New Kid on the Block from Lotus

[Motorhead]

I think Euro 7 is the big stumbling block for the Toyota V6 D, although there’s no guarantee that the AMG I4 will conform. At least it’s a modern high-tech engine which, especially in conjunction with the standard DSG, has a very good chance of meeting the more stringent requirements. Also it can be hybridised … although Lotus have discounted this option, but you never know. Very wisely Lotus are hedging their bets with the two powertrain options for what’s going to be a relatively short production run for the European market, although I’m sure that they’re relying upon strong ROW sales longer term. Another factor in the 2.0L I4’s favour is in markets where tax is dependent upon engine capacity and where the 718 F4T versions of the Cayman remain very popular, China included.

2,000 deposits so far is very impressive … I think planned annual production is about 4,000? Having been involved in vehicle development, personally I wouldn’t buy a vehicle fresh out of the box so to speak, and would rather wait a year for any production glitches to be ironed-out, but fair do’s to those taking a punt on the new car.

Jeff

 

[MrDemon]

Agree don't want one of the 1st 200 cars really, rather wait a year but then you might never get one if it is only a 3 year run. I am early but not too early, they will tweak the runs and paint shops daily I would say, get the 1st 200 cars out the way and tested fingers crossed. Still what's not to like at 51 a Lotus you can get in one with passive dampers, hydraulic Steering , 6 pistons and double wishbones

did we ever think we would see a car in that spec today ?

 

[Motorhead]

That’s true D … a bit of a lottery really as to whether or not you get a good car early on in the cycle. Here’s hoping that you get lucky. Whatever, I’m sure that it’ll be a great driver’s car for the reasons you’ve given.

The seriously onerous - and very anti-ICE - Euro 7 legislation is due in 2025 for MY2026, but I’m sure that there’s going to be some very forceful lobbying from manufacturers and suppliers in the run-up to finalising the legislation.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news-manufacturing/analysis-new-rules-could-make-ice-engines-unviable-2026

Jeff

 

[j600com]

Many Porsche owners will jump ship as they have been treated like **** for too long and the Emira offers a drivers way out from the Caymans we all loved.

+1

I agree with those saying the Emira will turn a few heads and tempt current/ex Porsche owners to Lotus. Seems to be a lot of rumblings already, I can’t imagine Porsche will be too concerned mind.

 

[Mark Dovey]

It looks like an awesome care… it does edge on the side of looking like a super car which is actually great. Its Making me think about one but its difficult one as I think depending on your job/business it could turn people off dealing with you as it looks so flash. I know it shouldn’t but you know how some people can be unfortunately… that’s my concern with it.

also do lotus have retail centres? I can’t remember seeing one so I’m assuming it’s an online order only?

 

[j600com]

It looks like an awesome care… it does edge on the side of looking like a super car which is actually great. Its Making me think about one but its difficult one as I think depending on your job/business it could turn people off dealing with you as it looks so flash. I know it shouldn’t but you know how some people can be unfortunately… that’s my concern with it.

also do lotus have retail centres? I can’t remember seeing one so I’m assuming it’s an online order only?

Apparently they have 18 UK Retail Centres but plan to grow that to 30.

There’s a dealer locator here:

https://www.lotuscars.com/en-GB/retailers

 

[AndrewCS]

Channel 4 @ 1745hrs tonight ... Lotus - a new dawn []

 

[AndrewCS]

Disappointing to see `jubilee` clips on the hoses

 

[Motorhead]

Unfortunately I was away for the weekend and missed it Andrew.

Jubilee clips? I’m sure that the shots were of prototype vehicle, so hopefully a long way from production standard. Having said that, if they were on coolant hoses they’re preferable to the rubbish connectors Porsche use on the 987-series cars which corrode too easily, requiring a very costly replacement.

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

I watched the "Lotus, a new dawn" programme and was impressed with the Emira as a concept. Lotus are right in raising the interior build quality standards to be more in line with established sports coupe competitors. Having test driven a Lotus Exige in 2008 before committing to my first Cayman, it was the interior build quality that let the Lotus down compared to the 987 Cayman which was my alternative choice.

At the time of filming, the Emira was still at the development stage, with many fine details still to be incorporated for the production models. I'm not surprised the order book is already brimming prior to launch in 2022.

As a former owner in my youth of a Bahama Yellow 1966 Lotus Elan Coupe S/E, I have a soft spot for the marque. My Elan had the 1598cc Harry Mundy Ford Twin Cam engine tuned to 130bhp and with an LSD diff and the wider Plus 2 Elan centre lock wheels. Lightness, agility, performance, and handling, were way beyond anything else on the road at the time.

If I were in different circumstances age and health-wise, I would be following David's (Mr Demon) lead and placing an order now.

Porsche may feel the heat when the Lotus Emira comes on stream.

Brian

 

[Motorhead]

Porsche may feel the heat when the Lotus Emira comes on stream.

