and I think the bonded aluminum chassis has something to do with it also. It’s rigid, but it flows on too of the suspension. I have no idea if this is true or not :)

[@TimurIskhodzhanov]

Probably also high roll centers and relatively stiff away bars.

[@paulhenry274]

Great review as always Zack. Recently picked up my 11’ evora S and love it, with a 20’ raptor as the other vehicle I’ve never been more satisfied with the perfect all boxes checked duo.

[@craigyirush3492]

Another great video, Zack. Get one of these while you still can!

[@jaysuneakle]

Lotus has always been in my top 5 of cars i can realistically see driving some day. Lightweight (very rare these days), smaller , quick, great handling, track oriented, and.. not a dime-a-dozen kinda car. Ticks all the boxes for me.

[@manveerghuman5276]

Those are all the dream points.

[@fatbikedaddy8644]

Well done Zack. Nice to hear you solo on Hagerty. Well deserved.

[@captainobvious9188]

It’s weird - Even the pedestrian Toyota V6’s have always had a good fundamental engine note to me.

[@kahmed7328]

Love the Evora. Have driven different versions about 5 times. Always a blast!

[@KRJoye]

Awesome review Zach! You make it look so easy.

[@Driven-Productions]

Solid Review, Zach and crew. I get my shot tomorrow at the Lotus Evora GT and excited about it. Big Lotus fan with a deposit on the Emira.

[@Maelstrom8]

Klapman doing his thing! I love it. Cool car, great series! Well done, gents!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I saw one at a cars and coffee. I had no idea what it was at that time. Now I am glad to know what these are and show respect. Oh and Doug Demuro was at that Cars and Coffee as well. 😉

[@gabrielash9433]

Palmer is such a fun track, love that place!

[@jearbearhoodlum]

Glad to see Klapman on Hagerty. Woo hoo!

[@Docinaplane]

Thanks for this review! I got a wonderful 2020 Fire Red Evora GT last month. I think the engine specs you gave it are for the 410 Sport. This has 416 HP and 317 torque. No biggie. It's the best one they made for the NorthAmerican market. I could have gotten an Emira, but the GT outperforms the Emira everywhere. It's heavier and slower. The biggest problem I have with the GT is finding good roads to drive, lol PS: The car generates downforce. Thats why it's soft yet doesn't lean and sticks to the road.

[@clyde5273]

great video and I like Dai's analysis combined with Zack's

[@ajcrouse2]

Zach is crushing this new season of rated!

[@JR10_RR]

Zack Man does great giving feedback about wildly different cars.

[@peterscott2662]

Isn't the Emira essentially the same car as the Evora with new styling and nicer interior. That makes the Emira the last pure Lotus.

[@stwest79]

My guess is that it was filmed before the emira announcement and the comments on it are from b-roll footage. That said. The emira will have more safety tech and assistance aids than the older evora.

[@shahulhusman]

Emira will be basically a evora gt.. Just better.. I want one

[@zarbon700]

@@shahulhusman Emira is a redesigned Evora 400. With the V6 option, the Emira will weigh more and be slower than an Evora 400. The Emira is downgrade in performance compared to the Evora 400. The Evora GT outperforms the Emira.

[@06VistaBlueGT1]

For some the hp figure isn't high enough. But that is something that is easily remedied by adding a Komo-Tec kit can't help. Depending on need, you can go up to 435hp, 460hp and 475hp with torque figures climbing as well.

[@carstech2685]

Every since my first lotus which is the Elise I fell in love with the brand and stayed with lotus up until my pre order for the next lotus emira

[@dan.r9220]

Best team this show has had. Love it!

[@Jo1844]

My time horizon to buy this car is 5yrs, when you guys forget about it . Hopefully I can scoop one of this one for 60K.

[@eskamobob8662]

Tbh man, may well be cheaper than that in 5 years....

[@ALMX5DP]

A friend picked an earlier model up for 30k if I remember correctly. It had a blown motor, but a simple (and relatively cheap) swap from a donor Camry got it back on track.

