New Esprit: what do we want?
Discussion
We could help Lotus to build our dream car for us by discussing the
features we want, the features we do not want.
1. should it be a roadster like the Elise?
2. should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production
engine matching the (light) weight?
3. could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
4. should it have gull-wing doors?
5. should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to
reduce the price?
6. should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more
conventional like the Elise?
7. what new aspects should the car have?
Please contribute all...
My contribution to these questions:
1. should it be a roadster like the Elise?
Building it similar to the Elise will require an extremely stiff
chassis, allowing a roadster. It will ensure that the basis of the car
will be versatile to meet any future developments.
2. should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production
engine matching the (light) weight?
Similar to the Elise, I would suggest it to be built on a V6 or V8
engine of existing build, to be gradually extended for racing purposes.
This would facilitate the ever more complex legislation problems.
3. could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
In my view yes: the technology of turbo-diesels certainly would put
Lotus on the map as forefront developer. The spin-off of a diesel
powered car would support Lotus in their engineering role.
4. should it have gull-wing doors?
Not necessarily. Weight reduction should be the key factor. Security
aspects (exit the car after accidents) would also be affected. A
unorthodox solution might simply be too expensive to develop. We would
want our Esprit to arrive, not a fiction.
5. should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to
reduce the price?
An improvement in build quality is certainly necessary, to keep up a
market position. Rather than plenishing the car with all kinds of
luxury features, Lotus should get the basic car right: no corrosive
materials, use of stainless steel nuts and bolts etc.
6. should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more
conventional like the Elise?
When not compromising the reliability, I would suggest some forms of
active electronics where allowed: roll control, speed-dependent
electric power steering.
7. what new aspects should the car have?
The car should have a character, which cannot be obtained by simply
enhancing a more common sports car with all kinds of tuning.
An extremely stiff construction, combined with an uncompromised luxury
ride should out pace all the common tuners. A responsive suspension
with active roll control achieve an unpreceeded handling on the track
(high g-force cornering) combined with a high level of luxure when
driving the car home after the track day.
features we want, the features we do not want.
1. should it be a roadster like the Elise?
2. should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production
engine matching the (light) weight?
3. could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
4. should it have gull-wing doors?
5. should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to
reduce the price?
6. should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more
conventional like the Elise?
7. what new aspects should the car have?
Please contribute all...
My contribution to these questions:
1. should it be a roadster like the Elise?
Building it similar to the Elise will require an extremely stiff
chassis, allowing a roadster. It will ensure that the basis of the car
will be versatile to meet any future developments.
2. should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production
engine matching the (light) weight?
Similar to the Elise, I would suggest it to be built on a V6 or V8
engine of existing build, to be gradually extended for racing purposes.
This would facilitate the ever more complex legislation problems.
3. could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
In my view yes: the technology of turbo-diesels certainly would put
Lotus on the map as forefront developer. The spin-off of a diesel
powered car would support Lotus in their engineering role.
4. should it have gull-wing doors?
Not necessarily. Weight reduction should be the key factor. Security
aspects (exit the car after accidents) would also be affected. A
unorthodox solution might simply be too expensive to develop. We would
want our Esprit to arrive, not a fiction.
5. should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to
reduce the price?
An improvement in build quality is certainly necessary, to keep up a
market position. Rather than plenishing the car with all kinds of
luxury features, Lotus should get the basic car right: no corrosive
materials, use of stainless steel nuts and bolts etc.
6. should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more
conventional like the Elise?
When not compromising the reliability, I would suggest some forms of
active electronics where allowed: roll control, speed-dependent
electric power steering.
7. what new aspects should the car have?
The car should have a character, which cannot be obtained by simply
enhancing a more common sports car with all kinds of tuning.
An extremely stiff construction, combined with an uncompromised luxury
ride should out pace all the common tuners. A responsive suspension
with active roll control achieve an unpreceeded handling on the track
(high g-force cornering) combined with a high level of luxure when
driving the car home after the track day.
Okay i'll answer a few of these before I go to bed....
1. Should it be a roadster like the Elise?
No, Lotus has a roaster why bother building another one? If the new car really is going to be called "Esprit" I think it should be another mid-engined, wedge shape, supercar. Totally different from the Elise so the Lotus has some diversity in its line-up.
2. Should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
Hmmm a tricky one, But I think I have to agree, using an engine that is already in existance and that could pass all the emission tests would save a lot of development work and hassle and the time saved could be used to make other areas of the car better like the handling something that the Esprit has always been famous for.
