Discussion
hard to say without seeing the final version and driving one ! ...200bhp in 1000Kg ish will still be quick by normal car terms....guess it depends on what you use your Elise for...if you dont track it and just want a fine handling lightweight sports car for daily use then I can see the appeal of the Europa....Im waiting for the first demo cars then I might get one as a 2nd car (company car) ...its got 4 seats so I can have one 
jonob19 said:
I've just placed an order for the new Europa, and should take delivery middle of next year.
then jonob19 said:
Is this a good idea, selling my S2 111S? Does anyone know performance figures? Is it too grown up?
Would appreciate your comments everyone!!!
I know your deposit is probably refundable but shouldn't you really have asked these sort of questions before placing the order?
No-one knows the final price, spec, performance, engine or any other details about the car (though a lot of people are more than happy to guess, or pass on rumours).
We've been here before. Until Lotus announce the car, any deposits are being held by dealers and do not guarantee your place in any sort of queue. In the event of the car not being produced, or the dealer going bust, your money may be at risk. If you think this is unlikely, I can send you the bankruptcy filings from Haydon Daytune, and a list of the few hundred people who lost their deposits on the M250.
Even if everything goes ahead as planned, the Europa may be anything from a 'luxury Elise' (ie. no bigger, faster or better handling, but significantly higher cost) to a genuinely new car. Add in the fact that Lotus have always launched new cars with massively underpowered engines (and then increased the specs in later revisions), and you may be disappointed.
I'm looking forward to finding out, but it really is a case of buyer beware at this point.
We've been here before. Until Lotus announce the car, any deposits are being held by dealers and do not guarantee your place in any sort of queue. In the event of the car not being produced, or the dealer going bust, your money may be at risk. If you think this is unlikely, I can send you the bankruptcy filings from Haydon Daytune, and a list of the few hundred people who lost their deposits on the M250.
Even if everything goes ahead as planned, the Europa may be anything from a 'luxury Elise' (ie. no bigger, faster or better handling, but significantly higher cost) to a genuinely new car. Add in the fact that Lotus have always launched new cars with massively underpowered engines (and then increased the specs in later revisions), and you may be disappointed.
I'm looking forward to finding out, but it really is a case of buyer beware at this point.
It WILL be produced - vx motor with turbo and strong performance. A lot softer than the exige but with luxury items - at a price.... I've heard £35k. Expect traction control/anti spin stuff to be available and roof is removable !! Looks a bit different from current pics - lotus guys are excited
More of a car and less of a toy..... launch spring 06
More of a car and less of a toy..... launch spring 06
Given that the car is yet to be announced, no specific details are known and no deposits are actually getting any further than the Dealer. Surely putting a deposit down is nothing more than an extremely large gamble. The money may disappear if the dealer goes bust. If the money does get to Lotus once the car is announced, you have no idea what car you are getting.
Granted, it is going to be a Lotus and for that very reason, almost certainly a desirable car, especially to people who post on Forums like this. However there seems to be no benefit in putting a deposit down now, just risk.
It is not like a "soon to be announced Ferrari", which would lead to a massive premium in your waiting list position.
Would be interested in peoples philosophy on this, as I do find it hard to comprehend.
Before you all shout and scream at me, I am not saying you are wrong, just that I do not understand the eagerness of getting the deposit in.
>> Edited by beachbum on Tuesday 4th October 14:28
Granted, it is going to be a Lotus and for that very reason, almost certainly a desirable car, especially to people who post on Forums like this. However there seems to be no benefit in putting a deposit down now, just risk.
It is not like a "soon to be announced Ferrari", which would lead to a massive premium in your waiting list position.
Would be interested in peoples philosophy on this, as I do find it hard to comprehend.
Before you all shout and scream at me, I am not saying you are wrong, just that I do not understand the eagerness of getting the deposit in.
