Lotus in the post DB era

[ramjet]

No worries, the new Eviscerate with the federally approved Evora S engine replacement installed is expected soon. Should be a screamer!

There is also the Lotus Eventually that should hit the market one day maybe?

Same as the Lotus Evidence. Oh hold on, that one might be tied up in the UK at the moment in court.

[Moxie]

Right. I misspoke. It's the safety/impact stuff that's around $6M. And yes, the Elise sold well over here. In fact about a month ago I took my son out to the air and space museum on Long Island, before we got in the car he said "I wonder if we'll see any Lotuses" to which I siad it was unlikely, and then we ran in to five Elises...

[NedaSay]

Yup, engine is identical to the Evora S. It's the smart airbag system that rules them out.

And the cost of getting it reapproved federally would be 6M USD!

So the company wasted money on histrionics and some dubious sponsorships while money needed to develop cars was not made available to federalise Elise and Exige!

I'd like somebody in the bunker to do something for me!

[Tallic]

No matter how is really responsible or what the factory could handle, the failure to maintain the Elise and Exige in the US, is on the head of DB. That was a critical mistake to the US image of the company.

[61GT]

No matter how is really responsible or what the factory could handle, the failure to maintain the Elise and Exige in the US, is on the head of DB. That was a critical mistake to the US image of the company.

+ 1

[NedaSay]

I believe there's still time to get at least the new Exige S and roadster stateside ... If they sell three hundred of them there they get the investment covered! And Bahar and Co were stupid not to factor federalization into the car from the get go.

Edited June 22, 2012 by NedaSay

[Tallic]

New lotus plan

1. Bring back elise and exige to usa.

2. Build esprit

3. Get in bed with alfa and mazda to make a new elan

4. Make eterne or whatever it is called.

5. Make Explicit the new suv

6. Make new evora.

[NedaSay]

Shall I amend your plan a bit:

0) Highest priority: Retain key people that you need to see stay with the company. Chose new CEO carefully

1) Bring on Evora GTE (for the masses) and cabrio at next big event to you know where and when,

2) Finish development and build Esprit,

3) Federalize again Elise and new Exige (with complete dashboard refresh, Esprit inspired),

4) Stabilize @ three tier range (MJK's plan, sell at least 5000 cars per annum - sign more dealers in the EU and US).

5) Build Elite (to amortize cost of V8 - switch into high gear for four tier range; sell 6/7000 car per year)

6) Replace Evora engine by a V6 derived from the new V8 (Evora mark II includes new dashboard Elan inspired)

7) Build Eterne (on the same production line as Elite, make RE, V6 and V8 engines available)

8) Build future Elise and mad future Exige (reach optimum production capacity @ Hethel)

9) If Eterne proves a success bring on Exfour (a reskinned APX, using Eterne chassis and JLR's AWD systems)

In the meantime, refocus all Lotus motorsport activity: no more GP2, GP3, WSR, F3, F1 (no more team branding). Rebuild a true factory team. Keep Indy only if aerokits are accepted for next Indy 500. If not, focus entirely on 2014 LMP1 program! Go all in or just go home! Develop motorsport client support to a level similar to Porsche (hire/steal Porsche motorsport top people). Reorganize all Lotus Cups and Championships.

Edited June 23, 2012 by NedaSay

[ramjet]

So you would put the development of another car ahead of federalisation of two already existing models? An oversight you have already made comment on.

I suppose that makes sense to someone.

[Tallic]

i like it. but i do think #3 needs to be done with #1.

[richardvg]

Whatever Lotus develope ,,,for goodness sake ,they need to ensure the vehicle is first and foremost ready for the USA ....surely history has shown that this is their cashcow ?

[cnapan]

I too wonder about the sense in not ensuring the Exige and Elise can be sold in the U.S. I wasn't really following the story and didn't know they couldn't sell them.

It's a shame that it costs such an eye-watering amount.

