2017 Lotus Evora 400 Review
Used Evora 400 for sale
Lotus Evora 400 model years
- 2017
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2017 Lotus Evora 400 appraisal values can range from $34,878 - $45,348.
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byJason Kavanagh
Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.Pros
- Nimble and lightweight handling
- Rarity compared to other mainstream sports cars
Cons
- Backseat is tiny
- Tight spacing of the pedals
- Hard to see out the back
- Limited dealer network
What’s new
After a two-year hiatus, the Lotus Evora returns for 2017 as the extensively reworked Evora 400. Its chassis is stiffer, it's easier to get into and out of, and the V6 engine is more powerful.
Vehicle overview
When Lotus stopped selling the Evora in the United States after the 2014 model year, it was fair to wonder if or when the company would again be selling road-going cars. Well, now we have an answer. The 2017 Evora 400 reveals that there's life to the Lotus brand after all, with the automaker claiming that this is the fastest Lotus yet produced.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Lotus Evora 400 2+2 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl S/C 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.00 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$255/mo
Evora 400 2+2
vs
$185/mo
Avg. Compact Car
The Evora 400's supercharged, Toyota-sourced V6 gains a water-to-air intercooler, bumping output to 400 horsepower (hence the "400" in its model name). The all-aluminum structure has been massaged for more stiffness, less mass and easier entry. There's new bodywork that loses some stylistic elegance but substantially reduces aerodynamic lift at high speed.
You can be sure that the Evora 400 is precise, fast and rewarding to drive, yet is more well-rounded than the old Lotus Elise and Exige. This is the Lotus for grown-ups. Lotus, however, is still a tiny company and doesn't have the financial wherewithal to offer the Evora 400 in a vast variety of configurations. To wit, you won't find a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, adaptive dampers or rear-wheel steering in an Evora 400.
While the Evora was undergoing its metamorphosis into the Evora 400, the competition continued to evolve, too. Lotus' German rivals are building sophisticated and awe-inspiring sports cars that make extremely compelling cases for themselves by any objective assessment. For some people, though, only a Lotus will do.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
An offbeat choice, the Lotus Evora is back for 2017 as the Evora 400. It has more power, improved aerodynamics, a more accessible cabin and additional features. Still, it's a Lotus, so the core appeal is dynamic handling and rarity, not refinement and comfort.
Trim tested
Edmunds has not yet driven any version of this vehicle, but we have limited experience with an earlier model. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.
Driving
We expect the revised V6 to provide robust acceleration even from low revs. Previous Evoras offered adroit steering and handling, plus very strong brakes.
Comfort
The cozy cabin has snug and supportive front seats. The ride is fairly compliant given the car's capability.
Interior
The front wheelwell intrudes on foot space, which can be awkward for some drivers. The rear seats are almost useless for transporting humans, and rear visibility is very poor.
Utility
Its cargo hold isn't vast, but at least it is shaped to be as useful as possible — wide, deep and rectangular-ish.
Which Evora 400 does Edmunds recommend?
Things are pretty straightforward in Lotus-land when it comes to selecting a 2017 Evora 400. The big decisions center around color and interior trim. Go for a rich color like Racing Green or Metallic Blue since the brighter colors make the Evora appear too toylike. All three of the cabin treatments are attractive, and it (nearly) goes without saying that we gravitate toward the manual gearbox. Opt for cruise control and the Black Pack, but skip the carbon-fiber bits, titanium exhaust and lithium-ion battery, all of which shave a relatively tiny amount of weight for an eye-watering price.
2017 Lotus Evora 400 models
The 2017 Lotus Evora 400 is available in a single trim level that in the reality of 2017 is fairly spartan but by Lotus standards is positively replete with features. Standard equipment includes a backup camera, rear parking alerts, heated seats, navigation and a four-speaker audio system. It's already a pretty specialized car, though there is a degree of customization available — paint color, wheel color, your choice of three interior treatments and the option of blacked-out exterior elements.