Lotus Evora Convertible to arrive in 2011

Lotus Evora will spawn a rag-top version by 2011.

The Lotus Evora, which was officially launched at Geneva ’09, is a fresh direction for Lotus after a decade of the Elise based cars. And we knew that the Evora would spawn more models, as we noted in January. But Auto Express has got confirmation of this.

Lotus is planning to release the convertible version of the Evora in 2011. Not, as we thought, as a tin-top (which would have needed TARDIS technology to get it to fit) but as a folding rag-top.

Which makes much more sense and, in keeping with the Lotus philosophy, keeps weight and costs down. But apparently not just a folding rag-top, but a removable rag-top. Now whether that’s a good idea for the UK (you really couldn’t risk leaving it at home, unless global warming gives us repeats of the Summer of ’76 – just like the ‘mild’ winter we’ve been enjoying this year!) or is really aimed at West Coast US, which would make more sense. Just as long as it’s not a fabric origami kit like the roof on the LP640 Roadster, we don’t really mind.

But Auto Express also re-iterate what we told you back in January – there is a 400bhp blown version of the Evora expected – at some point. Now that will really give the Lotus the chance to play with the big boys. The standard Evora manages a 0-60 of around 5 seconds, and it would seem likely that Lotus could get a blown version of the Evora in to the high 3 seconds. Which will make it a barn-stormer, especially if they can bring it in at under £80k.

Onwards and upwards for Lotus, that rare beast – a profitable car maker.