[simonb]

Lotus do seem to have an inability to consider dealer cashflow. OK for them if they want to re-invent the brand and take a hit on turnover for a couple of years, but franchise holders will really need a paycheque every month

[Gus82]

New lotus plan

1. Bring back elise and exige to usa.

2. Build esprit

3. Get in bed with alfa and mazda to make a new elan

4. Make eterne or whatever it is called.

5. Make Explicit the new suv

6. Make new evora.

That sounds like a plan, though I would scrap step 5 completely. Step 4 would be better being moved to after step 6 and might be better based on a volume platform. Kia are going into large rear wheel drive saloons that could be the basis of a classier spiritual successor to the Lotus Carlton, and Kia have also hinted at wanting an MX5 rival that could be an alternative to step 3. They're one of the few businesses doing well currently.

[LotusX180R]

Whatever Lotus develope ,,,for goodness sake ,they need to ensure the vehicle is first and foremost ready for the USA ....surely history has shown that this is their cashcow ?

ALL Lotus henceforth need to be Federal designs ( you can stop reading now if you are not inclined to read explanations)

I agree with the above quote completely. There have been numerous statements over the years about the cost to federalize an existing design and that Lotus couldn't afford to do it based on their financial status and projected sales.

It would not be as big of a deal and expense if all cars were designed as federal cars and then modified to suit other markets rather than being designed as a non federal car and trying to get it federalized.

One of the problems with car design is the lack of cohesive regulations throughout the world regarding safety and emmissions standards. THe US and European standards are probably the most restrictive but differ in significant ways. But I submit if Lotus were to design their cars from the outset they would not need (as many) waivers as they have in the past and they would show their engineering customers how a small car company can homologate a low production car for many markets.

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

I'm surprised about the new Exige not being up to Federal spec... I thought that was the reason for the dodgy 'bumper' on the rear end!

[DarrylV8]

dodgy bumper on the rear end??

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Can't think what else to call it... I love the car and I'm still very tempted, I just wish they'd sorted the rear out, either more Dino, or more Gallardo would've been nice.

[koorby]

The rear on the Exige V6 is butt-ugly, pardon the pun. Great car, bloody awful backside.

[Moxie]

Sigh...

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

A little late for the Exige but here's a couple of my favourite beautiful bottoms...

[NedaSay]

Ok; ok here's my plan amended a bit, so it is more logical and rational.

0) Highest priority: Retain key people that you need to see stay with the company. Chose new CEO carefully

1) Bring on Evora GTE (for the masses) and cabrio at next big event to you know where and when,

2) Federalize again Elise and new Exige (with complete dashboard/cabin refresh, Esprit inspired)

3) Finish development and build Esprit,

4) Stabilize @ three tier range (MJK's plan, sell at least 5000 cars per annum - sign more dealers in the EU and US).

5) Build Elite (to amortize cost of V8 - switch into high gear for four tier range; sell 6/7000 car per year)

6) Replace Evora engine by a V6 derived from the new V8 (Evora mark II includes new dashboard Elan inspired)

7) Build Eterne (on the same production line as Elite, make RE, V6 and V8 engines available)

8) Build future Elise and mad future Exige (reach optimum production capacity @ Hethel)

9) If Eterne proves a success bring on Exfour (a reskinned APX, using Eterne chassis and JLR's AWD systems)

The reason I placed the federalizing in third position is that I had no idea what amount of resources is currently available to Lotus, and If they federalize I hope they significantly revamp the inside of the cars... We know that the 2015 Elise won't see the light of day in 2015 so I shall assume that they current Elise got an extended lease on life! They did a fine work for Tesla they should do it for their own cars. I do think that all Lotus cars should be available globally ASAP. But at the end of the day how many project can they lead at once?

I'm surprised about the new Exige not being up to Federal spec... I thought that was the reason for the dodgy 'bumper' on the rear end!

So was I.

[koorby]

If they release the Esprit I will buy one. In a heartbeat. Enough said.

Edit: and I will keep my Evora for life (or give it to my son), it is priceless and I could not bear to let it go or trade it in.

The future is bright - if they don't f&ck it up in the next 12 months.

Edited June 25, 2012 by koorby

[wholesalecarparts]

Really, Lotus future is very bright as its designing is very powerful and configuration is also an important factor to grab people attention. All it's vehicle have high performance car engine, panel parts, fuel efficient and all the things that one would look for a desired car.

[richardvg]

Anyone read this article .......http://www.pistonheads.com/lotus/default.asp?storyId=25980

I think if Lotus want volume ,give the customer what they want ....product ,price ,promotion ,,,,,,,,,,,,product = great ,price =too high and promotion = good

Simple math .