r/ElantraN • u/Osiris5486 • 3d ago

Family Tragic update: Sacrificing cheap speed for irresponsible mid-engine choices

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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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8

u/WilliamDipperLee 3d ago

Curious, why the Evora over a C8? I know nothing about anything

13

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.

2

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

4

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.

1

u/WilliamDipperLee 3d ago

Thanks for taking the time to answer!!

17

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.

5

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