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TLF were recently in Hethel to sit down and catch up with Lotus MD Matt Windle. Matt and Lotus Cars have been incredibly busy of late as evidenced by the recent upturn in new content from the company and with the all new Lotus Emira launch just a few days away on the 6th July and being the headliners at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, there’s a lot going on! How do you keep up with this work, what is up and coming from Lotus, what about parts for older cars? These questions and more including suggestions from TLF members are answered and we may have had a glimpse of a new car too, but not everything is for sharing just yet! https://www.thelotusforums.com/latest-news/lotus-cars-news/tlf-interview-lotus-managing-director-matt-windle/

I got my 2021 Evora GT today, my first Lotus! Essex Blue:

Just left the S1 in good company on the Cartier lawn at Goodwood - the theme is wedges of course 😂

Well good news, it was found last night! In Medina, which is about 10 miles from where I live. Stuck at a roundabout just off I-90. Just talked to the tow company who impounded it and they said it's undrivable. Clutch pedal won't depress and the e-brake is shot. My guess is that whoever stole it didn't know how to disengage the e-brake and as such didn't get very far. So maybe that's a little unintentional security measure for Esprits?!! Now waiting for my insurance to get back to me (probably tomorrow as I'm writing this on Sunday) to figure out next steps. Fortunately I have full coverage so repair costs should be covered minus the deductible. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for the well wishes!

It's an interesting thought... as an example of such a person, I could maybe offer some insight: Sports cars, almost by their very nature, are emotive purchases. There's is very little objective decision making going on. Whisper it very quietly, but some of the thought processes can be deliberately contrary. When buying my first Evora, albeit second hand, there were many options open to me in budget that could potentially have fitted the bill. Most of these were arguably more "complete" cars, but in no way - purely subjectively - did they feel as special, or as good to drive. I am neither a track god, nor the fastest down a B-road - but it did feel better and was more enjoyable than the long list of alternatives I did try. As it was to be a "daily", it needed to be (and this may be an odd thought process for most) semi-practical, and at least liveable with on a day to day basis. I did 48,000 miles in just 30 months, so it certainly worked from that point of view. The Evora was a compromise, sure, but it ticked these boxes and still gave me something that made me smile (read: put a big shit-eating grin on my face), and filled my long held desire to buy a Lotus and not the "pub-chat choice". Yes, I did pay more than a similarly aged and specced Cyaman. The Emira is moving the game on for me. It's undoubtedly going to drive well, looks like a more pleasant place to spend more time without some of the compromises. A lot of the conversation around power, lightness etc makes sense if you are lucky enough that these are your only requisites (over and above the Lotus USPs of handling and ride), so then I can see how the Emira could be missing the mark. And whilst you would expect in a Lotus enthusiasts forum there would be a degree of sadness that these are being slightly side-lined to a more mass market appeal (and I do share some of this feeling - who wouldn't want the Nirvana of an Emira with it's cabin improvements and a lower weight and more power). I'm not sure that this would have been possible without breaking the laws of physics/engineering within a given target price and margin. What the Emira does allow me is to get in to a new Lotus. That looks great, is more than adequately powered against it's brief, is certainly better equipped for daily use. And, for now, it's still not the "pub-chat choice".

Dunsfold today For filming!

I was fortunate to be offered a passenger ride up the hill today. With Dan from the Ride & Handling team being my pilot. a few facts that I should enlighten from chatting with various members of the Emira team; the Goodyear tyres were only signed off last week (after more than a year of R&D of the tyre) by mr ride & handling himself, if you are considering tracking your Emira then you should probably go for the Michelin Cup tyres, if you opt for the track pack but intend using the car mainly for A to B road driving/using the car in bad weather then opt for the Goodyear tyres. the stalks on the steering wheel are in-house (Geely) Volvo units, other switches and vent outlets are bespoke and manufactured in-house the Emira weighs less than our old Evora S and, has more downforce than the current Evora 410, it sticks to the road like any Lotus should. Imho; We all want this to be the best Lotus road car yet, so it was never going to be the weight of an Elise or Exige but it certainly handles as well even when only sat in the passenger seat, is it confidence inspiring; yes It certainly is the interior reminded me of the Esprit; a place you want to be even if only sitting in the car in your garage/on the drive will this Lotus make Porsche drivers come across from the dark side, I know it will and has already started OMG the exhaust sound, it’s epic is the Emira worthy of the Lotus/ACBC badge; IT CERTAINLY IS

A few snaps I've taken of my Turbo SE, now actually cleaned and washed.... What a joy it is to walk out of the house to this sight...

