karmavore Posted September 19, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 I need a new and cheap daily driver that's fun, has lots of room, and is small (for the city). I WANT and new R32 when they come out in the spring, but I'm actually consiering a Fit (Jazz) Sport. I'd do the GTI but then I'd always be reminded of the R32.... Lucas. Quote Luke Colorado, Super Spy. - Lotus Owner No Longer 1987 Zender Widebody 560SEC | 1994 Lotus Esprit S4 | 2013 Honda Fit EV (#269) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamovaka Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 SCREW IT.. Just bring back the OLD ESPRIT with some very MINOR changes and just a touch faster stock.. maybe with 500 hp this time.. The car is GORGEOUS and timeless as it is.. why do people assume newer is better? Ferrari GTS/Testarossa is a WAYYYY cooler ride than some of the new 360's... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1amk34@hotmail.co.uk Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 I'm siding with Kimbers (well I would wouldn't I, being a suck up). Take a looksee at this and tell me it doesn't get those Manyly feelings stirring. I must point out that as far as I know 220hp is standard but don't forget that Honda make all their Spoon performance parts to increase any standard Honda's HP. I think this would be a great Go Kart to get to work in and have a laugh at weekends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil_Dr_Fish Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 If you want cheap and a blast, what about that bizarre little Proton thing, rhe Satria Neo? Cheap as you like, 1.6L in a small hatchback is quick and the suspension was setup by Lotus I had never heard of it but one of the guys over on PistonHeads was saying about how much insane fun he has been having in his, while his 'real' car is off the road It's definitely one I'll be looking at soon enough when I replace mine Over here, I've not found a 'neo' but there is a GTi version - I don't know if that's the same as the neo, rebadged, or what? Quote "When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked him to forgive me." ------------------------------ G-Car Owner and Proud! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1amk34@hotmail.co.uk Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 If you want cheap and a blast, what about that bizarre little Proton thing, rhe Satria Neo? Cheap as you like, 1.6L in a small hatchback is quick and the suspension was setup by Lotus I had never heard of it but one of the guys over on PistonHeads was saying about how much insane fun he has been having in his, while his 'real' car is off the road It's definitely one I'll be looking at soon enough when I replace mine Over here, I've not found a 'neo' but there is a GTi version - I don't know if that's the same as the neo, rebadged, or what? It is. But they stopped making it some time ago as the Satria was replaced by the Gen-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil_Dr_Fish Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 Yep - hence why the 2nd hand value is dirt cheap Lucas asked for a really cheap car If by new I presumed he meant new *to him* if by new he meant brand spanking... then perhaps said Gen2? Quote "When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked him to forgive me." ------------------------------ G-Car Owner and Proud! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimbers Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 Yep - hence why the 2nd hand value is dirt cheap Lucas asked for a really cheap car If by new I presumed he meant new *to him* if by new he meant brand spanking... then perhaps said Gen2? Shut up, he wants a new Honda type R. Quote Possibly save your life. Check out this website.http://everyman-campaign.org/ Distributor for 'Every Male' grooming products. (Discounts for any TLF members hairier than I am!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneB Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 When did this become the Honda forum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karmavore Posted September 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 Lucas would consider the Proton if they were imported here. He, and a million other boys, would also consider the Type-R but again, that isn't coming... This race between the UK and USA to see who can be the biggest nanny state is killing me.. Lucas. Quote Luke Colorado, Super Spy. - Lotus Owner No Longer 1987 Zender Widebody 560SEC | 1994 Lotus Esprit S4 | 2013 Honda Fit EV (#269) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EspritFactFile Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 From Lotus Limited website (http://www.LotusCarClub.org) Solid 5-Year Lotus Plan Heralds 3 New Models September 20, 2006 - Hethel England: Group Lotus is set for a bright future with a greatly expanded and extended car model programme and new opportunities for the engineering business on a re-aligned basis. Following a major review of the entire business and with the full support of the Lotus Group International Limited (LGIL) holding company board, Lotus intends to launch two additional new models over the next three years. This is in addition to the new Esprit, which will top the range as the company Quote Cheers, KFM Esprit Fact File Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotusessex80 Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 The hottest hatch on this planet is of course the Honda Hatch. What comes close to a Honda Hatch! Light, styling, performance! I think honda has it going for itself with the civic hatch especially with the Type R series! How many 4 banger engines coming off the production line is going to rev near 9000RPMS for you! Acura, Honda, same thing just different branding, toyota, lexus.. same thing! as for the Integra Typr R, very nice car however I still prefer the b18 series engine over the KA series! