2010 Lotus Evora starts at $73,200

Now that the new Lotus Evora has been successfully launched in Europe, it's time to start delivering the new model to U.S. Lotus dealers. Production of U.S.-spec cars will be starting shortly so Lotus has finally defined a price point for the car beginning at $73,200. For that price you get the 276-hp Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 and a 6-speed gearbox.

Unlike the minimalist Elise and Exige, the Evora is fully trimmed out in a fashion someone might expect of a $73,200 car, including hand-stitched leather from Muirhead and aluminum trim that hints at the structure under the plastic skin. The tiller is adjustable for reach and rake, which, along with the larger size of the car, should make getting in and out much easier than in the Exige. Final EPA numbers haven't been published yet, but the Evora is expected to top 30 mpg on the highway while the 0-60 time will be just 4.9 seconds.

If you haven't yet seen the Evora in person, Lotus has just started a 44-city dealer open house tour around the U.S. The full schedule is in the press release after the jump.