Discussion
New Exige.......Hmmmm.........Just seen the picture........O'Dear.....
Link Here: www.strattonmotorcompany.com/LotusFrame-Welcome.htm
Note: Choose new cars and its the picture on the right.
Looks like a 111r with a screw down hard top & couple of spare bits from the max power bin...
Bolt on Splitter & Spoiler..... Hmmm Nice.. couldn't they colour match them? The extra design features looks like they called in the Blue Peter TV team and a couple of 6-year olds with double sided stick tape having visited Halford. Sorry I am sure Halford could have done a better job.
I hope they had adult supervision while using the scissors!!!!!...
Within two seconds of looking at the picture I could have worked out how they could have made it look so much better with very little effort...
How very disappointing especially with the same 190 bhp engine and gear box.. The Exige needs 200-240bhp to jusitify the price tag.
I would get a 111r and add in a sports suspension pack, brake upgrade and an after market spitter & bigger rear under vent things to suck the car down instead of a tacky spoiler..
>>> Edited by Snapper7 on Wednesday 28th January 13:42
Link Here: www.strattonmotorcompany.com/LotusFrame-Welcome.htm
Note: Choose new cars and its the picture on the right.
Looks like a 111r with a screw down hard top & couple of spare bits from the max power bin...
Bolt on Splitter & Spoiler..... Hmmm Nice.. couldn't they colour match them? The extra design features looks like they called in the Blue Peter TV team and a couple of 6-year olds with double sided stick tape having visited Halford. Sorry I am sure Halford could have done a better job.
I hope they had adult supervision while using the scissors!!!!!...
Within two seconds of looking at the picture I could have worked out how they could have made it look so much better with very little effort...
How very disappointing especially with the same 190 bhp engine and gear box.. The Exige needs 200-240bhp to jusitify the price tag.
I would get a 111r and add in a sports suspension pack, brake upgrade and an after market spitter & bigger rear under vent things to suck the car down instead of a tacky spoiler..
>>> Edited by Snapper7 on Wednesday 28th January 13:42
Lotus never cease to amaze me. Have they actually got a Marketing Department? If so, they all need the sack.
That picture really does look every bit like a crap kit car. These cars are bloody expensive for heavens sake, so why they don't make some effort with getting all the details right is beyond me. The new 111R seems like a halfway house between the current UK 111S, and the fab new USA model. This is presumably to use up all the parts they already have lying around, and then another version will be out six months later that actually has the new wheels, airbags etc. Good grief!!!!!
That picture really does look every bit like a crap kit car. These cars are bloody expensive for heavens sake, so why they don't make some effort with getting all the details right is beyond me. The new 111R seems like a halfway house between the current UK 111S, and the fab new USA model. This is presumably to use up all the parts they already have lying around, and then another version will be out six months later that actually has the new wheels, airbags etc. Good grief!!!!!
I've owned 3 Elises. If I've learnt one thing, its never believe a word Lotus say, regarding what models will or won't be launched. I bought an early S2 Racetech. At the time, the official line from Lotus, was that they will not launch a 111S S2, as the engine will not meet the new Euro 4 (whatever it is) emissions test. Around 3 months later.... the new 160 bhp 111S. Gits.
For those looking to the Toyota engined Elise - don't be fooled in to thinking that the 190 bhp engine is all there is. They have to launch a higher powered one, in order to trump the VX220, with its 200BHP.
For those looking to the Toyota engined Elise - don't be fooled in to thinking that the 190 bhp engine is all there is. They have to launch a higher powered one, in order to trump the VX220, with its 200BHP.
we get the 111r here in Oz too. ABS but No airbags, s2 111s wheels etc. I personally do not like the fact that it has ABS, and am glad that it has no airbags..
After all my s2 111s is supposed to be 805kg (765 tare weight on rego papers). the new 111r is 860kg- thats a 7.45% increase in weight.. the US spec is heavier again... I sincerely hope that lotus don't forget the chapman credo...
After all my s2 111s is supposed to be 805kg (765 tare weight on rego papers). the new 111r is 860kg- thats a 7.45% increase in weight.. the US spec is heavier again... I sincerely hope that lotus don't forget the chapman credo...
Someone's got to say it so I guess I will. Lotus don't give a rats ass what you guys say. They are trying to win the Porsche Boxster crowd over cos they will be the ones buying the new cars.
Lotus needs money, desperately. They need to pay for the development of the Esprit replacement. To do this, they need to sell huge amounts of cars.
Personally, I think as long as they offer a stripped out but cheap version of their cars, true lotus fans will buy them to upgrade them themselves.
Lotus needs money, desperately. They need to pay for the development of the Esprit replacement. To do this, they need to sell huge amounts of cars.
Personally, I think as long as they offer a stripped out but cheap version of their cars, true lotus fans will buy them to upgrade them themselves.
Tonytubi - a very wise comment. Has anyone tried to buy a new basic Elise? Salesman hate it. They'll tell you you'll have a nighmare when you come to sell it as nobody will want it, that it'll take longer to arrive, "becasue nobody orders the basic spec" etc... The bottom line is, the factory appear to be geared up to make the plusher versions, and they want the extra ££££ that they make on the better specced car.
Thing is the salesmen are right. No one does want to buy base spec ones.
Personally I think its a travesty they don't put the airbags in the UK version. Why the hell should we want to die? I understood the argument when the safety equip wasn't developed for the car, but now it is, its just them cutting safety to keep the beancounters happy. Given the UK car is the same price as the US one, why exactly are we getting less?
