Lotus Evora S - Spiritual Successor to the Original NSX?

[Zygrene]

Perhaps not the car most commonly compared to the NA1/NA2 NSX, but my recent opportunity to drive an Evora S revealed how many similar these V6 mid-engine GT's really are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-DsuwcEhz4

 

[nis350]

doesn't it come with the v6 and transmission from the Camry?

Perhaps not the car most commonly compared to the NA1/NA2 NSX, but my recent opportunity to drive an Evora S revealed how many similar these V6 mid-engine GT's really are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-DsuwcEhz4

 

[Zygrene]

The engine is from a Camry (minus the supercharger) and the transmission is manufactured by Aisin. Not sure if that transmission was ever used in a Toyota.

 

[BB]

Watching your review I was left with the impression that a forced induction NSX would be similar to driving the Evora. Do you agree? Outside of the extra power, in what way is the Evora an improvement over the NSX?

While I'm not knocking the Evora, every Lotus I've seen has had noticeably worse ergonomics and quality than an NSX. For instance you mention the ergonomic problems with the Evora's foot well and also the poor feeling of the shiftier. And the story that the owner provided about the shaft breaking during warranty is not encouraging. Not to say these are deal breakers, but mostly I heard how the Evora is the same or slightly worse than the NSX.

For a 20+ year newer car I guess I'd expect more of a revelation. I suppose I'm not seeing this because ultimately the Evora is a far cheaper car than the NSX ever was. With inflation prices have doubled since 1990, yet the Evora is still priced similarly to what an NSX cost in the 90's.

 

[docjohn]

but it has small backseats..so for family enthusiasts a nice option.

 

[Zygrene]

Watching your review I was left with the impression that a forced induction NSX would be similar to driving the Evora. Do you agree? Outside of the extra power, in what way is the Evora an improvement over the NSX?

While I'm not knocking the Evora, every Lotus I've seen has had noticeably worse ergonomics and quality than an NSX. For instance you mention the ergonomic problems with the Evora's foot well and also the poor feeling of the shiftier. And the story that the owner provided about the shaft breaking during warranty is not encouraging. Not to say these are deal breakers, but mostly I heard how the Evora is the same or slightly worse than the NSX.

For a 20+ year newer car I guess I'd expect more of a revelation. I suppose I'm not seeing this because ultimately the Evora is a far cheaper car than the NSX ever was. With inflation prices have doubled since 1990, yet the Evora is still priced similarly to what an NSX cost in the 90's.

A supercharged NA1 would still be the more engaging/raw car to drive. Haven't driven an NA2 so can't comment there.

I wouldn't say the Evora S is an improvement over the NSX. It has its pros and cons. Lighter/quicker steering, more torque, more grip (on stock tire sizes), stronger brakes, creature comforts like heated seats, nav, etc. These things are offset by the subpar shifter, awkward pedals, poor rear visibility, and bland engine. Ride quality is comparable between the two. If it was my money, I'd take a 60k NSX over a 60k Evora S at current market prices, mostly because I think the Camry V6 is a dull sounding/feeling engine. It lacks the high rpm howl of the Honda engine. But some may prioritize the pros/cons differently than I do, so at the end of the day I think the Lotus is a viable and often overlooked option for those looking for an NSX alternative.

Also, the Lotus may be less reliable overall (just a guess) but a much older NSX will likely have its fair share of maintenance items as well. Upkeep could be a wash between the two.

Now I'd like to try both a 987 and 981 Cayman S and see how they stack up. The engines in the Porsches definitely appeal to me over the Lotus.

but it has small backseats..so for family enthusiasts a nice option.

The backseats apparently work for the owner's boys but forget about fitting even small-ish adults back there.

 

[Zoom]

I have followed an Exige SC on mountain roads and i have to say my NA2 performance was exactly similar (maybe both drivers had the exact same skills and reactions...), also seen up close the small Lotus looks very similar in some aspects. The difference though is i had AC blowing while the guy in the Exige was cooking himself since that was a very sunny day

 

[Zygrene]

Inside Line Auto just published a blog post on the Evora S vs NSX comparison, inspired by my video. Interesting read. Seeing the specs of the NA2, Evora S, 718 Cayman S, and 2017 NSX side by side helps put things in perspective.

http://insidelineauto.com/2016/08/11/lotus-evora-vs-acura-nsx/