DecodedCars2011 Lotus Evora
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 170.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,047 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Lotus Evora is a minicompact car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 171 inches long on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,047 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 6% better than the 2011 minicompact car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2011
- Best combined MPG up from 21 to 23
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Evora →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe RWD | 170.9 in | – | 48 in | 101.6 in | – | 3,047 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +6% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -7% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Lotus Evora.
Similar 2011 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Lotus Evora (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia | 14 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Ferrari California | 15 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · May 27, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V280000 · 860 vehicles
- Problem
- Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
- Risk
- A detached oil hose could spray oil on a tire, increasing the risk of a crash, or it could spray oil throughout the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler hose fittings on the Elise and Exige vehicles and will replace the oil cooler hose assemblies on the Evora vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 201401R (Elise/Exige), and 2014/02R (Evora). Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls 11V-510 and 13V-041.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings · Jul 16, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V314000 · 80 vehicles
- Problem
- Lotus Cars USA, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011 Evora supercharged vehicles equipped with a manual transmission and manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The engine oil cooler hose may chafe and rupture resulting in oil loss.
- Risk
- Engine oil may be ejected onto the road or rear wheels which could cause a reduction in vehicle control and potential engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine oil sprayed onto a heat source may also lead to a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Lotus will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-770-476-6564. Lotus' campaign number is 2013/03R.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V477000 · 80 vehicles
- Problem
- Lotus is recalling certain model year 2011 Evora supercharged vehicles manufactured from February 2011 through September 2011, equipped with a three-piece oil feed pipe with a flexible hose section. This engine mounted oil feed pipe, used to supply oil to the engine cylinder head, can rupture.
- Risk
- The ruptured pipe can result in oil loss and engine damage, and oil sprayed onto hot engine components may result in a fire.
- Fix
- Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil feed pipe free of charge. The safety recall began on December 10, 2012. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887.
Not every 2011 Lotus Evora is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Lotus Evora buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Lotus Evora. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Evora years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Evora | 20 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 Evora | 20 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Evora | 20 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2017 Evora | 20 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2014 Evora | 22 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 Evora | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2012 Evora | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 Evora | 21 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lotus. How we calculate this →