[@Talges-sh]

He’s right about how much attention this car get. I have one not the gt but 400 and it definitely get people turning, and the sounds this thing make in the upper rpm!!!

[@MisTomis]

Zack is just getting better and better 👍

[@vasantos-re4hb]

I fell in love with Lotus the day Julia Roberts drove one in Pretty Woman. I love the Emira. I hope it does well.

[@VirtualGuth]

Ultimately I imagine that the Elise will age better simply due to the sparseness of its interior. As with other vehicles being built today, in a decade or so the Evora's interior will take on a bit of the same vibe as an aging laptop, smartphone, or any other device featuring a touchscreen. It's a shame that manufacturers don't make such things optional.

[@evanneiswanger]

Such a good looking car from the outside, but the lack of tech on the inside is a tough sell for me. If I had 100k, that is

[@ssllhh100]

to be fair its the perfect third car, you dont need tech for that one

[@starvin-marvin-the-martian]

I'm in the right demographic to care about tech. But you know something? I don't miss not having that crap in my Evora. It's got Apple Carplay/Android Auto, which is good enough. I find it somewhat refreshing to have three simple knobs for HVAC. Every car I've had with auto climate control you futz around anyway because it's never *quite* right. My Evora is a lot easier to dial in than those. As for any self-driving tech, that's not what this car is about. I hate to hear myself say that cliche, but if you want lane-keep assist, then buy a Camry. I do wish that the cupholder wasn't, you know, *behind* the driver. It's a pain in the butt to reach. If I'm out for a cruise on back roads, I still want something to drink. I also wish there was someplace to put my phone. Oh well.

[@RCXDerp]

@@starvin-marvin-the-martian Feel similarly about my GT350 but it was only 52k. These are in a rough spot right in 911 and gt4 territory unless you get a deal.

[@ProAlchemist]

I may be in the minority but I do not want tech in a car like this. I've been researching how to delete the screen in a ND Miata. Don't need it or want it.

[@evanneiswanger]

@@ssllhh100 fair point, I honestly kinda get it now

[@tonyso5525]

Great video Zachariah!

[@johnnyboy1586]

I dont see why cars have to have stiff suspension too handle well ,lotus and MacLaren seem to make cars that are comfortable and handle amazingly !

[@rajneshlohana5826]

Wow didn't know this gem existed. Thanks for the review

[@jaysuneakle]

Great job Hagerty! As always..

[@tim2468]

I have this car and you insure it. EPIC cars. EPIC!

[@EdwardAlcala]

Glad they’re still making these

[@zarbon700]

Not anymore. Sadly.

[@ben4373]

Man, that Dai fella doesn’t give much away does he! You can tell he’s really enjoying driving the Evora but it’s like he’s trying to suppress his praise with words.

[@zackklapman3569]

I would never want to play poker against him.

[@StudlySoldier]

This is my absolute dream car

[@geethsan1567]

The sound from this car is really something.

[@ASAPg35]

It’s an 11 minute video but this rated series always feels incomplete.

[@check4v]

A lot of people say this is the spiritual successor to the first generation NSX and I agree. If you made that NSX today, I don't think you could pick a car that comes closer to just designing an Evora.

[@tweetdriver]

Good video. Feels softly spring but doesn’t really seem to roll a lot is why Jeremy Clarkson said it’s the only car he’d “ever driven - EVER -that was a killer attack dog AND an old sofa.”

[@pgrens]

Yeah Zack! This was great, keep 'em coming!

[@joshuafindlay8857]

Great video, thanks for making it. Only one thing at :27 - "Lotus sold the Elise from 1996 to 2021." Surprised that made it into the final edit. :-)

[@gdscheiwe01]

Why are you surprised?

[@joshuafindlay8857]

@@gdscheiwe01 That was my mistake, I thought they stopped making them in around 2010, I stand corrected.