3. Could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
I don't really see this happening in the next few years.
4. Should it have gull-wing doors?
No, I don't see any reason to put these on the car except for "pose" value. niether should it have "swing wing" doors like Lambo's. The weight saving alone should convince people to stick with conventionally hung doors. (plus this is Lotus we are talking about, if it had gull-wing doors sooner or later the gas-rams are going to go wrong when you try to enter the car and the door will open with such force that it will catch you under the chin and send you flying 10 feet backwards while knocking you out)
5. Should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
Well the build quality should get better to match other car makers, but I wouldn't like to see the car loaded down with luxury features just for the sake of it.
6. Should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
Sure it should have SOME electronics to help the handling/performance but not too many, it should be a drivers car and not be too controlled by electronics.
7. What new aspects should the car have?
Thats hard to say, Who knows what Lotus is currently developing? If the new car is really being called the Esprit I'd like to see at least some recognition of the Esprits that came before it so that some of the great features and styling of these cars could be used in the new one....
All personal opinion of course.....
1. Should it be a roadster like the Elise?
No, Lotus has a roaster why bother building another one? If the new car really is going to be called "Esprit" I think it should be another mid-engined, wedge shape, supercar. Totally different from the Elise so the Lotus has some diversity in its line-up.
2. Should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
Hmmm a tricky one, But I think I have to agree, using an engine that is already in existance and that could pass all the emission tests would save a lot of development work and hassle and the time saved could be used to make other areas of the car better like the handling something that the Esprit has always been famous for.
3. Could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
I don't really see this happening in the next few years.
4. Should it have gull-wing doors?
No, I don't see any reason to put these on the car except for "pose" value. niether should it have "swing wing" doors like Lambo's. The weight saving alone should convince people to stick with conventionally hung doors. (plus this is Lotus we are talking about, if it had gull-wing doors sooner or later the gas-rams are going to go wrong when you try to enter the car and the door will open with such force that it will catch you under the chin and send you flying 10 feet backwards while knocking you out)
5. Should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
Well the build quality should get better to match other car makers, but I wouldn't like to see the car loaded down with luxury features just for the sake of it.
6. Should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
Sure it should have SOME electronics to help the handling/performance but not too many, it should be a drivers car and not be too controlled by electronics.
7. What new aspects should the car have?
Thats hard to say, Who knows what Lotus is currently developing? If the new car is really being called the Esprit I'd like to see at least some recognition of the Esprits that came before it so that some of the great features and styling of these cars could be used in the new one....
All personal opinion of course.....
1. should it be a roadster like the Elise?
I think it should either be offered in both forms or a 'Targa'
style so that you can experience both modes.
2. should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
Lotus is capable of creating a Super Car. I would like to see them do this incorporating the latest advances in Powerplant, Transmission, Suspension, Brakes, Safety and Composite Manufacturing. A V-12 or V-8 seems to be de Riguer these days.
3. could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
Why not? As long as it is truly high performance and not hampered with excess weight in either the engine or cooling system.
4. should it have gull-wing doors?
Not necessarily. What it should have is an excellent design from a noted designer or design house. If they incorporate 'Gull Wings', then ok, but not as a mere gimmick.
5. should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
Now you are touching on a delicate area. It should have an excellent finish and also be priced comparably. A low priced Lotus will lessen it's possible innovativeness and exclusivity. I would
not like to see it produced in the 'Sausage Grinder' mode so common to those Teutonic rear enders coming out of Stuttgart, limited production is the key. One man's opinion, but I think I've made my point.
6. should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
It should have as many innovations as possible to enhance it's driving experience. It should shy away from superficial electronic gadgets which don't directly affect it's driving qualities such as
On-Star, Nav, Phone and Internet systems...let the
gadgetaholics add these to suit their tastes.
7. what new aspects should the car have?
A new name!...Please don't try to compete with the legend of the Esprit, let it retire in peace & grace. Allow the Esprit to become a true classic and not go the route of the Corvette and bloated new 911. Add a stablemate to the great Lotus cars of the past, but
don't dilute it's history with some CAD correct bulbous nosed teardrop shaped car merely named Esprit. There are lots of good names starting with 'E' that Lotus can use to start a new legend.
Of course, these are just my opinions, you may agree or not as you choose...Jim '85TE
I think it should either be offered in both forms or a 'Targa'
style so that you can experience both modes.
2. should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
Lotus is capable of creating a Super Car. I would like to see them do this incorporating the latest advances in Powerplant, Transmission, Suspension, Brakes, Safety and Composite Manufacturing. A V-12 or V-8 seems to be de Riguer these days.
