Given how strongly Lotus parades its heritage, it seems surprising that some kind of factory handover scheme wasn't already in place. Still, better later than never and all that. Now new Lotus customers will be have the opportunity to visit Hethel directly to collect their car and be immersed in the marque's history.
Track time can be added to Hethel experience
The 'Handmade in Hethel' initiative is available even with or without track time. Both include a factory tour, a visit to Classic Team Lotus, a Lotus print signed by Clive Chapman, a trickle charger, car cover, a set of photos from the day and the build book for your car. There is also the option of spending time on the Hethel test track with a Lotus instructor.
The Handmade in Hethel experience costs £832.50 or £999 with the track time. Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said of the introduction: "The Hethel experience gives our customers the opportunity to see, hear and feel... the ambition that has been core to Lotus; to build cars that give you one of the most thrilling 'pure driving' experiences imaginable".
Handmade in Hethel isn't going to transform Lotus but at least there's some positive news to report from Norfolk. For those ordering a new Elise S Cup for example, surely this is the only way to do it?