Quick blast to Loch Lomond this evening to catch the sun.

So rather dirty (just how I like 'em) Evora is sitting in the car park of a park whilst I'm sat on a bench in the sun nearby on yet another bloody conference call with work (yeah, the mum's in the park probably had me marked down as some sort of an evil paedo - ho hum!). Boy of about 6 see's my car, runs over to it dragging his 6ft 17 stone plus Dad with him - only mention it as it was funny to see, maybe you had to be there..... Anyway he is all over the car, running around it shouting wowwww and phwoarrr but keeping a safe distance from it. Then he goes over to the front wheel arch and gives it a gentle stroke over the top of the body where it curves up for the wheel. Right, that was it. WTF I thought! So I put myself on mute (on the phone, not me personally), jumped up and shouted "Oi" - quick as a flash the little brat swings around - "fancy a sit in it mate" I shouts! His little eyes nearly popped out of his head and his smile cracked his face to pieces. Blip blip and the door is opened and in he clambers! Dad looking at me a bit sheepishly says "sorry he is mad about cars". No problem I says, take as long as he wants. Take some pictures of him driving it. No problem pal. Next minute he's popping the buttons and the petrol flap springs up and he's reaching up, lifting up the carbon whale tail (yes, they really are that light and with no gas struts) and all I can hear is "corrrrrrrr, dad, look at the engine". Well 20 minutes later and I'm still on the conference call. Little lad has finished his forensic inspection of the car (including crawling underneath it!) and he comes running right up. Massive beam on his face. Eyes still on stalks. "Thanks Mister, what a car. Lovely car that. it's a Lotus isn't it" I smile back, nod and off he skips both him and his dad beaming away and a big thumbs up from the dad too. Sort of brings you back down to earth as to just how lucky we are to be able to caretake a Lotus and just how much love there is still out there for nice motors. Well lad and dad had their day made. But I also have to admit it made my bloody day as well seeing such a young lad so happy.

Finally out of the garage ready for the S1 to have it’s turn. Dave

Have to wait for the I4 (and white paint!) to go Turbo retro...

Picked up this yesterday. Very pleased, 330mile journey home but was very comfortable.

A few snaps from last night... and yes, the cup holders are illuminated and there are puddle lights too!

The strain was becoming overwhelming and I've cracked early - dealer deposit placed

Well yesterday actually Went for a coffee in our village and saw a young bloke pull into the one and only disabled car parking bay despite there being others available (including etc one next to where he parked). No blue badge - clearly couldn't give a **** as long as he didn't have to walk and extra meter to Costa. I walked passed the coffee shop and saw him inside trying to use his jumper to cover his mouth as he didn't have a mask. I thought, as you do, about telling him not to park in the disabled bay when I suddenly saw two traffic wardens walking towards his car. They duly ticketed his car whilst I waited to see his reaction - it was priceless, made my day.

Next Saturday the 17th at 17.45 on channel 4 about the development of the Emira

Lotus will be live streaming the launch on their own website on Tuesday 6th July at 7.30pm BST. www.lotuscars.com TLF will also be there with a very high quality camera and live streaming kit so will (technology gods willing!) live stream the launch from a different perspective. If you'd like to join us and watch, please visit the event on our facebook page here... https://www.facebook.com/events/176649667688911

With all this Emira hype going on, I just felt i have show again how cool the Evora can look.. bit of a show off.. but anyway 😊

My 'new look' for 2021. Thankfully after all the grief I went through (and the several threats to set it alight and walk away) battling with all the rusted-solid fixings, I think the final result was worth it.