Couldn't agree more! I'll hopefully be getting a new Toyota powered Elise for the summer, and I want a high performance car that is also SAFE!!! Who gives a damn if the airbags add a tiny bit to the weight of the car, anyone that moans about the extra weight of airbags spoiling the performance needs to wake up to reality. The roads are dangerous places, and I'd say that high performance cars like the Elise need all the safety features they can get, in fact probably more than most. If the airbags aren't standard, then surely they'll be an option?
On a different tack, even with the new more comfy seats, better engine and sound insulation, the Elise is still absolutely nothing like a Boxter. I've tried both, and will be getting an Elise, for the mix of driver excitement, performance and fantastic looks, but get into a Boxter after a drive in an Elise, and the Boxter feels like a million dollars. There's absolutely no comparison in the fit and finish and overall solidity and comfort. Can't see how they'll win over the yuppie Porsche market myself. Two different animals.
On a different tack, even with the new more comfy seats, better engine and sound insulation, the Elise is still absolutely nothing like a Boxter. I've tried both, and will be getting an Elise, for the mix of driver excitement, performance and fantastic looks, but get into a Boxter after a drive in an Elise, and the Boxter feels like a million dollars. There's absolutely no comparison in the fit and finish and overall solidity and comfort. Can't see how they'll win over the yuppie Porsche market myself. Two different animals.
And there you have it. There are two types of customers. The hardcore that want a stripped out racer, and the Lotus fans who lover the marque but would like some luxuries/safety too.
Shame on Lotus though because they should try to fully commit to both sets.
BTW, airbags do not make the Elise a safe car. A harness would be better than airbags. And a proper MSA spec rollcage. Airbags and ABS just give you the illusion you are in control.
Shame on Lotus though because they should try to fully commit to both sets.
BTW, airbags do not make the Elise a safe car. A harness would be better than airbags. And a proper MSA spec rollcage. Airbags and ABS just give you the illusion you are in control.
I disagree.
ABS means you can steer in a skid on inconsistent surfaces. It can retard each wheel independently and its a good thing on the road imho because I certainly can't modulate that effectively, especially in an 'oh shit' moment! On a track I understand why lots don't want it, it interferes with their machismo and if they are competent with left foot breaking tricks.
Airbags don't give me an illusion I'm any safer, they just decrease the odds of smashing all your teeth out in a prang. Seems worth having to me! It not like their absence is comperable to that famous argument involving a spike on the wheel and no seat belts!
As to harnesses. Sure they are great if buckled up properly and on a track. However on the road you can't see out at junctions and they are frickin lethal!
I agree sell a base spec stripped out Elise with the 190 engine. I'm sure a few will buy it, but I don't like this middle ground where the UK gets the run out of the old dashboards, steering wheels and etc.
Driving a car with no safety equip, contrary to popular opinion doesn't give you a big dick.*
*Despite what TVR & Lotus PR would undoubtedly like you to believe.
All true points but I guess some people prefer to be in control of the braking themselves. I race formula cars so I love the Elise with no ABS. On the road though, well there are so many shite drivers who drive beyond their own limits, no wonder they need ABS. Dunno about you but I don't want an airbag blowing up in my face. The Elise has a collapsable steering rack. Has anyone heard of an incident in an elise where the driver has slammed into the steering wheel?
I prolly fall slightly on the "stripped out racer" side of this arguement.
Yes luxuries are a good thing, but not in an Elise.
An Esprit thing, yes, Elise thing, no.
Lotus need a new car to aim at the Boxster with.
(I wont mention the M250 here) Not trying to soften up a back to basics car. They'll only lose people who love that about the Elise. And those they are trying to attact (Boxster types) will be VERY disappointed as it cannot match that type of car in fit and finish, comfort etc.
And back to Exige....
Really underwhelmed by this one. The S1 Exige looks really serious from any angle, you can instantly tell it's got a more testoserone that the Elise. The S1 Exige really does look like some bloke took a wrong turn in the pits.
This new one just looks like the S1 with a few bits and pieces tacked on.
Yes luxuries are a good thing, but not in an Elise.
An Esprit thing, yes, Elise thing, no.
Lotus need a new car to aim at the Boxster with.
(I wont mention the M250 here) Not trying to soften up a back to basics car. They'll only lose people who love that about the Elise. And those they are trying to attact (Boxster types) will be VERY disappointed as it cannot match that type of car in fit and finish, comfort etc.
And back to Exige....
Really underwhelmed by this one. The S1 Exige looks really serious from any angle, you can instantly tell it's got a more testoserone that the Elise. The S1 Exige really does look like some bloke took a wrong turn in the pits.
This new one just looks like the S1 with a few bits and pieces tacked on.
Tony I'm with you on not wanting ABS on the track, as thats part of the skill. On the road /shrug I'd rather have it.
Anyway I need a test drive of one of these new cars before I comment further
We do have a deposit on the S2 Exige, but every time more info comes out I'm further disappointed. The only positive was when they announced the price which was lower than expected. The fact that it has no more power, but presumably greater weight than the S3 is less positive.Interestingly in Autocar today (nice write up on 111R by the way - pitched against VXT) in the expected new car section on page 19 Lotus Exige V6!!in Summer 2004 -hope its not a typo!!
Also Artists impression of 450bhp Esprit replacement. Nice to see Lotus getting some positive press coverage..
Also Artists impression of 450bhp Esprit replacement. Nice to see Lotus getting some positive press coverage..
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