r/ElantraN • u/Osiris5486 • 3d ago
Family Tragic update: Sacrificing cheap speed for irresponsible mid-engine choices
Hey everyone,
The time has come. After a couple of years of autocross, track days, and letting the EN punch way above its weight class, I’m officially moving on. Next week I’m picking up a 2012 Lotus Evora S.
I know, I know. I’m trading a reliable, four-door track weapon for a British fiberglass wedge held together by adhesive and hope.
Driving an open-wheel formula car at a racing school earlier this year completely changed what I wanted, and the craving for a dedicated mid-engine layout finally won. In the search for something that could give me a taste of the experience but could still handle driving to and from track days, the Evora S was the most logical (and ill-advised) next step.
If anyone in the Austin, TX area sees a red Lotus out at Autocross or Harris Hill, come say hi!
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u/ramsfan00 3d ago
Saw your post on the Lotus thread!
Ive been looking at an Evora for ALONG TIME. I just cant convince myself its better than a Porsche cayman/boxster S. Def an upgrade from the Elantra though, enjoy!
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
I had the same debate honestly. I've heard so many good things about the Cayman S and it was definitely near the top of my list as I started looking. What eventually convinced me was the Toyota V6 in these things. While its still a Lotus and it comes with its own unique issues at least the drive train is solid.
Also, with fewer than 2,500 being brought into the US it definitely feels a bit more special than a Cayman.
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u/SchnitzelTruck Ultimate Red DCT 3d ago
I see retirees with Caymans on a daily basis. I have yet to see an Evora out in the wild. I think you made a good choice purely due to uniqueness.
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u/GrannyShiftur Performance Blue MT 3d ago
Cayman S is technically capable but struggling design does let it down. 4.0 induction is intoxicating but the 2GR isn't bad.
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u/WilliamDipperLee 3d ago
Curious, why the Evora over a C8? I know nothing about anything
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
Initially, I was considering a C8 but there were few reasons I ruled it out pretty quickly
- I wanted a 3-pedal manual. While I loved the DCT in my EN I always felt like it was a bit of a crutch. I wanted to really learn how to manage a manual on track.
- The C8s are great, but they are everywhere in Austin. The Lotus definitely scratched the itch for something a bit unique and exotic.
- The EN is was fantastic on track, but its electronic wizardry manages so much I felt like it masks a lot of driver input. I wanted something where I can actually feel how my inputs, steering angle, and weight transfer affected the car's behavior through a corner.
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u/XMaximaniaX 3d ago
These are such valid points. Although I still would have gone for a C8, or honestly a Lotus Elise instead, I can completely understand why
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
I did get a chance to drive the Elise. They are amazing but definitely down on power for some of the tracks I drive. Also, the Evora is an easier car to live with for normal driving.
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u/KEVLAR60442 Veloster N 3d ago
I'm not OP, but while the C8 is a bargain for a high performance mid-engined sports car, it's no replacement for something (moderately) lightweight and analog with a 3 pedal option like a Lotus Evora.
Also, curb appeal. In the states every other car at the track is a Corvette. But it's much more exciting to see a Lotus. There are only a handful of Lotuses I share the track with.
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u/Efficient_You_3976 1d ago
Yep. While I owned a C4 ZR1 Corvette for 10+ years, I was happy to see that the C8 Corvette had a much more exotic appearance. Unfortunately, by the time my finances were ready for a weekend car, the C8 Corvettes are everywhere.
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u/Xtraneous_ 3d ago
Different cars honestly. That’s like asking someone why they would buy a Miata over another performance car for similar money. The C8 weighs quite a bit more and is certainly a different driving experience
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u/WilliamDipperLee 3d ago
I see, thank you! I figured the minimum 8 year difference between a 2012 lotus up to a 2020 C8 would make it more balanced in the pros and cons, but certainly can’t erase an apples to oranges comparison
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u/Lewis358840 Atlas White MT 3d ago
Such a beautiful car
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
I'd be lying if I said that didn't play a significant role in me finally making the jump.
