NedaSay 851 Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 Autocar is a bit late to the party but the opinion piece is not uninteresting https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/new-cars/opinion-electric-lotus-suv-must-remain-true-brands-ethos Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dooie 4 Posted November 16, 2020 Report Share Posted November 16, 2020 IMachE have posted a seminar with Uday Senapati on YouTube about the Evija and shaping Lotus's future. Get a cuppa it's an hour long: 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Bibs 11,410 Posted November 19, 2020 Popular Post Report Share Posted November 19, 2020 Project BattCon is a pilot project introducing containerised battery test facilities Designed to help meet increasing demand for new UK-based battery testing to support EV supply chain and OEMs Containers will be in operation at Lotus HQ in Hethel, Norfolk, plus the new Lotus Advanced Technology Centre in Wellesbourne, West Midlands Provides fast, cost-effective and efficient solution for companies developing new batteries (Hethel, UK – 19 November 2020) – Lotus Engineering is launching a pilot containerised battery testing facility to assess energy storage solutions for the booming EV sector. It will allow Lotus Engineering to carry out various battery cell, module and pack characterisation tests, performance evaluations, and component and lifetime testing under controlled conditions. Early feasibility study support and validation of mature designs for implementation into new vehicles will also be available. The project has been named BattCon, an abbreviation of Battery Containerised Test Facility. The ‘containers’ are individual walk-in laboratories and will be in operation at Lotus HQ in Hethel, Norfolk, as well as the new Lotus Advanced Technology Centre in Wellesbourne, West Midlands. Each is the size of a standard 40ft shipping container and so can easily be packed up and transported as a mobile testing unit, available to Lotus Engineering customers wherever they are. Lotus has three operational units as part of the pilot scheme. For clients, Lotus Engineering will offer an EV safety-compliant workshop facility with specialist staff experienced in testing batteries. Companies new to the EV field, and those who would otherwise need to invest in additional test facilities, will have access to a fast, efficient and cost-effective solution to develop new technologies and speed up their route to market. For Lotus itself, the new technology will support ambitious plans to launch a new range of performance vehicles. Lotus Engineering has a wealth of experience in the design and engineering of EVs and other alternative propulsion powertrains dating back two decades. While many of the programmes remain confidential, the consultancy’s work on the Tesla Roadster (2008-12) is the best-known example. Matt Windle, Executive Director, Engineering, Lotus, commented: “As the race intensifies for automotive and other sectors to develop new and novel battery technologies, there will be increased demand for suitable testing facilities. Project BattCon begins to address this problem by evaluating how Lotus Engineering can meet the battery testing opportunities for the UK supply chain and OEMs.” Services available include capacity determination, resistance mapping, current and power mapping, open circuit voltage determination and heat capacity. Lifetime testing is comprised of low-voltage cycling, high-voltage cycling, self-discharge determination, storage ageing, cycle ageing, drive cycle ageing and orientation. One of the three Lotus containers features an ambient chamber, the temperature of which can be raised or lowered to replicate climatic extremes around the world. The pilot project will conclude in spring 2021 and is co-funded by the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), part of the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC); Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation; the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Department for International Trade (DIT). Upon completion, the project will be evaluated and a decision taken about its future. Lotus Engineering is the consultancy division of Lotus and provides a comprehensive range of technical services to many of the world’s best-known automotive manufacturers and suppliers. In 2020 it is celebrating 40 years since it was formally incorporated. 3 Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to post Share on other sites
exeterjeep 225 Posted November 23, 2020 Report Share Posted November 23, 2020 I found an article suggesting that the SUV could get announced later this year, and to start build in China shortly. Mind you how many times have articles appeared to indicate that a new Lotus was on its way, but nothing actually happens. Bought the autocar mag as above so I could show the wife what we could replace her RR evoque with.... https://carbuzz.com/news/the-lotus-suv-is-coming-sooner-than-we-thought 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
duncx 123 Posted November 23, 2020 Report Share Posted November 23, 2020 Looking at that carbuzz article and the first picture - they had better not be thinking of fitting the Elise/Exige S3 lights to the front of the thing, people will most likely want to be able to drive an SUV in the dark 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
exeterjeep 225 Posted November 24, 2020 Report Share Posted November 24, 2020 Cause sometimes it is dark when taking the kids to school. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gold FFM Techyd 246 Posted November 24, 2020 Gold FFM Report Share Posted November 24, 2020 That doesn't appear to have any interesting styling cues, certainly nothing from the Evija anyway (digital wing mirrors would be something) but then I guess there's not a lot you can do with what is essentially a brick with headlights. How official are these pictures? I would have expected something better than that if that's what it will look like, so I'm disappointed at this point in time 😞 There's definitely more to be done with the front and rear arches Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stephenwhyte 1,976 Posted November 24, 2020 Report Share Posted November 24, 2020 It’s all guesswork - all will be revealed I’m sure, when Lotus are good and ready. In the meantime best to just ignore all the press speculation and guesswork..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mg4lotus 159 Posted November 24, 2020 Report Share Posted November 24, 2020 The picture shows that it has a fuel filler cap and twin exhausts a the back. (It's also got something funny going on with the back wheel.) Previously we have heard that there will only be one more ICE Lotus, will this be it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 11,410 Posted November 24, 2020 Report Share Posted November 24, 2020 No. And those renders are just that. Bored journo's fiddling with photoshop. 2 Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 6,983 Posted November 24, 2020 Report Share Posted November 24, 2020 4 minutes ago, mg4lotus said: Previously we have heard that there will only be one more ICE Lotus, will this be it One word - just one. ESPRIT Quote Only here once Link to post Share on other sites
