Lotus Evora Overview: Specs, Generations and Which Version to Buy
A guide to lotus evora generations: the 2009–2021 coupe range from 280 to 436 hp, with the versions worth buying and the numbers behind them.
The Lotus Evora is a rear-wheel-drive coupe built from 2009 to 2021, with a 3.5-litre engine range spanning 280 to 436 hp. Anyone comparing lotus evora specs will find a single generation with 15 modifications, manual and automatic gearboxes, and acceleration times from 5.5 down to 3.8 seconds — a driver's coupe that suits buyers who want mid-engined handling without stepping up to exotic-tier machinery.
Lotus Evora generations
1 generation (2009–2021)
The first and only Lotus Evora generation ran from 2009 to 2021 in a single coupe body style. All 15 modifications use a 3456 cc engine and rear-wheel drive, paired with either a manual or automatic gearbox. Power output ranges from 280 hp in the base 3.5 AT to 436 hp in the top 3.5 MT. Notable versions include the widespread 3.5 AT (406 hp) with a 4.6-second sprint, the range-topping 3.5 MT (436 hp) at 3.8 seconds, and the late-cycle 3.5 AT GT 410 Sport (416 hp) built from 2018 to 2021.
Which Lotus Evora to buy
- 3.5 AT (406 hp) (1 generation): the common choice, reaching 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds with an automatic gearbox.
- 3.5 MT (436 hp) (1 generation): the most powerful Evora, 436 hp and a 3.8-second sprint with a manual gearbox.
- 3.5 AT (280 hp) (1 generation): the mildest and thriftiest option at 9.0 l/100 km, still hitting 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
- 3.5 AT GT 410 Sport (1 generation): the freshest variant, built 2018–2021, with 416 hp and a 4.1-second sprint.
For a used purchase, the single-generation 2009–2021 run keeps things simple: every Evora shares the same 3456 cc engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, so the choice comes down to power level, gearbox and production year rather than generational changes. The 2018–2021 GT 410 Sport is the way to get the newest possible car within the range.
Which Lotus Evora to avoid
The numbers point away from the 3.5 AT GT 410 Sport on efficiency: its recorded 25.8 l/100 km stands against 9.0 l/100 km for the 3.5 AT (280 hp), while the 3.5 MT (436 hp) beats it on both power (436 hp vs 416 hp) and acceleration (3.8 s vs 4.1 s). Unless the 2018–2021 build years matter to you, the 3.5 MT (436 hp) is the stronger performer and the 3.5 AT (406 hp) the more common automatic alternative.