RE: US Elise Confirmed
Thursday 24th January 2002
US Elise Confirmed
Good news and bad as Elise confirmed for USA
Discussion
I can't help feel a little concerned about Lotus moving into the US market. On the one hand I feel that Lotus need to expand their sales, and the extra income can only be good for the company to develop better and a wider range of cars.
But then I hear about extra weight, softer suspension?? Can this car even be allowed to carry the Elise name?
OK, I'm fully aware that the engineers up at Lotus are a talented bunch and I'm sure they wouldn't commit to this if they were going to produce a second rate product.
But as for this new US car being named and sold as the car I originally fell in love with? I don't think so.
Edited by adeewuff on Thursday 24th January 13:10
But then I hear about extra weight, softer suspension?? Can this car even be allowed to carry the Elise name?
OK, I'm fully aware that the engineers up at Lotus are a talented bunch and I'm sure they wouldn't commit to this if they were going to produce a second rate product.
But as for this new US car being named and sold as the car I originally fell in love with? I don't think so.
Edited by adeewuff on Thursday 24th January 13:10
I think your concerns are unfounded. Keep in mind that the car will weigh a bit more than the current car but will have quite a bit more hp. The power to weight ratio will be better than the current car.
In addition, many OEM's have different suspension setups for different markets. Porsche does that as they think that most Americans want a softer setup. Once we get them we spend thousands of dollars returning them to a Euro setup or stiffer.
In fact, Porsche even has three different exhausts for the current 911. The US exhaust is much louder than the euro one because we don't have noise issues like you do in Europe.
Based on the car that is in the works now, I think you will not be dissapointed in the result!
Just my .02 worth.
Roy
Edited by Roy W. Olivier on Thursday 24th January 14:55
In addition, many OEM's have different suspension setups for different markets. Porsche does that as they think that most Americans want a softer setup. Once we get them we spend thousands of dollars returning them to a Euro setup or stiffer.
In fact, Porsche even has three different exhausts for the current 911. The US exhaust is much louder than the euro one because we don't have noise issues like you do in Europe.
Based on the car that is in the works now, I think you will not be dissapointed in the result!
Just my .02 worth.
Roy
Edited by Roy W. Olivier on Thursday 24th January 14:55
Roy,
I take comfort in your words about every manufacturer 'glocalising' their products. I also feel better knowing that American Lotus Elise fans, like yourself, are as enthusiastic about the cars as we are in the UK.
On that note I now hope Lotus do a good job and you get the car you deserve. Better engine, more BHP but the same driving enjoyment.
Good luck and get your order in!
I take comfort in your words about every manufacturer 'glocalising' their products. I also feel better knowing that American Lotus Elise fans, like yourself, are as enthusiastic about the cars as we are in the UK.
On that note I now hope Lotus do a good job and you get the car you deserve. Better engine, more BHP but the same driving enjoyment.
Good luck and get your order in!
The esprit is a classic and a perfomance icon for sure, and its sales in the US keep the lotus name from being forgotten, but the elise is a better car that can be sold for less. While lotus will no longer mean old british ferrari to those of rare tastes, it will translate into a car that more people can afford, and more importantly, will want to afford. Somehow I see elise vs boxster being a more advantageous marketing view than esprit vs 911.
As a current Esprit owner, I am somewhat saddened by the Esprit being withdrawn from the US market. However, I have read (In British EVO Mag) that Lotus are working on a replacement using the ill fated M250 as a guide. Hopefully that replacement, albeit a brand new vehicle, will step in and take over the slot left vacant by the Esprit. I'm saving my pennies...
Sign me up for a 2004 delivery. Luckily I have a bit of time to work the finances, choose a dealer (the difficult part, they are very scarce over here) and pick color and options.
Concerning the changes for the North American market (don't forget our Canadian brethren) lets reflect a moment. The North American Elan (M100) is nicer looking, safer, and handles better at low speed than the English S1 variant. Can you say deja vu all over again?
I'm saddened that the Esprit will be going away. Unfortunately it's time has come. I would have liked to see a version with a 6-speed paddle shifted transmission that could handle the power the V8 can generate, but that is not to be.
Concerning the changes for the North American market (don't forget our Canadian brethren) lets reflect a moment. The North American Elan (M100) is nicer looking, safer, and handles better at low speed than the English S1 variant. Can you say deja vu all over again?
I'm saddened that the Esprit will be going away. Unfortunately it's time has come. I would have liked to see a version with a 6-speed paddle shifted transmission that could handle the power the V8 can generate, but that is not to be.
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