Evora replacement/upgrade?

[Cypriot]

I have had my 400 for almost 2 years and it has been unequivocally brilliant.  In fact it is so good I am having real trouble finding a car to replace it with.  Now, before someone asks, I am looking to replace it mainly as I love cars, and I like to experience different cars.  It is also my only car, as living in London means I only have space for 1 car, but on the flip side I don't use it to commute.  That being said, the Mrs uses the car for mundane tasks, like supermarkets and dentist trips etc.  Which is why the Evora has been so damn good! Very easy to use for the city driving, but hugely involving when properly driven.

Now, on the short list are 3 cars: Mclaren 570s, Aston martin v12 vantage s (manual), and an evora 430.

I have driven them all apart from the 430, and so it would be interesting to hear people's opinions on whether the 430 is that much different to a 400, or their opinions on the other cars on my list.  In fact, please go ahead and throw in some other cars if anyone has any suggestions, would be great to hear people's thoughts!

[internets]

On 28/05/2019 at 08:45, Trevsked said:

I’m surprised this hasn’t sold already, the GT 430 is the best all round car I’ve ever driven, by some margin. Hope the deal can be done and look forward to hearing what you think.

 

Trevor.

This quote taken from https://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/92021-tlf-gt430-club/?do=findComment&comment=841900 

@Trevsked has owned and driven various exotica, including many Loti, and guess the above quote sums up his thoughts on the GT430 

 

[electro_boy]

I've driven an older Vantage V8 was surprised at how much worse the suspension was compared to a S1 Evora.  The Aston felt heavier, lower and less wanting to change direction but also had an uncomfortable ride, normally you have one or the other but the Aston has neither.

I've had a passenger ride in a Mac 720 and the suspension in that was amazing.  In comfort mode and at normal speeds its very supple with each wheel moving independently to isolate you from the road bumps and vibration while in sport or race mode lets the car corner flat with little dive or lean and it was driven by someone who really knew what they were doing so the suspension was having to work hard.  If its a similar system in the 570 then I think you'll be very happy with the ride quality.  But the internet is full of people saying it has enormous running costs so might want to rethink that if you are going put some decent mile on the car.

[21gg]

I've not driven a 400 and the 430 was still being run  in, so wouldn't like to comment. My mates got  a manual v12 vantage, great sounding car but the ride is worse than my GTE and its very skitish. I've deliberately avoided driving the 570 but have been told by an owner that it drives like a grown up s1 exige. There seems to be a thing on the internet, so dont know how real it is, but basically don't own a maclaren without warranty. An extended maclaren warranty was £3000 + vat per year when I last looked a few months back.

Gav

[Advantage]

If you're potentially looking at a V12 Vantage then have a drive of the new shape V8 twin turbo Vantage. It's so much better. 

[Bruss]

Only road car replacement for an Evora that I've driven is the 570, but I wouldn't buy one without a warranty. Very nice to drive and for me the next step up after the Evora.

 

 

[electro_boy]

How about adding an Audi R8 to the list?  Awesome engine in the back means its pretty fast but also I believe inside and the general feel of the car is quite refined and easy to drive which may come in handy for the trip to the supermarket or dentist?

 

[tim_marra]

R8 ownership and trips to the dentist may well be mutually inclusive 

[cib24]

R35 GTR?  A large car but dynamically excellent and fast as hell.

New Acura NSX? - Looks great, very quick, good dynamics. 

[scotty435]

C 63 Coupe, bulletproof, good to drive, sounds awesome.

[Ali tuck]

How about a 911🤣

[Cypriot]

All great options guys, thanks! The new vantage isnt actually a bad shout... Especially now that a manual is now available! R8 would have been a perfect car, if it wasnt for the tiny boot space.  Its laughable how little luggage space there is in an R8 compared to an evora/911/aston/mclaren, which I find funny given the R8 is always branded as the everyday sportscar...

 

[Ali tuck]

I’ve heard running costs on v12 Aston frightening.....15k for ceramic brake replacement ....gulp!

mate has a v10 r8...engine is epic ,he’s had it for about 3 years and so far been reliable

NSX a good shout,pretty rare 

And I would def  give a 430 a go...I intend to soon

good luck with search,should be fun! 

[cib24]

TVR Sagaris or if too dear then the T350C or T350T. 

