new Lotus Europa “Lotus’ most disappointing effort in ages”
September 11th, 2006the engine, while lacking nothing in power, has poor throttle response because it’s been saddled with a turbo. You have to concentrate more than you should to drive it well on a decent road, so that the gear changes remain smooth and the power returns at a time of your bidding and not that of the engine… in a Lotus you want – and, indeed, should be able to expect – a more engaging exhaust note, a wider powerband (the engine has given its best by 5,400rpm) and, particularly, a more immediate response to your right foot. And having a chassis that so faithfully and immediately acts on your demands only exacerbates the frustration at an engine that pauses before acting every time you touch the throttle.
And if that doesn’t bother you the refinement and interior quality will…
As Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim would say, “What a chance missed!”