3. could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
Why not? As long as it is truly high performance and not hampered with excess weight in either the engine or cooling system.
4. should it have gull-wing doors?
Not necessarily. What it should have is an excellent design from a noted designer or design house. If they incorporate 'Gull Wings', then ok, but not as a mere gimmick.
5. should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
Now you are touching on a delicate area. It should have an excellent finish and also be priced comparably. A low priced Lotus will lessen it's possible innovativeness and exclusivity. I would
not like to see it produced in the 'Sausage Grinder' mode so common to those Teutonic rear enders coming out of Stuttgart, limited production is the key. One man's opinion, but I think I've made my point.
6. should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
It should have as many innovations as possible to enhance it's driving experience. It should shy away from superficial electronic gadgets which don't directly affect it's driving qualities such as
On-Star, Nav, Phone and Internet systems...let the
gadgetaholics add these to suit their tastes.
7. what new aspects should the car have?
A new name!...Please don't try to compete with the legend of the Esprit, let it retire in peace & grace. Allow the Esprit to become a true classic and not go the route of the Corvette and bloated new 911. Add a stablemate to the great Lotus cars of the past, but
don't dilute it's history with some CAD correct bulbous nosed teardrop shaped car merely named Esprit. There are lots of good names starting with 'E' that Lotus can use to start a new legend.
Of course, these are just my opinions, you may agree or not as you choose...Jim '85TE
1. should it be a roadster like the Elise?
No, although a targa top, maybe like the 308 could be interesting.
2. should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production
engine matching the (light) weight?
Certainly Lotus shouldn't go down the TVR 'big-lump' route. I think a bit of finesse is called for!
3. could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
Never!
4. should it have gull-wing doors?
Absolutely not!
5. should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to
reduce the price?
High build quality from day 1. Let's see the ghosts of Lotus past finally exorcised.
6. should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more
conventional like the Elise?
Primarily conventional, although any hi-tech race car options such as paddle shift, active suspension would be welcome.
7. what new aspects should the car have?
See '6' , plus it should be the best looking Lotus ever built!
>> Edited by melw on Friday 3rd January 14:26
No, although a targa top, maybe like the 308 could be interesting.
2. should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production
engine matching the (light) weight?
Certainly Lotus shouldn't go down the TVR 'big-lump' route. I think a bit of finesse is called for!
3. could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
Never!
4. should it have gull-wing doors?
Absolutely not!
5. should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to
reduce the price?
High build quality from day 1. Let's see the ghosts of Lotus past finally exorcised.
6. should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more
conventional like the Elise?
Primarily conventional, although any hi-tech race car options such as paddle shift, active suspension would be welcome.
7. what new aspects should the car have?
See '6' , plus it should be the best looking Lotus ever built!
>> Edited by melw on Friday 3rd January 14:26
1. Should it be a roadster like the Elise?
Tough to say - I think not though. Then again . . . well, why not make it available, since I can't make up my mind.
2. Should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
Yes. Both.
3. Could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
NO. Half the fun of a sporting car is revving it to the moon!
4. Should it have gull-wing doors?
No, absolutely not, the only good reason for gull-wing doors ever was in the original Mercedes gullwing where the sills had to be very high for chassis stiffness using the spaceframe, and technology has advanced beyond that.
5. Should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
Well it'll have to cost less than a 360 Modena while offering equal or superior performance, so it stands to reason that the finish will not be quite as good.
6. Should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
Another tough call. Active electronics can work, superbly - witness the Mercedes SL500 and the Skyline GT-R - but they seem to be used, as in those two cars, in part to compensate for high weight. However couple active electronics with light weight and Lotus just might have a champion on their hands. Provided the cost doesn't go too high.
7. What new aspects should the car have?
There should be something new. I'd (of course) like to see rotary power, and using a Mazda Renesis would fit into what I said under point 2. But given the current situation, perhaps a high-performance hybrid like the Honda Dual-Note would be good.
Tough to say - I think not though. Then again . . . well, why not make it available, since I can't make up my mind.
2. Should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
Yes. Both.
3. Could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
NO. Half the fun of a sporting car is revving it to the moon!
4. Should it have gull-wing doors?
No, absolutely not, the only good reason for gull-wing doors ever was in the original Mercedes gullwing where the sills had to be very high for chassis stiffness using the spaceframe, and technology has advanced beyond that.
5. Should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
Well it'll have to cost less than a 360 Modena while offering equal or superior performance, so it stands to reason that the finish will not be quite as good.