>> Edited by beachbum on Tuesday 4th October 14:28
Just read this:
www.pistonheads.com/lotus/m250/m250-launch.htm
'a 2+2 doesn't now fit with Lotus philosophy. Lotus are engineering pure sports cars and a 2+2 would be considered as carrying undesirable "extra mass"'
LOL!
www.pistonheads.com/lotus/m250/m250-launch.htm
'a 2+2 doesn't now fit with Lotus philosophy. Lotus are engineering pure sports cars and a 2+2 would be considered as carrying undesirable "extra mass"'
LOL!
Hi all,
It's not a 2 + 2 it will only have 2 seats, it will be unveiled at a motor show very soon and I wouldn't worry about comparing it to the M250 it will be made I'm sure of that.
Just seen a 240R in the flesh what a Car ! if I had a Spare £45k I'd buy one (I can't believe I've just said that) sorry to change the thread
Boggy
It's not a 2 + 2 it will only have 2 seats, it will be unveiled at a motor show very soon and I wouldn't worry about comparing it to the M250 it will be made I'm sure of that.
Just seen a 240R in the flesh what a Car ! if I had a Spare £45k I'd buy one (I can't believe I've just said that) sorry to change the thread
Boggy
tonyhetherington said:
boggy; what sort of money will the Europa be going for?!
I'd say between £33 - £37
Mustard knows something I'm sure of it. Oh and I forgot to mention there also bringing out another version of the Exige around £44k, it sound's to me like another ltd edition that should be announced very soon.
You heard it here first
Boggy
>> Edited by boggy on Tuesday 4th October 15:37
So from what Lawrence5 and the rest of you have hinted at the Europa will be a "grown-up elise"?
Engine 2.2 Vauxhall lump (which Lotus are really familar with as they helped develop it) producing around 220bhp? Giving a good torque figure, without all the top-end buzz you need with the Yota. Good but in a heavier car it will hardly be earth shattering will it? Even 250hp would not really be what people were hoping for.
2 seater? Lots of rumours said 2 plus 2, if it is just a 2 seater its not a "new market" so its hard to see how it will appeal in big enough numbers to temp people with 33-37k to give it a look. On price I bet it's nearer 40k myself when spec'd up.
Does it use the Elise/Exige tub? If it does then it's cramped (we can all vouch for that) even if it does have a bigger boot/more stowage space (front clam boot as well?) Or is a it a developed tub bit longer inch or 3 wider? That would make more sense. Or narrower side chassis rails, lower, bigger doors, higher roof line. Oh the roof comes off! Hardly ground breaking stuff.
Handling? Sounds like it's going to be a road car with very good handling, lots of gizzmo's cause that's how car development is going.
Will it sell? Yep but I bet not in the sort of numbers Lotus need to keep them going strong, it will be a pity if it bombs and does not drag punters out of Porker and BMW showrooms.
I still drool at the M250, it could have been the real deal I reckon.
Am I wrong? Or do you KNOW different?
Jimbo
Engine 2.2 Vauxhall lump (which Lotus are really familar with as they helped develop it) producing around 220bhp? Giving a good torque figure, without all the top-end buzz you need with the Yota. Good but in a heavier car it will hardly be earth shattering will it? Even 250hp would not really be what people were hoping for.
2 seater? Lots of rumours said 2 plus 2, if it is just a 2 seater its not a "new market" so its hard to see how it will appeal in big enough numbers to temp people with 33-37k to give it a look. On price I bet it's nearer 40k myself when spec'd up.
Does it use the Elise/Exige tub? If it does then it's cramped (we can all vouch for that) even if it does have a bigger boot/more stowage space (front clam boot as well?) Or is a it a developed tub bit longer inch or 3 wider? That would make more sense. Or narrower side chassis rails, lower, bigger doors, higher roof line. Oh the roof comes off! Hardly ground breaking stuff.
Handling? Sounds like it's going to be a road car with very good handling, lots of gizzmo's cause that's how car development is going.
Will it sell? Yep but I bet not in the sort of numbers Lotus need to keep them going strong, it will be a pity if it bombs and does not drag punters out of Porker and BMW showrooms.
I still drool at the M250, it could have been the real deal I reckon.
Am I wrong? Or do you KNOW different?
Jimbo
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