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hykam Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 The hottest hatch on this planet is of course the Honda Hatch. What comes close to a Honda Hatch! Light, styling, performance! I think honda has it going for itself with the civic hatch especially with the Type R series! How many 4 banger engines coming off the production line is going to rev near 9000RPMS for you! Acura, Honda, same thing just different branding, toyota, lexus.. same thing! as for the Integra Typr R, very nice car however I still prefer the b18 series engine over the KA series! Latest news on the new Esprit, to be launched in 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/5365176.stm Raymond Latest news on the new Esprit, to be launched in 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/5365176.stm Raymond Esprit news from another site http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/news/story....3A44%3A55%3A070 Quote Raymond Yellow V8 in HK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotustt Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Hmm thats some disconcerting news but yet there still is the five year plan that was approved which is good. I would think though that getting the next Esprit to market first before anything else would take precadent. I understand sales of the Elise and such have slowed a bit for the U.S. but there still selling so something is better than not selling those cars here at all. I would think that would still help the bottom line somehow. I hope the design remains fresh for the next Esprit it it now takes 3 more years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimbers Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Hmm thats some disconcerting news but yet there still is the five year plan that was approved which is good. I would think though that getting the next Esprit to market first before anything else would take precadent. I understand sales of the Elise and such have slowed a bit for the U.S. but there still selling so something is better than not selling those cars here at all. I would think that would still help the bottom line somehow. I hope the design remains fresh for the next Esprit it it now takes 3 more years. Tom, Esprit has only been delayed a year. Sales in the US haven't slowed a bit they have slowed 50% there and 10% here. Getting the 5 year plan guarantee's the support of the shareholders and secures more than 1000 jobs which is great. Quote Possibly save your life. Check out this website.http://everyman-campaign.org/ Distributor for 'Every Male' grooming products. (Discounts for any TLF members hairier than I am!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarrylV8 Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Tom, Esprit has only been delayed a year. Sales in the US haven't slowed a bit they have slowed 50% there and 10% here. Getting the 5 year plan guarantee's the support of the shareholders and secures more than 1000 jobs which is great. Kimbers, Surely the Esprit launch date should come forward a year not go back another year, irrespective of new changes/developments to the "new Esprit" even the shape/body and the engine can allow a MK 2/series 2 to come off the production line after a short period of time. In the first three years production of the original Esprit it was re-vamped 3 times. With the M250 project fiasco and now this Lotus must be losing fans and admirers to it's competitors by the shed load. I class myself as a huge Lotus fan but i'm struggling to see any light at the end of the tunnel whether it's 5 years guaranteed by a board or not. I can't see how moving probably the 2nd most important car (to Lotus manufacturing) back another year (2007 to 2010?) is going to help Lotus cars in the short, medium or long (5 years) term. Even the Elise (10 years old) is constantly evolving! What happened to bringing out new versions of the Elise ie the circuit car which was supposed to be end of this year/beginning of 2007. Now what have we got to look forward too a 2+2, a Proton (GTi hatchback?) "badged" ride & handling and supped up engine by Lotus cars or someone else's small volume special! LOTUS NEEDS AN ESPRIT SIZED SPORTS CAR IF ITS GOING TO COMPETE WITH the best from Germany, Italy or Japan even if it needs to use an engine from one of them! Quote Darryl & Sue Proud to drive and own since new a true British supercar the Evora GT430 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esprit350 Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 Even the Elise (10 years old) is constantly evolving! What happened to bringing out new versions of the Elise ie the circuit car which was supposed to be end of this year/beginning of 2007. I belive Motorsport at Lotus are working on the circuit car, was in Tony Shutes hands but has now been moved...Chap from Lotus at the Chris Neils Europa launch tols me, forget his name runs one of the outsation units in Norwich Quote The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself. Friedrich Nietzsche find me on Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvis...mbers/espritguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimbers Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 I belive Motorsport at Lotus are working on the