Lotus in the post DB era

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Depressing but true.

[brian.harper@netassoc.net]

'Pos Malaysia' - does pos mean the same thing on your side of the pond as it does in the USA?

[Bentzion]

No need to apologize, Phil. This whole debacle is causing great consternation to most all of us. This is happening, afterall, to a marque we revere as if it were a form of religion. The possibility that it might not survive the current troubles is disheartening in the extreme. Lotus has too much to give to the world (certainly the motoring world) to just fade away. I just can't wrap my head around that scenario. What an incredible waste of talent, engineering expertise, and history that would be. I retain hope that some form of rescue will occur, be it a wealthy individual or a sufficiently deep pocketed corporation with exisiting automotive ties. DRB-Hicom appears not to have the necessary "fire in the belly" that is required to resuscitate what has been an historically niche marque. With regard to Proton, they seem rather more focused on large volume and mass production of inexpensive cars, with thin profit margins. They're simply not the "gear heads" we need to enthusiastically bring the company back to life.

Tata motors is the same high volume low profit style company...Look at what they have done with JLR!

Edited October 18, 2012 by Bentzion

[Bibs]

It's odd that Lotus are releasing no news about what they're up to but tens of millions of people are spending a Sunday afternoon watching a black and gold Lotus badged car racing quiet successfully in the pinnacle of motorsport. The irony is that Lotus are now getting this amazing publicity for free and not capitalising on it in a single way!

[TBD]

I keep hoping that DRB are not completely incompetent and that something big is happening behind the scenes

... Bur I'm becoming less and less sure about their competence

[TBD]

Interesting write-up I just found: http://paultan.org/2012/10/11/lotus-said-to-owe-suppliers-over-rm110-million/

That's £23 million, a lot of money, but not really a mind-boggling amount. At least DRB seems to be convinced its still worth more than 1 £, though you wouldn't notice it the way they are treating the company, its fans (us) and potential customers.

I love the Lotus roundel in the picture, looks very much lie achinese copy (isn't even round).

[Bibs]

I got a letter in the post (!) from Aslam this morning reaffirming DRB's commitment to Lotus and explaining that they are putting a lot of work into the turnaround plan*. I'm not their greatest fan based on what I've seen so far but am willing to hear them out when the time is right, fingers crossed it's soon

*It was in response to some recent communication, he didn't just write out of the blue!

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

By post.... was that sent 1st or 2nd class?

Seriously, I hope DRB announce whatever plans they might have soon, as you said earlier there's $1m's of free publicity on the TV most weekends and Lotus aren't even attempting to capitalise on it. You have to ask yourself the question 'Why not?'.

Edited October 18, 2012 by Stirling_Villeneuve

[Bibs]

It's franked to 31p so I think 1st class

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Ok....so they're starting to open up the promotion budget a little then!

[TBD]

Is this anouncement a sign of life? http://www.lotuscars.com/events/cars/zurich-motor-show

[Bibs]

I've asked if it's worth going, if they'll be any announcements and am awaiting a reply...

[Bee]

I came here to post that link, Thomas! Fingers crossed that DRB are slowly awakening to the realisation that unpromoted product doesn't shift in quite the same way that promoted product does ... Here's hoping

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Woah.... signs of life!

[hopo]

Dear DRB... Make this please:

[Snoopy1969]

nice sign of life -

but: looking at the homepage:

- isn´t it possible to use pictures of the real interior of the Evora??????

(They still show a wrong shift knob and a type of steering wheel (perforated) that did not make it in production.........)

[Mario]

Who likes if DRB makes this previous Esprit concept?

[Guest surferphil]

They need a decent head of communications.

Esprit concept is too old and too plain, doesn't look that exciting to drive or own. Looking quite weak as a super car design.

The front is horrid.

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Who likes if DRB makes this previous Esprit concept?

Where's that from? It's very Evora, I quite like it, the front reminds me a little of the MP4-12C. Understated, but then a usable car as opposed to just a weekend toy. Personally I'd be far more likely to buy something like that from Lotus as opposed to an all out Lambo style design.

Edited October 18, 2012 by Stirling_Villeneuve

[hedgerley]

Where's that from? It's very Evora, I quite like it, the front reminds me a little of the MP4-12C. Understated, but then a usable car as opposed to just a weekend toy. Personally I'd be far more likely to buy something like that from Lotus as opposed to an all out Lambo style design.

That's at least 5 years old now, probably longer. Later spy shots of MJKs MSC concept were much more aggressive.

Check out Harry Metcalfe's views on the DB era Esprit in the latest issue of Evo. Starting with the Paris 2010 concept, Imagine something lower, wider, more aggressive with 'jewel like details' and a 'very high quality, ergonomically' perfect interior as well as a 600bhp n/a engine, with KERS planned for the R version. It appears development was much further on than we realised, according to Harry, who had exclusive access to the development programme before DRB mothballed it. He was even given sight of the Esprit Spyder.....

[TBD]

Who likes if DRB makes this previous Esprit concept?

Looks like a Peugeot at best.

[Iconic Ride]

Is Zurich to be a ray of light in an otherwise dark hallway? Is it simply a tweak of the dial on the life support machinery, or a hint of things ot come? Is it possible that the newly installed Regent has decreed that a visible presence must be initiated before the faithful wander off in search of other vehicular diversions? It's an encouraging development to be sure, but it remains to be seen whether or not it is an indication of a return to a vision for the future that does not entail gross numbers of dark clouds obscuring the horizon.

Fingers crossed and strongly wishing to see the flatlining vital signs monitor come to life.

[hedgerley]

Actually, if you follow through to their Calendar of Events page it appears Lotus will be represented at several shows before year end - Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Luxumbourg and I think Dubai, albeit through their major dealers.

At least the product is getting out there in front of the buying (hopefully) public.

http://www.lotuscars...us-world/events

I am determined to view this as positive news (to help keep me sane)

And I am hopeful for more positive news week when the Exige S is pitted against the rest in Autocar's Annual Best Handling Car Day, including last years winner, the Cayman S. That should answer a few questions.

Edited October 18, 2012 by hedgerley

[ramjet]

I just went to lotuscars.com.au to see what was on the Oz website for them. The home page shows the new exige S finally. It's probably been there for awhile, but I haven't been there in ages.

And they also have a link to the Lotus F1 team.

Checking the UK website, I can't find the same link.

Can't for the life of me think why not?

[Bibs]

Under 'racing platforms' in the top menu, it's labelled Formula One?