47 replies to this topic

[Bibs]

All gone...



http://www.thelotusf...us-future-cars/

I've just spoken with the DRB spokeman and he's in a lunch meeting, we're going to speak again at 3pm.

[Nelly9000]

If we didn't know where Lotus stood now from the recent updates, I think we do now.

I must say I liked the Bahar plan, and the cars, but its a shame it was done in such a gung-ho fashion. If the finances are as dire as we are led to believe I think the annoucements of late have been solid and encouraging and its maybe no surprise such ambition has been halted.

I am just glad it looks as though the Esprit got far enough down the line not to be cancelled - that would have been really bad.

[Bibs]

The Esprit is no longer there either...

[V8 FOU]

So, being relaistic rules at Lotus at the present. Good thing too. There has been far too much pie-in-the-sky during the Bahar times.
No point in publicising cars that won't be built. Just show cars that are about to be released or are actually available to buy/order.

Esprit? We aren't going to see that I guess for at least a year - so let them tell us when it is ready and not have everyone speculating and second guessing.

As I said being sensible and realistic rules at Lotus now - so good luck to them and let's hope for a more reasoned future.

[Trevsked]

A hot Evora would be nice. Has the GTE been canned or not?

Trevor

[Bibs]

It's still on the website.

As I said in the article, you need to draw your own conclusions from these changes but they're all deliberate of course.

[TBD]

I wouldn't worry that its gone from the website, makes sense to focus on what you can sell. However, it would really be a bad signal if the do cancel the Esprit. But then, that would mean drowning a few 100 million pounds!

At least the GTE is still on - does that quench the rumours of its cancellation?

BTW: You can still confgure he future cars!

Edited by TBD, 18 July 2012 - 12:48 PM.

[ramjet]

http://www.lotuscars.com.au/

The GTE was on here only an hour ago when I looked. It's not there now.

[fmxa]

Without the new cars Lotus won't have anything they can sell in the US other than stickers and tee shirts. So it's either off to Beijing or flounder along for a few more years before being piecemealed off by DRB. Sad, very sad ...

[hedgerley]

The GTE is very much in evidence on the main site. With the clear out of future cars as well as the management pages one would have expected the GTE to have disappeared if they have no intention of producing it. Given that the development and homologation is almost complete - witness the motoring press test drives, not least Top Gear's which was very complementary - and a few hundred orders in the pipeline, they would be daft not to build them. I assume @ £120k ish there is a significant margin in there. And Lotus does need the money....

Speaking of the management pages, why no Aslam F profile. Is his approach that low key he doesn't even want to appear on the website?

[dodgey_rog]

They're still in the configurator? So they can't all be dead and gone....?

[TBD]

Was the Exige S Roaster on there before? I don't remember. The GTE is now very prominen on dispay, so that would be a confirmation!

[Bibs]

They're still in the configurator? So they can't all be dead and gone....?

Not for long I'm sure.

[TBD]

Actually I think it is positive that there is an update to the website putting the current range (including the GTE and Exige S Roadster) in focus. DRB have confirmed the Esprit, so I wouldn't worry about this.

what really p**sses me of is the way they are doing it. Why not make some clear statements about what you're doing? This thread is the best evidence that what Lotus is doing currently is the best way to destroy trust in the company.

Edited by TBD, 18 July 2012 - 01:56 PM.

[obione]

No real surprise TBH. Lets hope that now that interest in Lotus is higher than before that current models will sell enough enabling any future cars to be put into production - especially the Esprit!!!

[Buddsy]

When Dany came in I don't think he liked anything and wanted a clean start... reality must be restyling of existing models is cheaper. I think the potential of the Evora stylistically are being realised in a good way. Maybe an Evora with the GTE styling kit with a slightly tweaked S under but cheaper than the GTE would lead to some good sales. Id love the look of the GTE .

Buddsy

Oh the site has all changed again!!!

Buddsy

[Bibs]

The article has been updated.

As part of a number of recent changes to the Group Lotus website the 'Future Cars' section has been removed. The website now only list currently available cars; Exige, Evora and Elise along with the a link to the Evora/Exige derived race cars and Evora GTE/Mansory concept cars. The 'Management' pages have also been updated with various senior members of staff no longer listed.

This follows news yesterday that the company have pulled out of the Paris motorshow in order to re-focus.

The Lotus Forums understands the pictures have been removed from the website to wipe the slate clean for when new COO Aslam Farrikulah announces his vision for the company. Insiders say he has been meeting with senior personnel before formulating a plan, which is nearing completion. The company should be ready to unveil their vision in a matter of days, rather than weeks.

Those in the know sense the new Lotus boss will be taking the company back to its roots and focusing on engineering, but we will have to wait and see. Watch this space!

[NedaSay]

Well if there's a new plan and that new plan maintains a nucleus of cars at least we'll still have that.

I wonder where the company will go could they just refocus on engineering and let the current range of cars die a slow death?

As for the DB's grand plan, it will remain as one of the biggest let down in recent car history!

[Tallic]

Without the new cars Lotus won't have anything they can sell in the US other than stickers and tee shirts. So it's either off to Beijing or flounder along for a few more years before being piecemealed off by DRB. Sad, very sad ...

You are exactly right FMXA!

[softlips]

The guys I have spoken with said they had been told to stop showing things they couldn't yet sell. Makes perfect sense. The Esprit is still in development for a 2014 launch and is further down the line than most people think.