Love the look of the new car and was obviously interested in what they came up with but as soon as it came out I knew I’d done the right thing for me. The Exige is everything I wanted it to be so far. Just driving fun. Went out fly swatting in it yesterday from bewdley to Aberystwyth it’s first real run out to see those 1000 miles off 😁 200 plus miles in traffic but also on great roads with nothing in front and also in towns where all you get are smiles no bad reactions so far. I’m upto 750 now 😬 and giving it a bit more 🦶🏼as I was told to do 😁 it’s a bit awkward to get in and out but no different to my old Elise. the stereo is pointless not turned it on 🤣 driving around town 30mph is not a problem it always feels quicker I look down and I’m only doing 28🤣 In every way it’s awesome for me and I’ve been driving mine almost every day As long as I can get in and out the thing it’s a keeper 😍 Any excuse for pics 😬

Just in case you didn't see how biblical the rain was... But there was an upside!

Stopped off to take a couple of snaps near a local landmark on my way home from my MOT success today. First drive in it in nearly two and half years. It scrubs up okay Just noticed I've been driving around with my LH fuel flap open all day 🤦‍♂️

Hi all, I've been lucky enough to be able to buy a 1975 Lotus Elite 501 PWR329P. Does anybody know anything about this car? My plan is to have it either part or fully restored and to basically drive it and love it in general. I've owned various classics over the years, the closest I've got to own this car was a Jensen Healey which I sold a few years ago. I plan to post some photos on here of the 'journey' but any info or advice would be greatly accepted. It's being transported to RMS Romford for an initial inspection this Thursday, where I am looking forward to receiving a list longer than my arm. Cameron

How does he fit in?

I really don’t get this thing about bhp it is madness when you think about it, the only car I have owned and used on the track was my S1 Elise and it was nothing short of perfect with 118bhp. 6 months ago I went out with @Bibs in his Evora I have no idea with the mods he has or what bhp it has but I can tell you that was way quick enough for the road and probably most tracks . When I done the lotus academy I was third quickest on the day, then I went around with Alistair McQueen after he had finished his roll up and honestly I reckon he would put an S1 Elise around any track quicker than I could put a 430bhp Evora around it. Valuable lesson leant. that’s why I will go for the i4 and spend any other money on learning how to drive it quickly, also I like the fact that my esprit is a 4 pot and I think Colin and Mike K would approve

First trip to one our offices in yonks. 220 mile round trip, didn't miss a beat. Temp crept up a bit but stayed below 90. Anyone else get right foot cramp whilst toddling along at a constant speed on the motorway for ages?

With regards to side-by-side comparisons, here's the UK's final dark blue turbocharged Esprit with one of the first (Essex courtesy of @Bazza 907 )

Found this video of the launch of the X180 Turbo at Earls Court Motorfair from 1987. It still looks great all these years later.

Exclusive teaser!

For me the Evora and Emira actually represent two different audiences. The Evora has never been a mass market car, if howmanyleft is accurate, only 500 or so sold in total in the UK. It is an analogue car, few drivers aids, all of which can be turned off and minimalist approach to the interior and non essential equipment. The Emira is more a mass market machine, it is a more direct competitor to the Porsches of this world, because it has the options and interior that that market seems to demand. That world demands shiny toys and displays which show you lots of fundamentally useless information and a car that mollycoddles you. This is the larger market but more competitive market. Give me the analogue car, something where I am the driver, and I decide where the edge is for myself, if I get it wrong it's my fault. I didn't buy my Evora for the interior, although I like the interior. I bought it for how it sounds, drives, goes around corners and puts a huge grin on my face. If the Emira opens up a new buying audience I think it will be good for everyone. if it sells in the volumes they are hoping it just makes my Lotus look rarer and more exotic. 🙂 Tris...

Lolz. He's not even seen the car and knows nothing about it apart from watching other people's videos. Bit strong to base an opinion on that really, it would have been better to record a video with more, and correct information having seen the car and researched it more but #youtubeviewsmatter. Have a read through the comments, they're not very complimentary in this instance.