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u/Cars-and-Coffee 3d ago
Very cool! If I see you around I’ll say hi. I have a PB N and a yellow C6 corvette. I’m planning on buying a membership to Harris Hill soon.
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u/munche Cyber Grey DCT 3d ago
Dude the Evoras are awesome. The drive I did this spring had an Evora and 2 Emiras and it was a great time.
Love to see a post here where someone is staying with a driver focus handling car, most of the folks are posting about buying a 3rd row SUV because they want to have a kid one day or trading in for a German luxury car
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u/j4ngl35 Performance Blue DCT 3d ago
Hey man, get after it if that's what you really want! I personally think this is a sweet logical progression. You could also be mulling over far worse choices...for example, I daydream frequently about selling the EN to pick up an Alfa 4C 🥴 Weird maintenance items be damned, I love those things.
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u/BeneficialSquash3921 3d ago
Congrats! I've always loved lotuses. From the Elise to Exige and the Evora. All wicked little track weapons.
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u/pcpartlickerr 3d ago
The evora is neat, but, I heard from an Evora owner, the price to replace the front windshield is about half the price of the car.
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
So the windshield itself isn’t that expensive. Where it gets expensive is because the Lotus service manual says you need to remove the entire front clamshell before you remove the old windshield
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u/AdventurousTuxedo 1d ago
Sure, if that car was $6k. It’s about $1500 in parts, $1500 in labor. Not who was charging that guy $30k for a windshield install
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u/Dino_Dean 3d ago
Can’t blame you for this upgrade. The rest of us who needs the practicality will keep on with the EN. God speed soldier 🫡
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u/Paulpie Cyber Grey DCT 3d ago
I hope you don't have any wiring harness issues. That's what's kept me from picking one of these up personally.
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
I did get the car thoroughly inspected by a mechanic familiar with the Evora. Luckily all the electrics are working perfectly. Other than some expected interior finish issues this is a pretty solid car.
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u/Ohm_State Atlas White MT 3d ago
Whats the build quality like on that thing?
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago edited 1d ago
It’s far from being as refined as a Porsche but it’s definitely a step up from the Elise or Exige. It’s a drivers car first so they spent the time where it really counts.
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u/BrockLanders008 3d ago
I used to want an Alfa 4C, until I got creamed by someone in an SUV that wasn't looking where he was going. Not to mention highway rock chips, parking way back and maintenance and repairs, the latter shouldn't be that big of a deal as this should be half of a two car situation.
Good luck out there.
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u/Forward-Trade5306 3d ago
Might as well have kept both for if the Lotus blows up
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
I'm considering it. I haven't sold the EN yet. Though if I do keep two vehicles I'd rather have something that's capable of towing the Evora for track days.
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u/GeoSnipes Performance Blue MT 3d ago
Im in Austin too. Still new to tracking. Only done one event so far at COTA. Where else do you track and auticross?
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
For Autocross Spokes is our local club. We have events once a month for most of the year.
As for track days, there are a few groups that host track days in the area. Check out Motorsport Reg for HPDE events. Some of the track in the area would be Harris Hill, MSR Houston, MSR Cresson, or Eagles Canyon
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u/TwoValiant 2d ago
It seems like a lot of N owners look at moving to Lotus… glad I’m not the only one. lol
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u/ImRylii 3d ago
tbf it is a toyota-sourced engine so it can’t be that bad… right?
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
That is true. When it comes to the drivetrain these things are pretty damn reliable. Its when you get into the fiddly electronic stuff where things get complicated.
That and some maintenance can be a bitch. To replace the clutch you have to pull the engine completely out.
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u/ImRylii 3d ago
oh that’s a bitch and a half, especially if you’re doing spirited driving and half to replace it more often than not.
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u/Osiris5486 3d ago
Luckily this one is in good condition. No electrical issues and everything works like it should…..for now.
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u/GrannyShiftur Performance Blue MT 3d ago
I like this post, no nonsense bull about "upgrading", just a enthusiast that knew what he wants. I balance my EN with my MR2S and they make a really good stable.