[@alfredodino825]

Future Classic most definitely!!! It’s closest competition - Cayman GT4 is made in much bigger numbers with a lot more tech that will become difficult to maintain and the reporters comment is very true; you can’t drive the Cayman all day, the chassis and damping is just too hard.

[@tinhinnh]

The backseat may be useless but its nice that there is one

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

This is the best review of this vehicle besides Savage geese. I really hope the Emira drives the same as the Evora. I’m torn on which to get they both look great to me.

[@brois841]

It will drive the same... it's basically the same car with improved styling and electronics. I'll let you know when I get mine :)

[@whitevanman8703]

A good review, well done.

[@Friedbrain11]

Wow...that is a very sweet ride!!! I would have gotten it to 54 in my rating.

[@primalbros6149]

I'm here for Dai...Zack is pretty cool too

[@troyturner5758]

I hope they drop the electric version of the lotus. You can’t replace that sound!!

[@rrazvanrr]

One thing no reviewer mentions when comparing the evora with the cayman is the price out the gate. The porsche is difficult to get and the price goes upwards of 125k with taxes and options. The Evora can be negotiated down. The delta between them is easily 30%, and when you factor that in there’s no head to head comparison in my opinion. source: I paid 85k for my 125k msrp evora 400 with 2000 miles on it. from the dealer. the price includes 7 year warranty. pre emira there were less than 1000 lotuses built per year across all models (inclusive of elise and exige). no comp!

[@BrendanEvan]

What’s the concern with safety systems on the Emira hindering the driving experience?

[@EvoraGT430]

Zero.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

If I hear another car enthusiast threaten all of us with "the last of the combustion engine models"........ That Toyota SC V6 sounds amazing, far better than the GT-R V6.

[@pkuudsk9927]

If a car has back seats it's cheaper to insure than a 2 seater , Hence the back seat they did you a favor

[@davepaturno4290]

No height adjustment for the driver's seat, so shorter drivers, test before you buy.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

i like lotus evora and porsche cayman looks a lot

[@compubuyamericausa7312]

Is the sound of this vehicle decent enough or is the titanium exhaust recommended?

[@haejomobile]

Its good

[@indianapwn3s]

You don't need a titanium exhaust, just a $250 GRP third cat delete to remove the California mandated third cat that was installed on North American Evoras

[@jerusdc]

Emeeeeera not Emiiira lol

[@joeschlicht]

My thoughts exactly, ha ha

[@elambo14]

Wow, is that downtown Amherst?!

[@gavinsullivan9015]

I’m hoping that the Emira knocks the prices of these in Oz, I’ll take some downsides for the character!

[@yudistiraputra7805]

Amazing brother

[@louiearmstrong]

410hp, perfectly balanced, and Toyota drivetrain reliability

[@elainericketts8820]

......LOTUS has always been synonymous with ANALOG.........and that's what makes them WONDERFUL...........

[@EchoSigma6]

I wish Toyota would have taken some design inspiration from this Lotus on their next generation 86. Upcoming E Lotus with 2,000 horsepower?! How much is that going to be?

[@joeschlicht]

2 million

[@fteoOpty64]

About the power, Dai is probably expecting 550Hp instead of the 410!.

[@Desolaire]

In conclusion: Choose the Evora GT if: you prioritize extreme on-track performance, raw feedback, and don't mind a less refined interior. It's a true driver's car for experienced enthusiasts. (I'll take this one!) Choose the Emira if: you seek a more balanced blend of performance and comfort, value a modern and luxurious interior, and appreciate the option of a manual transmission. It's a versatile sports car for both spirited driving and everyday use. (fun and nice, but Emira vs a C8 Corvette, I going C8 Corvette)

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Beautiful car. I got to see a JPS edition at a customer's house. He let me wear it, I mean sit in it for a minute. Wow 😳

[@royhsieh4307]

people with their camry we wished our cars sound like this

[@MoskusMoskiferus1611]

I love the colour

[@netcrashYT]

As a GT car then… in the touring sense not the Porsche sense, compare this to a GTS with PASM and that one might cruise better for long trips yes?