Let’s hope so Brian. Although I’m not convinced that they’ll be worried unduly, Porsche could do with a bit of a kick up the backside to get things moving on the Cayman front … there’s still no news on the 718 replacement. []

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

I agree wholeheartedly Jeff.

The Cayman range has always played second fiddle to the 911 with Porsche. Lotus have no such model range conflicts with the Emira.

It's taken the brave and enterprising "modifier owners" of Caymans to fulfil the true potential of this supremely well balanced platform which Porsche have deliberately held back so as not to usurp the golden goose 911. The 992 is far too big and bulky in my opinion as a suitable touring car for the type of roads I do most of my miles on.

The Emira on the other hand, looks absolutely ideal.

Brian

 

[Twinfan]

The Lotus has no front boot so luggage capacity is much worse than Cayman, and the power trains are 'OK' rather than special or unique. Playing second fiddle to the 911 it may be, but I think lots of people will think the Cayman is a better option than the Lotus.

Time will tell if it's one of the greats, road tests will be interesting for sure.

 

[AndrewCS]

Jubilee clips? I’m sure that the shots were of prototype vehicle, so hopefully a long way from production standard. Having said that, if they were on coolant hoses they’re preferable to the rubbish connectors Porsche use on the 987-series cars which corrode too easily, requiring a very costly replacement. Jeff

Worm drive [] ... those that do not uniformly clamp the circumference of the hose

When one is showcasing such a product to a global audience you`d surely want it right ... maybe, in true Chapman fashion they `weigh less` than those of improved design

 

[MrDemon]

The Lotus has no front boot so luggage capacity is much worse than Cayman, and the power trains are 'OK' rather than special or unique. Playing second fiddle to the 911 it may be, but I think lots of people will think the Cayman is a better option than the Lotus.

Time will tell if it's one of the greats, road tests will be interesting for sure.

The Emira will drive/ride better than the Cayman that's all all that matters to me not a front trunk lol.

enough space behind the seats and in the boot.

it will ride better, handle better, brake better, steer better, be faster, also looks better. Cayman Engine is not that special either esp not mated to a 10 year old torque limited long geared gearbox !! (you need both to make it fun and the 718 range is def not fun) , only the 911 GT has the special units. If you want Special you buy a manual 991.2 GT3 but you have to pay £145k for one.

GT4 and 718 GTS are a bit meh. also ran cars which look very over priced imo. I have driven both and would not own either but the down grade from a GT3 is massive I guess so I would feel a bit short changed and disapointed swapping into one of those from mine, but moving away from Porsche to Lotus I won't miss the GT3 and can pocket £60k which is nice going forward. Lets also not forget Lotus have had double wishbones for years, some thing people seem to be falling over with on the new GT3 !!! lol daft hype again but again the Emira already has them Should be like driving a Cayman R but faster and more trackable for the odd day out there. And as a daily the SC give a bit of lower down grunt. NO shock over 2000 deposits and a BIG move from Cayman owners it seems even just to get away from OPC's lol. Porsche have lost they way a bit imo Lotus offer the drivers car as always in a nicer package than the Exige for us older guys.

won't have to spunk £5k on a exhaust either the Emira sounds amazing.

 

[Motorhead]

Jubilee clips? I’m sure that the shots were of prototype vehicle, so hopefully a long way from production standard. Having said that, if they were on coolant hoses they’re preferable to the rubbish connectors Porsche use on the 987-series cars which corrode too easily, requiring a very costly replacement. Jeff

Worm drive [] ... those that do not uniformly clamp the circumference of the hose

When one is showcasing such a product to a global audience you`d surely want it right ... maybe, in true Chapman fashion they `weigh less` than those of improved design

Or perhaps they just sent the apprentice down to Halfords to “get some hose clips”! []

Having said that, I agree with your comment Andrew. I would have thought that the spring clips favoured by the automotive industry would have been the first choice.

Jeff

 

[JohnCRS]

A big fan of jubilee clips here - but that may be because I have boxes of the flippin things if anyone needs some!

I always felt they worked well, with a bit of lubricant to allow them to adjust when tightening. They give a broader spread of even pressure around the hose, without cutting into the surface. Easy to adjust, undo and re-use, especially for prototype purposes; nice, non corroding, stainless steel, they give the Porsche accountants the wobblies! I suspect the spring clips are a heck of a lot cheaper, both to manufacture and install.

 

[GordonT]

Quite agree, John. Especially if you have the genuine article; some of the "me too"s leave a bit to be desired. I'll check your boot the next time I see you in case there are some rolling around in there!

Some of the spring clips are a nightmare to deal with.

 

[AndrewCS]

Three Lessons The Lotus Emira Can Learn From Toyota's GR Yaris Success - YouTube

 

[Motorhead]

Having expressed an interest, I’ve received an email from Lotus Silverstone to say that they’re expecting the first customer ordered cars to arrive around April next year and that placing a £2k deposit now would lead to a predicted delivery in the latter part of 2023.

With around 18-months of production spoken-for already it looks as though demand is very high!

Jeff