6. Should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
Another tough call. Active electronics can work, superbly - witness the Mercedes SL500 and the Skyline GT-R - but they seem to be used, as in those two cars, in part to compensate for high weight. However couple active electronics with light weight and Lotus just might have a champion on their hands. Provided the cost doesn't go too high.
7. What new aspects should the car have?
There should be something new. I'd (of course) like to see rotary power, and using a Mazda Renesis would fit into what I said under point 2. But given the current situation, perhaps a high-performance hybrid like the Honda Dual-Note would be good.
1. Should it be a roadster like the Elise?
I dont think so. The Elise is the Elise and the Esprit is the Esprit, there should be a difference. It should be a sports coupe with a targa top option like the Ferrari 308 as someone said. Although, that could compromise its ride rigidity. But It would be nice to have open air.
2. Should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
I think no more than a V8. Forget the idea of a V6, and forget a V10 or V12. It shouldnt be more than 400bhp either. Too many supercars these days pack so much horse power into their cars thats really not needed, especially when Lotus gets the same results through a lightweight body and 4cyl or V8 engine. I say keep it lightweight with a nice turbocharged engine.
3. Could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
Heck no! But I do think it should still retain a single or bi-turbo engine. Either way, keep it a mid-engined!
4. Should it have gull-wing doors?
Definately not. Lotus has always been pure to its own design. Putting Lambo style doors on it would only attract negative criticism from journalists.
5. Should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
I think its time for Lotus to break the UNreliable reputation and start making some more reliable cars. In time word would get out and I think that more people wont be so scared to own one when the warranty is up. They are already priced very competitvely, a few thousand more wont make a difference I dont think especially if major improvements have been made. Just keep it sub or on the line of the $100,000 mark.
6. Should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
Of course it should have some assistance, and with the technology of today it most certainly will. But keep it between the car and the driver, and not thr electronics. So no, not too much electronic assistance.
7. What new aspects should the car have?
Who knows. It should carry aspects that will not become dated so quick. I think they need to design a vehicle that will be ahead of its time like they did the first Esprit. Given the financials of the company, to do just that (create a car ahead of its time) would prove worthy since constant updates and improvements are costly im sure.
Even though it is quite sad the Esprit is going, it is also somewhat very exicting to see what is next in the legendary marque of Lotus. The end of the Esprit is merely a new beginning for the company. I just hope when the next Esprit (or whatever they may call it) is introduced, that Lotus gets it right the 1st time and proves their status. In that I mean, reverse all the criticisms that have been taunting the Esprit since forever. And stop using mismatched components like GM pieces and shoddy gear boxes.
I dont think so. The Elise is the Elise and the Esprit is the Esprit, there should be a difference. It should be a sports coupe with a targa top option like the Ferrari 308 as someone said. Although, that could compromise its ride rigidity. But It would be nice to have open air.
2. Should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
I think no more than a V8. Forget the idea of a V6, and forget a V10 or V12. It shouldnt be more than 400bhp either. Too many supercars these days pack so much horse power into their cars thats really not needed, especially when Lotus gets the same results through a lightweight body and 4cyl or V8 engine. I say keep it lightweight with a nice turbocharged engine.
3. Could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
Heck no! But I do think it should still retain a single or bi-turbo engine. Either way, keep it a mid-engined!
4. Should it have gull-wing doors?
Definately not. Lotus has always been pure to its own design. Putting Lambo style doors on it would only attract negative criticism from journalists.
5. Should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
I think its time for Lotus to break the UNreliable reputation and start making some more reliable cars. In time word would get out and I think that more people wont be so scared to own one when the warranty is up. They are already priced very competitvely, a few thousand more wont make a difference I dont think especially if major improvements have been made. Just keep it sub or on the line of the $100,000 mark.
6. Should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
Of course it should have some assistance, and with the technology of today it most certainly will. But keep it between the car and the driver, and not thr electronics. So no, not too much electronic assistance.
7. What new aspects should the car have?
Who knows. It should carry aspects that will not become dated so quick. I think they need to design a vehicle that will be ahead of its time like they did the first Esprit. Given the financials of the company, to do just that (create a car ahead of its time) would prove worthy since constant updates and improvements are costly im sure.
Even though it is quite sad the Esprit is going, it is also somewhat very exicting to see what is next in the legendary marque of Lotus. The end of the Esprit is merely a new beginning for the company. I just hope when the next Esprit (or whatever they may call it) is introduced, that Lotus gets it right the 1st time and proves their status. In that I mean, reverse all the criticisms that have been taunting the Esprit since forever. And stop using mismatched components like GM pieces and shoddy gear boxes.