[Snoopy1969]

AMG GT or wrap, the 400 to get a "new car feel"

[jep]

 

On ‎29‎/‎05‎/‎2019 at 15:52, electro_boy said:

If its a similar system in the 570 then I think you'll be very happy with the ride quality

McLaren 570 do not have the suspension of the 720 or the 12c/650. The latter have hydraulic systems with each corner having spheres (a bit like a 1950s Citroen DS...but updated!) to pump fluid as required to aid road-holding. 540 and 570 have more conventional shocks and springs. 

In reality, I don't think you can use a McLaren as an everyday car. The door opening system means parking requires a bit of thought, otherwise you cannot get out or worse, you find upon your return you cannot get back in the car if someone has parked too close to you. Certain speed humps and car park entries are a challenge (ideally a McLaren needs the nose lift system, an option). This may be fine for the car obsessive but for another to be using the car with these irritations, it may take the gloss off.

A McLaren is still a 'major event car' in my eyes, to be used to make the day extra special. It is a level above an Evora in terms of finish and, of course, power. However, that comes at a price both in terms of initial cost and running costs. More fuel, more expensive servicing and if something does go wrong, it is not cheap. McLaren do warranty up to 12 years, at a price, so a 12c could be called a bargain (sub-£90k) if you want to be near the pinnacle of modern car design from a well-funded manufacturer. 

The Evora is very special and has the added appeal of normal doors, almost normal egress and access (I am pushing that a bit but better than a McLaren), more luggage space, narrower body, shorter, riding slightly higher, proven 'shopping car' mechanicals (in essence) and cheaper. It is rare, stunning looking, innovative and relatively cheap to run. 276bhp feels fast enough in the real world, 345 must be fab, 400, 410, 430...well, do you need that, perhaps, but can you use it much?  So 600bhp plus from a McLaren....good bragging rights but the Evora has enough for 99% of occasions. 

The Evora is doing exactly what Lotus has done for nearly 70 years: giving those who desire a proper sports car, based on the principles of racing (lightness, handling, steering) at a price that is obtainable to many with low running costs as the mechanicals are from a proven source. This in a package that is beautiful and rare. No other car can compare; 911 is heavy and common, Astons are fat, TVR's don't handle, McLaren's are expensive, Lambo's are Audi's, Nissan GTR et al are more straight-line honed, Alpine is two seats, fast saloons/hatches are yawn, etc.....

Justin

 

 

 

[Cypriot]

So after 2 years of evora ownership, she has now been replaced.... by an Aston Martin v8 Vantage AMR with a manual! They are completely different cars, which is exactly what I was looking for, mainly because nothing could compare to the Evora in terms of driving dynamics.  This was the major dilema.  No other car below 130/140k could compare to the evora, it is that good! I am so glad that they are getting such good press from the likes of Harry Metcalfe and all the press Lotus are currently getting.  I will definitely be back in Lotus, and I will always use the Evora as a benchmark/pallet cleanser for all other sports cars.  Right now, I am enjoying the slightly lazy v8 with its lovely rumble, and finally a good stereo when stuck in traffic!  I cannot wait to see what Geely do with the Evora platform. Exciting times!

[Bruss]

Nice replacement, and as you say better to go for something different rather than try and compare. They are different beasts.

[Akajak]

On 29/05/2019 at 20:44, Cypriot said:

All great options guys, thanks! The new vantage isnt actually a bad shout... Especially now that a manual is now available! R8 would have been a perfect car, if it wasnt for the tiny boot space.  Its laughable how little luggage space there is in an R8 compared to an evora/911/aston/mclaren, which I find funny given the R8 is always branded as the everyday sportscar...

 

The 570 is very quick, but you will struggle when it comes to changing, warranty around 4K pa

[blueg33]

I am looking at Ferrari 360's to replace my Evora S sports racer.  No quicker, similar handling, more expensive to maintain, but......................that engine

[Bruss]

Similar handing? Have you driven one?

 

 

[Bibs]

Or changed gear in one with the F1 box?! It takes about a week unless you're in their sport mode, then it just feels like a sledgehammer is making the gear selections! 

[blueg33]

Yes.  Quite extensively back to back with the Evora on mountain roads.  Turn in is similar, grip similar, body roll less, damping firmer. 

Plus to answer the question below, it has to be a manual F360.  I have driven the F1 in both the 360 and 575.  It suits the latter better, but can be pretty aggressive in the 360 as it’s speed of shifting changes with throttle opening.  

[EGTE]

My pick would be the Sagaris. Most resolved TVR ever, I believe.