exeterjeep 225 Posted November 24, 2020 Report Share Posted November 24, 2020 The filler cap could be for electricity.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scotty435 1,121 Posted November 25, 2020 Report Share Posted November 25, 2020 Looks like Lotus could be sharing engines with Mercedes some time soon. https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltaylor/2020/11/20/mercedes-deepens-ties-to-geely-sending-small-gasoline-engine-development-to-china/amp/?fbclid=IwAR2GOH53vFAIqZoR_hPqZXctSeER6DbIAkOfVxlQjcPyoxpv1v8wvxHCCrQ 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Bibs 11,410 Posted January 8 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 8 https://media.lotuscars.com/en/news-articles/lotus-retail-sales-performance-2020.html (Hethel, UK – 8 January 2021) – Despite the many global challenges of 2020, Lotus Cars reports today that its new car retail sales increased by 4.4% compared to 2019. Sales increased in many key markets around the world as the transformation of Lotus continues. Highlights include growth in the USA, Germany, Italy, UK, China, Singapore, Netherlands and others. The most popular Lotus model globally was the Elise, followed by the Exige and Evora. Concluding 2020, Lotus Cars CEO Phil Popham said: “Last year was extremely tough in many aspects of business and life – the most challenging we have seen. Huge thanks to all our staff, retailers, partners and, of course, customers around the world for supporting Lotus through 2020.” He added: “Despite the many challenges, our sales showed positive growth in the year, underlining the significant transformation now underway at Lotus. Our recent performance also bodes very well for the future, as we continue to progress our Vision80 strategy with the Evija hypercar and our new sports car, which debuts this year.” 3 Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to post Share on other sites
Neal H 899 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 Couple of interesting stats in there. The Elise is the biggest seller (I would have guessed Exige) They sold more cars in the US than the UK Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nathan Pitman 225 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 Even more impressive is that they sold more cars in Germany than the US and the UK! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Neal H 899 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 Should we be concerned that the Elise is the biggest seller? Perhaps shows where the market perception of the Lotus brand still sits. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Nathan Pitman 225 Posted January 8 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 8 9 minutes ago, Neal H said: Should we be concerned that the Elise is the biggest seller? Perhaps shows where the market perception of the Lotus brand still sits. Gateway drug? 2 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
exeterjeep 225 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 The SMMT figures for lotus' registered in the uk show that less cars were sold in 2020 compared to 2019. For years I have tracked the figures for lotus and some others. look at https://www.am-online.com/data/manufacturer-insight can see in 2019 they say there were 225 cars registered and in 2020 171 cars - that looks like a decrease to me... not surprising due to covid though. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jason is Chasing 100 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 (edited) 3 hours ago, Nathan Pitman said: Even more impressive is that they sold more cars in Germany than the US and the UK! I don't see this as a surprise at all. The driving experience is valued by the Germans. In the US we dont have access into the affordable Lotus market, not even a little bit. Accessibly is a problem here, and the Dealers have a very low margin to work with. That creates what appears to me, even less accessibility. Otherwise I suspect the Elise would be the "Canyon Rat's weapon of choice". But Lotus isn't being marketed towards those people here, much of the adverts are focused on the "Lifestyle Poser" types, which in my personal opinion doesn't portray the creation. What do I know though, I've had the Opportunity to drive some very cool cars in my most recent hobby. I've met some amazing people, and I dont work for Lotus, I'm just a fan. I'm sure the USA marketing team knows what they're doing. Me? I'll just wait until I can find a reasonably priced used one, that some scene poser traded in for the next greatest thing. I will admit my frustration though I've never been asked "Why do you want this car?" In such an authoritative tone by a Salesperson. That moment is why I dont own a Lotus. But I hope to in the future Edited January 8 by Jason is Chasing 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LotusLeftLotusRight 1,324 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 What’s happened to Japan then? Wasn’t that the number 1 market last year? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mg4lotus 159 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 Not seen the figures, are the deposits for the Evija significant? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 11,410 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 They haven't been released. The only indication of numbers was some time ago when they said that the first year's production was sold out but they didn't say if that was one car or one hundred. Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to post Share on other sites
DarrylV8 231 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 @LotusLeftLotusRight Japan was 4th in the list of Lotus retail sales last year Quote Darryl & Sue Proud to drive and own a true British supercar the Evora GT430 Link to post Share on other sites
LotusLeftLotusRight 1,324 Posted January 8 Report Share Posted January 8 Apologies. Obviously I meant 2019. Japan was #1. https://media.lotuscars.com/en/blog/why-japan-loves-lotus.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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