I suspect Lotus have a list somewhere of 'what makes a Lotus a Lotus', starting with Chapman's original 'performance and handling through light weight'. As Lotus are as much an engineering company as a car manufacturer, I guess the list also includes innovative use of materials and design techniques. That was what got us the Elise and many other excellent Lotus cars.
I hope that the Esprit replacement remains a showcase for Lotus design and that it can make even half the impact that the Elise did. That's quite an act to follow.
So:
1. Roadster - I like the Esprit, but it's great to feel the open air. My old Fiat has a targa top which is an excellent compromise
2. A lightweight engine that isn't over-stressed and has plenty of tuning potential. More cylinders would be cool (make it sound more exotic), but not necessary.
3. A diesel would really have to prove itself in a car in the 'supercar' bracket, so I'd expect petrol, and the first diesel lotus to be at the Elise end of the market.
4. Gullwing doors are wildly impractical, but the scissor doors on the M250 worked ok. So long as you can get in and out without looking a complete prat.
5. Build quality: If it's in the supercar bracket, I'd expect something special, without compromising the weight. Again, Lotus' use of materials should allow for a comfortable, quiet interior and an exterior that resists corrosion and 'flakiness' as much as possible.
6. It definately shouldn't have assistive electronics - Lotus achieve stunning handling through getting the chassis and suspension right, not through 'fixing it' with (potentially unreliable) electronics. The 'conventional' Elise chassis was a design decision, not an act of cutting costs - and the handling reflects that. Paddle shifts and similar electronics are of no value to me as a normal driver - they're little more than gimmicks.
7. New aspects? Stunning price and performance in a design that won't look dated in two years time. Perhaps the first Lotus to offer 200Mph? Free to anyone who put a deposit on the M250?
Finally I'd like one innovative new feature - can we have it on time please?
I hope that the Esprit replacement remains a showcase for Lotus design and that it can make even half the impact that the Elise did. That's quite an act to follow.
So:
1. Roadster - I like the Esprit, but it's great to feel the open air. My old Fiat has a targa top which is an excellent compromise
2. A lightweight engine that isn't over-stressed and has plenty of tuning potential. More cylinders would be cool (make it sound more exotic), but not necessary.
3. A diesel would really have to prove itself in a car in the 'supercar' bracket, so I'd expect petrol, and the first diesel lotus to be at the Elise end of the market.
4. Gullwing doors are wildly impractical, but the scissor doors on the M250 worked ok. So long as you can get in and out without looking a complete prat.
5. Build quality: If it's in the supercar bracket, I'd expect something special, without compromising the weight. Again, Lotus' use of materials should allow for a comfortable, quiet interior and an exterior that resists corrosion and 'flakiness' as much as possible.
6. It definately shouldn't have assistive electronics - Lotus achieve stunning handling through getting the chassis and suspension right, not through 'fixing it' with (potentially unreliable) electronics. The 'conventional' Elise chassis was a design decision, not an act of cutting costs - and the handling reflects that. Paddle shifts and similar electronics are of no value to me as a normal driver - they're little more than gimmicks.
7. New aspects? Stunning price and performance in a design that won't look dated in two years time. Perhaps the first Lotus to offer 200Mph? Free to anyone who put a deposit on the M250?
Finally I'd like one innovative new feature - can we have it on time please?
Personally, I would hope Lotus to take into account the desires expressed by the owners. I find that the Elise I and II were too much dominated by the stylists, which resulted in appealing cars, which did not exactly match the new requirements for build quality and which had an compromised aerodynamics set-up.
In my view, the successor to the Esprit should be an absolute supercar, distinguishing itself from its' Italian and German competitors by a combination of extreme lightweight, ease of maintenance, reasonable pricing, interesting technology and an extreme driving experience.
In my view, the successor to the Esprit should be an absolute supercar, distinguishing itself from its' Italian and German competitors by a combination of extreme lightweight, ease of maintenance, reasonable pricing, interesting technology and an extreme driving experience.
