M250 cancelled ?

[simonb]

The AutoExpress website says that the M250 project has been cancelled. Anybody know anything further?

[PetrolTed]

See the Lotus section...

[Nightmare]

and never ever believe anything printed by either Autoexpress or Autocar. Never have I read magazines which publish more rumour / guessses or just complete toss! The fact that they merrily disagree with themselves, within artcles in almost every issue always makes me laugh! like.."this is the fastest production car you can buy at 198mph" - and then in the "what else you could buy" bit at the end "xxx - 202mph, yyy - 212mph - its hysterical Night

[drf]

I'm still working on the ride and handling and so far I've not been told to stop. We normally find out before the press through their engineers. Who Knows?

[PetrolTed]

The info I got regarding the project was from Lotus at the Autosport Show. The car isn't being halted. I guess the feasibility study may just hold up certain parts of the project such as emissions and crash protection etc?

[sparks]

I read somwhere that they were ditching the renault engine, and considering the alfa 2.5 v6. Maybe it is just a delay because of this?

[Nightmare]

I think halting this project now, considering the number of deposits they have (which I believe is around the 2K mark) would butcher this company completely....it would be a VERY bad business decision (IMHO) drf....er...what do you do????!!!!! sounds very interesting indeed! Night

[PetrolTed]

Let's not get our knickers in a twist here. 1) The project IS going ahead 2) A feasibility study is being done to assess what it would cost to make it saleable in the USA and other markets. 3) This feasibility study is likely to DELAY production.

[drf]

Latest new I have is that staff are being taken off the project to help sort all the problems with the Vauxhall speedster (Project Skipton). The project will still go ahead. What do I do? I design the spring, dampers and anti roll bars for lotus, TVR, Aston etc etc. Check out the Jag on the front cover of EVO. I finished this last November.

[drf]

Sorry for the bad news, Project Monaco (M250) has been stopped. This does not mean its been cancelled but it normally does.

[Nightmare]

car mags claiming the same as Ted.....fingers crossed drf...any news will be appreciated - thanks Night p.s. bugger

[JBsC5]

We americans badly want the opportunity to buy this car...I believe a few weeks are needed to modify the car to feasibly meet US safety standards..or at least I hope.. Beautiful car. This truly is the car Lotus should offer here.... The Alfa motor is a nice touch as well...GM is bringing Alfa back to the States in 2004 using the same engine.. Sounds like a plan to me..at least for American Lotus enthusiasts. 1999 Corvette Automatic 3:15 rear..Z51 and Active Handling..Halltech Cold Air..Powerloader and Corsa Indy Pro Tips. ..1/4 mile 1

[PetrolTed]

I'm still not convinced of this story about the Alfa engine. Fiat's association with GM now means that the current Alfa V6 is to be replaced with a General Motors V6 with Alfa heads etc. Seems a curious selection of engine from a political/business perspective. Hope it is true, because Alfa are (were?) one of the few manufacturers that know how to make engines with character.

[JBsC5]

Ted..I would hope that the V6 Alfa engine they are considering will be producing 250hp and be emissions compliant..in fact the distribution of Alfa Romeos through selected GM dealers will help the brand... The Lotus connection utilizing the emission system to be put on the Alfa V6 is probably part of what prompted the feasiblity of importing the M250...I could be totally off base but believe the few weeks necessary to prepare to comply with United States regulations could really be of benefit..(to us americans.. ) The new Lotus M250 is an exciting vehicle.. 1999 Corvette Automatic 3:15 rear..Z51 and Active Handling..Halltech Cold Air..Powerloader and Corsa Indy Pro Tips. ..1/4 mile 1

[PetrolTed]

quote: 1999 Corvette Automatic 3:15 rear..Z51 and Active Handling..Halltech Cold Air..Powerloader and Corsa Indy Pro Tips. ..1/4 mile 1

What's all that mean then? Do I need Pro Tips and should I put them on my cornflakes or up my exhaust?

[Graham]

>>> Pro Tips <<< Thats the Tea that racing drivers drink DOh

[doneme]

Well I live in the states and have a deposit on a M250. The dealer claims that they have no official news of it being cancelled. They do say that a US version is not confirmed, but they will still be able get the european version for "track use". Luckily my state is fairly lax about limited use special plates. I've collected quite a few pictures from the net of the M250 if anyone care to see. http://community.webshots.com/user/74jps Also, if anyone has some others I'd love to see them!!

[PetrolTed]

Just to clarify for the umpteenth time THE M250 HAS NOT BEEN CANCELLED!

[PetrolTed]

quote:I've collected quite a few pictures from the net of the M250 if anyone care to see. http://community.webshots.com/user/74jps Also, if anyone has some others I'd love to see them!!

Nice collection of pics. Let's hope that when it does hit the streets, they can retain as much of that interior as possible. It's class. Could be a bit noisy though? Shag pile carpet required?

[doneme]

Thanks! I agree, I hope they stay true to the show car. I even like the race harnesses. I would think a simple floor mat would work fine like in the Elise, rather than carpet. I also really hope it keeps the knock on wheels, they look great. The only thing I'd ask for diffent is more power, in this day that even SUVs and sedans are getting 270-300+ hp.