circuit car, was in Tony Shutes hands but has now been moved...Chap from Lotus at the Chris Neils Europa launch tols me, forget his name runs one of the outsation units in Norwich Correct, Circuit car on the way. Actually Darryl, Quite the opposite. The Esprit flagship is th small volume high cost car that Lotus can only afford AFTER it gets it's mid range 2+2 LOTUS (not Proton as some have said), and the new Lotus Hot Hatch will be Lotus Proton not the other way round. It's more in the realms of the Lotus Cortina, lotus Sunbeam, Lotus Carleton rather than the last Satria. It will be Lotus Engined (or redesigned) 220BHP Lotus handling etc. I fail to see why everyone thinks the Esprit replacement is the make or break for the company, when it will be low volume and prob. very low profit making. The saving of the company is IMHO the 2+2 and Elise replacement. Quote Possibly save your life. Check out this website.http://everyman-campaign.org/ Distributor for 'Every Male' grooming products. (Discounts for any TLF members hairier than I am!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowtus Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 Guess that leaves the question whether a Lotus 2+2 is competing against Mazda RX-7, Jaguar XK or something in between. Gives a broad price range to choose from! Has any Lotus 2+2 ever been a long term success?? My belief is that Elan +2 and the later Eclat/Excel sold in lower numbers than the 2-seaters and are now in the doldrums price-wise whereas all the 2-seaters have sustained a good level of demand. I think 4-seat Ferraris also depreciate much quicker than their proper sports cars. What's more, every single customer for the new 2+2 is going to have to be a new conquest for the brand unless Elise owners secretly aspire to something they can take shopping or put the kids in. Isn't the Europa supposed to cover the first of those two in any event? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarrylV8 Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 Correct, Circuit car on the way. Actually Darryl, Quite the opposite. The Esprit flagship is th small volume high cost car that Lotus can only afford AFTER it gets it's mid range 2+2 LOTUS (not Proton as some have said), and the new Lotus Hot Hatch will be Lotus Proton not the other way round. It's more in the realms of the Lotus Cortina, lotus Sunbeam, Lotus Carleton rather than the last Satria. It will be Lotus Engined (or redesigned) 220BHP Lotus handling etc. I fail to see why everyone thinks the Esprit replacement is the make or break for the company, when it will be low volume and prob. very low profit making. The saving of the company is IMHO the 2+2 and Elise replacement. Kimbers, Thanks for clearing that up, i for one feel happier knowing this. So when can i part ex the mg zr for this Lotus hot hatch? My reason for thinking the Esprit would be the saviour, they where around 30 years i've owned them and still run one and i like to think in it's time it did keep Lotus going, i would go as far as to say that after Lotus pulled out of F1 it was the Esprit that kept me with the Lotus family! Question to any one (and please excuse me for being slow/thick/ignorant), but what is IMHO? Quote Darryl & Sue Proud to drive and own since new a true British supercar the Evora GT430 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneB Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 IMHO = In My Honest Opinion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony K Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 (edited) IMHO = In My Honest Opinion I learned it as In My Humble Opinion as opposed to just plain old IMO = In My Opinion ...with the injection of humility being deliberate to show you do not want to be a "know-it-all" or 'cocky'. Edited September 23, 2006 by Tony K Quote Tony K. Esprit S1s #355H & 454H Esprit S2.2 #324J 1991 Esprit SE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarrylV8 Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 Thanks Tony and Wayne for that, i suppose if i'd thought about it long enough (NO i havent got that much time)! Cheers. Thanks Tony and Wayne for that, i suppose if i'd thought about it long enough (NO i havent got that much time)! Cheers Darryl. Quote Darryl & Sue Proud to drive and own since new a true British supercar the Evora GT430 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeller77 Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 I learned it as In My Humble Opinion as opposed to just plain old IMO = In My Opinion ...with the injection of humility being deliberate to show you do not want to be a "know-it-all" or 'cocky'. Right. Know-it-all.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneB Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 (edited) In My Holy Opinion Edited September 23, 2006 by WayneB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotustt Posted September 23, 2006 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 Tom, Esprit has only been delayed a year. Sales in the US haven't slowed a bit they have slowed 50% there and 10% here. Getting the 5 year plan guarantee's the support of the shareholders and secures more than 1000 jobs which is great. Hi Kimbers, I appreciate the response and understand what your saying. There are defintly positives within that release and I'm glad to hear of the five year commitment. Here in the U.S. its hard to understand how little the average person gets this car. Its such a great car the Elise and its varients. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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