2012 Lotus Evora
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe RWD/Ips, S 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
- 3,047–3,166 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
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 2012 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 (2dr Coupe RWD/Ips).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2012 minicompact car average of 22.2 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Evora — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Evora →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe RWD/Ips | 170.9 in | – | 48 in | 101.6 in | – | 3,047 lb | |
| S 2dr Coupe RWD | 170.9 in | – | 48 in | 101.6 in | – | 3,166 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 | +4% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Lotus Evora.
Similar 2012 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Lotus Evora (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia | 14 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Ferrari California | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Lotus Evora.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Lotus Evora is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Lotus Evora buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 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 |
| 2011 Evora | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 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 →