2012 Lotus Evora S Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Lotus Evora S stands at a height of 1229 mm (48.4 inches), which is quite low compared to many standard passenger vehicles, emphasizing its sleek and aerodynamic sports coupe profile. This low height helps lower the center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling precision during spirited driving. Compared to typical sports coupes, which range roughly between 1200 mm to 1300 mm tall, the Evora S is right in the expected range, prioritizing both sporty aesthetics and performance benefits.

The Lotus Evora S has a curb weight between 1436 kg (3165 lbs) and 1442 kg (3180 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1836 kg (4048 lbs). The relatively low curb weight for a sports coupe comes from Lotus' focus on lightweight engineering, which results in nimble handling and quick acceleration. Lower mass reduces inertia, allowing the car to respond sharply to steering inputs and improving braking performance. The maximum weight includes passengers and cargo but is generally unlikely to be reached in typical driving situations. Overall, the weight figures contribute significantly to the Evora S's reputation as an agile and driver-focused sports coupe.

The Lotus Evora S offers a luggage capacity of 160 liters (approximately 5.6 cubic feet). This is modest, reflecting the car's sports-oriented design which focuses more on performance than utility. While the capacity is sufficient for a couple of small suitcases or a week's worth of light luggage, it's somewhat limited compared to larger sports cars or grand tourers. For daily use, it can manage typical errands and brief trips comfortably, but for longer journeys requiring substantial luggage, packing efficiently or opting for minimal baggage is advisable.

Considering a length of 4361 mm (171.7 inches), width of 2047 mm (80.6 inches) with mirrors open, and height of 1229 mm (48.4 inches), the Lotus Evora S will fit into most standard residential garages, which commonly have widths of around 2400 to 2700 mm (94.5 to 106 inches) and lengths exceeding 4800 mm (189 inches). However, due to its wide mirror span, careful entry and exit are advisable to avoid scrapes or damage. The car's low height poses no issue for modern garages with standard ceiling clearance. Overall, the Evora S is manageable for typical garage spaces but demands cautious handling due to width.

The ground clearance of the Lotus Evora S is 140 mm (5.5 inches). This relatively low ride height improves aerodynamic efficiency and handling by lowering the center of gravity but can challenge everyday usability. Drivers should exercise caution over speed bumps, steep driveways, uneven roads, or when entering ramps to avoid scraping the underbody. While typical for performance cars, this clearance is less forgiving than that of standard passenger vehicles, meaning the Evora S is best suited for well-paved roads and attentive driving conditions.

The Lotus Evora S comes fitted with 18-inch and 19-inch rims, paired respectively with tires sized 225/40 ZR18 at the front and 255/35 ZR19 at the rear. These staggered wide tires enhance grip and stability, especially during cornering and high-speed driving. The low-profile tires improve steering precision and responsiveness but may transmit a firmer ride due to less cushioning from the sidewalls. Overall, the rim and tire setup balances high-performance handling characteristics with acceptable ride quality, reinforcing the Evora S's sporty nature.

The Lotus Evora S, produced from 2011 to 2015, shares largely the same dimensions as the original Evora launched around 2009, with both versions measuring approximately 4361 mm (171.7 inches) in length and 2047 mm (80.6 inches) in width including mirrors. Height and ground clearance remain similar as well, maintaining the compact low-slung sports coupe design. The Evora S, however, introduced engine and performance enhancements rather than significant dimensional changes. This evolutionary approach means drivers experienced similar spatial characteristics while benefiting from improved power and handling refinement in the S model.

When compared to similar sports coupes such as the Porsche Cayman or Audi TT, the Lotus Evora S is competitive in size but slightly more focused on lightweight construction and driver engagement. Its length of 4361 mm (171.7 inches) is comparable to the Porsche Cayman, while the Evora's width of 2047 mm (80.6 inches) with mirrors open is slightly wider. The Evora S is notably lower in height at 1229 mm (48.4 inches), emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency. Weight-wise, the Evora S sits in the light to mid-range at around 1436-1442 kg (3165-3180 lbs), often lighter than heavier German rivals. Thus, the Evora S stands out for its purity of sports driving dynamics paired with compact yet substantial dimensions.

Beyond its compact size and sporting proportions, the Lotus Evora S (2011-2015) is acclaimed for its balanced chassis, mid-engine layout, and responsive handling that embody classic Lotus driving philosophy. It was equipped with a more powerful supercharged engine than the base Evora, providing an exhilarating driving experience with improved acceleration and speed. The interior combines driver-focused ergonomics with adequate comfort for daily use. Despite limited luggage space and ride height challenges, the Evora S remains a distinctive choice for enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and agile sports car with strong pedigree and dynamic character.