Apologies for posting more photos than a first time parent on Facebook 😊

Go back to 2009 and look at the "overnight success" that was the response to the EVORA and also look at what the launch pricing was (very competitive) compared to what the actual price was. Remember also that Evora won COTY all over the place etc and won gushing plaudits for its styling, particularly the interior. I disagree it was the styling that held it back. The issue was outside of the launch hysteria (that everyone is in now re the Emira) the Evora was poorly marketed and Lotus suffered from, as it does now, poor dealer coverage in the UK and NA especially etc. After the launch hype, nobody remembered the car / knew about it. it was not marketed so why would they unless they were already a lotus fan. It just was not on the RADAR. To back this up, look at the conversion rate from test drive to purchase. it was staggering. So when people knew about. Drive it. They bought it! That was the issue right there. Is still the issue with the Evora. Getting people into it. I believe the EMIRA will be a rip roaring success. It has been designed as a world car, with a commitment to sell it on the world stage. I have no worries about build quality or about how it will drive. In my mind, outside of the Evija this will be the best ever, production Lotus car end of. People will romanticise through their old rose tinted specs that other models were better blah blah blah. They won't be. they weren't. This is the pinnacle of mainstream Lotus car production, of that I am 100% sure. Rather than all of us trying to be automotive experts, when 99% of us really know only 1% of what a real automotive expert knows, why don't we just get behind what is a fantastic product launched by our favourite car manufacturer, that also happens to be one of Britain's best engineering companies.

Sheesh the configurator does a much better job selling me on the car!!

You don't. So don't. The most annoying fecker on the internet after that [email protected] C8rkh.

Another year another MOT passed. Still only just over 18,400 miles……ridiculous really for a 39 year old car. I often wonder whether I should keep or let it go but for now she stays👍😎 pics taken at the local MOT station

Just to update everyone, to make the process clearer for all, as of the 22nd July dealerships will be refunding deposits they've taken from Emira customers and you'll be asked to place your deposit centrally via www.lotuscars.com - This is in order to have one order bank for all cars to ensure that the process is followed and all cars are delivered in the order that the deposit was placed. Please be assured that Lotus are aware of when you placed your deposit with the dealer and this will be noted in the central order system. Deposit dates/times WILL be honoured. I hope that clears things up and allays any concerns you may have if you've recently heard from your dealer.

I took a number of pics at the show...and sent them to Andy G at Lotus some years ago as well.

Don't be so harsh, despite the Isuzu engine and FWD the Elan M100 is still great car. 😁

Gavan giving it beans up the hill!

If it is any consolation, I know the superfan thing was to be able to let us participate, I just wish that some people had either muted their mics sometimes or turned them down. I understand being excited, just really wanted to hear the designers etc as well. Anyway, we have seen it now. Let the games begin.

Unfortunately the thunderstorm had interfered with the only mobile signal that works here (Vodafone) but here's a nice pic!

I stand corrected it is the detuned?! AMG engine!! And yeah it is a freakin looker front and back

You won't be disappointed

I’ve got a good feeling about the Emira, and I think it is the first Lotus that will be underpriced as opposed to overpriced. The luxury market in China (and the rest of the world) is ruled by the German marques and Geely know they need a non chinese brand to brake the German stranglehold. I believe that this is why Lotus was “ chosen” by Geely. In my opinion the 131 is going to show the world that Lotus is now a complete package and lacking in no quarter. I think it will be outstanding in every area. I think Geely are prepared for the UK arm of Lotus to run at breakeven or even a loss as they build consumer confidence in the brand, with the ultimate aim of producing many hundreds of thousands of cars/SUV’s from their Chinese factory's. This is where they will get their money back. so in a nutshell I think the Emira is going to offer great value and become a global success. But I for one, will be a little upset that the mixed aroma of fibreglass, petrol and damp will start to become a mere memory of times gone by.

Hi As an Elise S2 owner for 15 years (gone now, but never forgotten) I've joined the forum to ramp up my excitement as I put down a deposit on an Emira with B&C a month ago. If the Emira has anything like the ride/handling balance of the Elise and I can get in and out with some ease I'm certain to go for it. For me, ease means that the seat base is higher (or at least level with!) the top of the sill and, as I have short legs, I can get out without moving the seat back. If I can have Ruby Red and black wheels, so much the better! Here's hoping. Timbo.

There is no 'science of the few' going on here. Hundreds of thousands of medics and scientists are working on COVID, it's treatment, gene sequencing, pandemic modelling and monitoring. The modelling has not been 'wrong on every count' and has in fact been remarkably accurate in many cases. The rate of progress in understanding the disease and creation and roll out of the successful vaccination program has been genuinely astonishing and would not have been possible as little as 15 years ago. Thanks to those people you will probably live to moan another day. UK government data always provides the evidence for the source. Does your alternative source of information provide that ?