2011 Lotus Evora S

After two solid days of driving the 2011 Lotus Evora S, I'm not sure if I should write a review about it or erect a temple and pray to it. For those who buy expensive European sports cars as status symbols, the Evora S probably has about as much appeal as a garden shed. But for those who truly and passionately love to drive, there is no finer felicity than seat time in a Lotus Evora S.

Larger photos: Front - rear - interior - all photos

Lotus introduced the Evora in 2010 as a way to broaden the brand's appeal beyond the hard-core Elise and Exige. The Evora S adds a supercharger to the Evora's Toyota-sourced 3.5 liter V6, increasing output to 345 hp and 295 lb-ft (up from 276 hp and 258 lb-ft). On paper, the extra power boosts the 0-60 sprint from 4.8 seconds to 4.3; in the real world, it gives the Evora S the proper supercar acceleration that is missing from the naturally-aspirated Evora.

Other changes include some much-needed improvements to the clutch and gearbox (which are also being applied to the base-model car) and a mildly retuned suspension. Lotus brought us out to the Laguna Seca raceway for some back-to-back laps in both versions (talk about heaven on Earth!). The Evora S has less body lean and better back-end grip, which can be further enhanced by optional Pirelli Corsa LS tires custom-designed for the Evora. Both Evoras are thrilling, but to be 100% honest, I enjoyed the less-grippy base-model car a bit more on the track. With 61% of the weight at the rear, the Evora is happy to let the rear end loose; it transitions to oversteer gently and gracefully, and recovery is so easy that even the most ham-fisted among us (that would be me) can gather it up before the stability control system steps in with a gentle correction. Any car that makes me look that good is a winner in my book.

Out on the open road, though, I'd rather have the Evora S. There's little between the two versions in terms of handling -- reaching the limits of either car on a public road requires driving like a reckless idiot -- but the extra power put an extra-big smile on my face.

The Evora S is priced at $77,175; those with a keen memory will note that's only $2,500 more than the 2010 Evora. In fact, for 2011 the base Evora has dropped by nearly $10k to $65,175. (The back seat is now a $1,500 option; it's useless, so you might as well skip it.) Once you factor in the close-ratio transmission and Sport Package (higher rev limiter and more forgiving stability control system), standard on the S but $2,775 extra on the base car, you're effectively paying $9,225 more for the supercharger and enhanced suspension. That's a big chunk of change, but it's still a hell of a bargain for a vehicle that delivers the same thrills as a six-figure Italian supercar.

Would I buy one? In a heartbeat -- in fact, I've started wondering just how much male prostitution pays, and whether there's even a market for an overweight 40-year-old automotive journalist. That said, it takes a dedicated car fan to live with a Lotus. The ride is exceptionally busy (though never jarring) and the interior, though handsomely designed and finished with the finest materials, feels like it was built in someone's basement. $77k will buy you either a decently-equipped Porsche Cayman S or (almost) a base-model 911, both of which feel more solid and substantial. But as good as they are, they can't reproduce the pure, unfiltered driving experience of the Lotus Evora S. Few cars can. -- Aaron Gold

Disclosure: This test drive was conducted at a manufacturer-sponsored press event. Transportation, accommodations, means, vehicles and fuel were provided by Lotus. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.