This is the Lotus Evora, wearing a new carbon fibre suit for its appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.

What it definitely is not, not no way, not no how, is an Evora facelift. Reports have been circulating that the Lotus Evora was due an early update, based on a 'leaked' photo of one sporting a face similar to those of the infamous 'Paris Five'.

They're the five supercars Lotus unveiled all at once in Paris last year, to the astonishment of everyone. They all looked sort of the same.

The Evora you see in the picture above is clearly inspired by those cars, yet Lotus insists it's not a facelift, rather a 'taste of the future of product customisation'. It was suggested that poor sales had panicked Lotus into revising the Evora early.

The most remarkable thing about this particular Evora customisation is that it was performed by Mansory, yet it doesn't initiate an unstoppable gag reflex. This is perhaps Mansory's most tasteful work yet.

It comprises a set of carbon fibre parts that really add to the Evora's fundamentally sound basic shape. Most prominent is the roof, though the front bumper is completely redesigned (as discussed) and there's a new diffuser, both laden with carbon fibre. The side skirts are, yes, carbon fibre too.

It'll go on display in Geneva, though alongside what else, who knows? Prepare for a show...

Mark Nichol - 11 Feb 2011