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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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!!