[@Nemoticon]

Named a GT more so because of its connection to the GT racer rather than the fact that its a easy long distance cruiser. It's probably the closest Lotus comes to an actual Grand Trourer, but that isn't saying much considering they specialise in lightweight sports cars that are better around light country roads and track days than eating up miles and miles of freeway across the continent.

[@EvoraGT430]

I've done 5 hours in mine and been absolutely fine. They ride is astonishingly good.

[@courtham]

I want one so badly......

[@therunningaway8348]

I "met" one of these in the highway (Europe)

[@revelare_xvii6269]

*So now that the Evora’s gone, Toyota should stick that 400 HP V6 in the Camry and leave the rest to Gazoo Racing.*

[@johnmitchell2269]

This Evora GT makes 416hp mostly due to the Edelbrock supercharger. The engine by itself, without the blower, makes 274hp.

[@ashaa4375]

Wow nice super car speed 👌👌👌❤️

[@DatGameCollector]

The new z will have the same power for 35k. And imo looks better plus heritage.

[@johnmitchell2269]

Drive both at 8/10ths and see which car is crying for you to slow down and which one is keen for you to keep pushing it.

[@andrewpolasek5524]

Z cars are great, I've owned a number of them back to the original when it was called a Datsun.. But heritage? Lotus has a storied and rich history in building sport and winning F1 cars, while Nissan was famous for the Zero.

[@Yan7001978]

Can I have that exhaust and supercharger bolt-on my Tacoma?😆 Sounds awesome for a "2GR-FKS"

[@EvoraGT430]

Evora is 2GR-FE

[@SharpTurnStudios]

To continue from your closing book analogy... Sure we are all intrigued by what the new book has to offer and we know we eventually will all read it, but do you really have to burn all the old books we loved? Can't we reread them and enjoy them even after the successor is published? I am scared for the future of car culture, and fear it will be pushed further and further once again into a rich man's game by outlawing sale of combustion vehicles and the inevitable shrinkage of gasoline infrastructure. Thankfully Lotus is keeping on as long as they can while also writing the next chapter. Can't wait to get hands on with the Emira once it's out!

[@BubuBarong]

IMAIRA? LOL like Harry's VELORKI

[@benhogervorst]

And the Zack Score iiiiiisss....

[@tinhinnh]

“Crazy Camry coupe”

[@hanswurst6742]

isnt the emira almost the same car. how is the gt the last pure lotus then. feels like clickbait and no payoff

[@ALMX5DP]

Define almost.

[@RCXDerp]

Emira is Chinese

[@zackklapman3569]

New car will have more traction control and driver aids.

[@Nemoticon]

@@RCXDerp And the Evora is Malaysian

[@MrTinykin]

Zack talks about wondering how an electric Lotus would drive. I think that he forgot that Tesla's first car was a Lotus underneath.

[@Zanpaa]

But it also wasn't a Lotus, it was a Tesla. Lotus' strength isn't (only) in the base architecture, it's in tuning.

[@RestorationObsession]

Pretty sweet stuff. I've been thinking about converting my vette to electric

[@juniormeghji2551]

Put my deposit down 2 weeks ago on the Emira

[@shahulhusman]

Ditto

[@zarbon700]

Emira is a redesigned Evora 400, not a Evora GT. With the V6 option, the Emira will weigh more and be slower than an Evora 400. The Emira is a downgrade in performance compared to the Evora 400. The Evora GT outperforms the Emira.

[@joeschlicht]

"E-meera"

[@CrazyDavy22]

“Familiar if you’ve lived in a storm drain” 😂

[@missinglink9973]

F@&k I love that dark blue evora better looking than the new car in my opinion !!!!

[@hunterhaley4542]

Yo @zackklapman insomina cookies slaps bro

[@sam_s_]

That is a pretty good Doug Score.

[@famus801]

Where’s the other guy?

[@sookhiangoo1330]

nobody makes it like a lotus

[@Noah-pw1vw]

Can you please make a video about the BMW e12 m535i