Interesting take on the announcement in Febs Evo "It may be the end of the line for the mid-engined twin-turbo supercar, but the Esprit name will live on, attached to the rump of an all new vehicle. Lotus is cagey about what that car may be, but common sense says that the Esprit tag will be worn by the latest incarnation of the M250 project - after all, the Esprit name has more than 30 years heritage behind it and is well known and respected in the States, a crucial market for the new car"
My guess is that the M250 will spawn a couple of versions, a mid-range V6 engined sports car to fit between the Elise and a new V8 Esprit supercar. If you recall the Elise documentary the chassis technology was described as 'modular' - easy to construct longer/wider versions for different applications. What bugs me as well as most folk on these boards is why it should take so long. The Elise development programme was very quick for a brand new car. Given their accumilated expertise and experience with the technology you would think they could bang out new versions every 18-24 months or so.
By the way, the story in todays Times about the demise of "James Bonds car" states that after 2 years of heavy losses following record investment, Lotus has moved back into profit. Not sure if that satisfies you Lotusguy but it is encouraging.
My guess is that the M250 will spawn a couple of versions, a mid-range V6 engined sports car to fit between the Elise and a new V8 Esprit supercar. If you recall the Elise documentary the chassis technology was described as 'modular' - easy to construct longer/wider versions for different applications. What bugs me as well as most folk on these boards is why it should take so long. The Elise development programme was very quick for a brand new car. Given their accumilated expertise and experience with the technology you would think they could bang out new versions every 18-24 months or so.
By the way, the story in todays Times about the demise of "James Bonds car" states that after 2 years of heavy losses following record investment, Lotus has moved back into profit. Not sure if that satisfies you Lotusguy but it is encouraging.
My only concern is that they get it right with the new Esprit. This could very well make or break Lotus. If you think about, they never really had a successful 2 diff model lineup at the SAME point in time. I mean they have, but one of them always seemed to fail. The only success is the Esprit and the Elise together.
I say let Lotus take their time and do it right. Surprise us all.
I say let Lotus take their time and do it right. Surprise us all.
1. Should it be a roadster like the Elise?
No. Let the Elise be its own vehicle (How much longer will the current model be in production?), the Esprit should compete with the 911s and 360s - the coupe versions are generally the more 'puritan' cars (no offence to any cabrio/spyder drivers
) A targa would definetly be a good idea, im surprised a targa version of the X180 was never built.
2. Should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
Depending on the weight, simply a bespoke version of a production motor would suffice. Honda is really a no-go area because they like keeping their tech to themselves. A 3 litre V6 at least, maybe supercharged? Nissan 350Z engine?
3. Could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
No. As said before, revs are fun! Where is the joy in a 5,000 rpm engine thats chugs more than growls?
4. Should it have gull-wing doors?
No. IMHO they have been a silly cosmetic design from day one. Very cool, but since when have Loti been about 'useless' coolness?
5. Should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
YES. Maybe not german-esque perfection, but a solid design and quality materials are definetly needed. Anything less hasnt been accepted since the late 90s really.
6. Should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
Not really. ABS, On/Off TC is all that should be needed, as the car will (hopefully) have proper Lotus handling.
7. What new aspects should the car have?
Possibly some use of exotic materials purely for lightening, a good gearbox, and the ability to become known as a practical supercar, and 6 wheels.... ok maybe not.
PS nice rotang Johnny Freon
No. Let the Elise be its own vehicle (How much longer will the current model be in production?), the Esprit should compete with the 911s and 360s - the coupe versions are generally the more 'puritan' cars (no offence to any cabrio/spyder drivers
) A targa would definetly be a good idea, im surprised a targa version of the X180 was never built. 2. Should it have a extremely high performance engine or a production engine matching the (light) weight?
Depending on the weight, simply a bespoke version of a production motor would suffice. Honda is really a no-go area because they like keeping their tech to themselves. A 3 litre V6 at least, maybe supercharged? Nissan 350Z engine?
3. Could it be a high performance turbo-diesel?
No. As said before, revs are fun! Where is the joy in a 5,000 rpm engine thats chugs more than growls?
4. Should it have gull-wing doors?
No. IMHO they have been a silly cosmetic design from day one. Very cool, but since when have Loti been about 'useless' coolness?
5. Should it have a very high quality of finish, or a lesser finish to reduce the price?
YES. Maybe not german-esque perfection, but a solid design and quality materials are definetly needed. Anything less hasnt been accepted since the late 90s really.
6. Should it be a vehicle with a lot of active electronics, or more conventional like the Elise?
Not really. ABS, On/Off TC is all that should be needed, as the car will (hopefully) have proper Lotus handling.
7. What new aspects should the car have?
Possibly some use of exotic materials purely for lightening, a good gearbox
, and the ability to become known as a practical supercar, and 6 wheels.... ok maybe not. PS nice rotang Johnny Freon
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