I wonder how many of the deposits are from people who actually want to drive the cars rather than to trade them as a commodity in demand.
Previously one of the reasons that Lotus sold in such small volumes was that they were generally only bought by those who wanted to use and enjoy them. Compare that to Porsche GT products, including GT4, which have achieved halo status in the market, thereby sustaining volumes and profitability. But it is a fickle business.
It is an unfortunate reality that us driving enthusiasts are not, on our own, sufficient to support a successful business model.
My first Porsche, a base spec Cayman R, was purchased in 2014 after a direct side by side comparison with a supercharged Evora, both from the same dealer, both priced at £40k. I was able to try both in the Yorkshire lanes. I was moving on from an Exige S2 and the Evora contained that feeling of lightness and delicacy of touch, whereas the Cayman felt rather heavy and dull by comparison. However in most other respects the quality of fit and finish, the overall completeness of the Cayman, made it a clear winner at that time.
Since then of course Porsche has moved on from strength to strength, developing the Cayman to its current, extraordinary, level. But, as with the 911, it has been achieved by relentless development rather than anything particularly exceptional in the design and engineering. For me it continues to be the 'head' choice.
But, the original Elise, Exige and Evora were models whose DNA was based upon the rather special design and manufacture of the aluminium chassis and their light weight. My Exige was less than 800 KG and 240bhp. I am hopeful that some of that DNA is carried over into the new model and that Lotus can apply the gloss on which so many purchase decisions are dependent. Then perhaps the heart could be allowed to have its way next time.
Previously one of the reasons that Lotus sold in such small volumes was that they were generally only bought by those who wanted to use and enjoy them. Compare that to Porsche GT products, including GT4, which have achieved halo status in the market, thereby sustaining volumes and profitability. But it is a fickle business.
It is an unfortunate reality that us driving enthusiasts are not, on our own, sufficient to support a successful business model.
My first Porsche, a base spec Cayman R, was purchased in 2014 after a direct side by side comparison with a supercharged Evora, both from the same dealer, both priced at £40k. I was able to try both in the Yorkshire lanes. I was moving on from an Exige S2 and the Evora contained that feeling of lightness and delicacy of touch, whereas the Cayman felt rather heavy and dull by comparison. However in most other respects the quality of fit and finish, the overall completeness of the Cayman, made it a clear winner at that time.
Since then of course Porsche has moved on from strength to strength, developing the Cayman to its current, extraordinary, level. But, as with the 911, it has been achieved by relentless development rather than anything particularly exceptional in the design and engineering. For me it continues to be the 'head' choice.
But, the original Elise, Exige and Evora were models whose DNA was based upon the rather special design and manufacture of the aluminium chassis and their light weight. My Exige was less than 800 KG and 240bhp. I am hopeful that some of that DNA is carried over into the new model and that Lotus can apply the gloss on which so many purchase decisions are dependent. Then perhaps the heart could be allowed to have its way next time.
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