RE: New Hethel, new Lotus
Discussion
Twincam16 said:
chris watton said:
I read last week that Lotus was finished! what the hell is happening - has it still got a future then? (I damn well hope so...)
You read wrong. Bahar made a rather ill-judged attack on a Sniff Petrol parody (which itself was admittedly exaggerated, albeit for comic effect), and it had the overall effect of making a lot of people think he had something to hide.Actually turned out he didn't, and although the new model plan isn't quite firing on all eight, Lotus' Geneva Show appearance scooped them a load of orders and it looks like DRB-Hicom is looking to sell a substantial stake in Lotus - we just hope it goes to someone like Toyota or Nissan, who will understand the benefits Lotus brings to their business and nurture it in the way Fiat looks after Ferrari, rather than some Chinese car and sewing machine concern, who think the badge will look nice on the back of the new 888 Super Happy Excellence Explosion CRSTDZTR-F7QBT2.
Frimley111R said:
Dave Hedgehog said:
Kamox said:
"on the 'new' Hethel test track and how it'll shape future Lotuses"
Future Lotuses? You mean "historic trackdays"
i fear this might come true Future Lotuses? You mean "historic trackdays"
So...Lotus modernises its production process, comes out with new designs, starts supporting motorsports in a big way and optimises its testing facilities to put out a well sorted out customer product for road and track use.
And all this is a bad thing?
The only problem I can see is that they are not selling the numbers they aimed for...but that may change tomorrow. As soon as the sales figures start coming up...Lotus is back in action again!!!!
As far as I can see...the only problem is sales numbers..and the management is doing everything to entice new younger customers to the 'brand' from foreign markets.
And all this is a bad thing?
The only problem I can see is that they are not selling the numbers they aimed for...but that may change tomorrow. As soon as the sales figures start coming up...Lotus is back in action again!!!!
As far as I can see...the only problem is sales numbers..and the management is doing everything to entice new younger customers to the 'brand' from foreign markets.
bobbylondonuk said:
So...Lotus modernises its production process, comes out with new designs, starts supporting motorsports in a big way and optimises its testing facilities to put out a well sorted out customer product for road and track use.
And all this is a bad thing?
The only problem I can see is that they are not selling the numbers they aimed for...but that may change tomorrow. As soon as the sales figures start coming up...Lotus is back in action again!!!!
As far as I can see...the only problem is sales numbers..and the management is doing everything to entice new younger customers to the 'brand' from foreign markets.
Some people seem to think that they should remain selling a stripped out tub with 130bhp, weighs no more than 700kg and has no creature comforts forever more. And any departure from thisis classified as a failure that will lead to ruin.And all this is a bad thing?
The only problem I can see is that they are not selling the numbers they aimed for...but that may change tomorrow. As soon as the sales figures start coming up...Lotus is back in action again!!!!
As far as I can see...the only problem is sales numbers..and the management is doing everything to entice new younger customers to the 'brand' from foreign markets.
So back to the circuit!
Looks great.
Those of us who have driven our own Lotus Car (several times) at high speed on the "old track" will remember what a mish mash of surfaces it was. For goodness sake don't go to the left down the runway straight was the cry! I observe that all this is now covered with grass.
I see that the old barriers at the end of the straight are still there as an escape route, but there is now a real chicane to slow you down before the 180deg corner.
Also those massive "boulders" that used to constitute gravel traps have gone. They used to flip over any car that managed to get into one sideways.
C'mon chaps, let's support those at Lotus who actually want to take the company forward, & on any front.
Looks great.
Those of us who have driven our own Lotus Car (several times) at high speed on the "old track" will remember what a mish mash of surfaces it was. For goodness sake don't go to the left down the runway straight was the cry! I observe that all this is now covered with grass.
I see that the old barriers at the end of the straight are still there as an escape route, but there is now a real chicane to slow you down before the 180deg corner.
Also those massive "boulders" that used to constitute gravel traps have gone. They used to flip over any car that managed to get into one sideways.
C'mon chaps, let's support those at Lotus who actually want to take the company forward, & on any front.
Maulden7 said:
So back to the circuit!
Looks great.
Those of us who have driven our own Lotus Car (several times) at high speed on the "old track" will remember what a mish mash of surfaces it was. For goodness sake don't go to the left down the runway straight was the cry! I observe that all this is now covered with grass.
I see that the old barriers at the end of the straight are still there as an escape route, but there is now a real chicane to slow you down before the 180deg corner.
Also those massive "boulders" that used to constitute gravel traps have gone. They used to flip over any car that managed to get into one sideways.
C'mon chaps, let's support those at Lotus who actually want to take the company forward, & on any front.
Nice lurking, 3 posts in 88 months!Looks great.
Those of us who have driven our own Lotus Car (several times) at high speed on the "old track" will remember what a mish mash of surfaces it was. For goodness sake don't go to the left down the runway straight was the cry! I observe that all this is now covered with grass.
I see that the old barriers at the end of the straight are still there as an escape route, but there is now a real chicane to slow you down before the 180deg corner.
Also those massive "boulders" that used to constitute gravel traps have gone. They used to flip over any car that managed to get into one sideways.
C'mon chaps, let's support those at Lotus who actually want to take the company forward, & on any front.
)WillBrumBrum said:
This is something to actually get excited about at Lotus - why? Because it's real.
Good point. After all the V6 Exige, Evora GTE, new Asian dealerships, large orders for the GTE, new V8 engine for the Esprit, masses of work on the new Esprit, improved quality, new trim shop, government cash, Evora GT4, etc. are all figments of our imagination. Twincam16 said:
... and it looks like DRB-Hicom is looking to sell a substantial stake in Lotus...
Not according to the BBC about an hour ago: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17829069Maulden7 said:
"Nice lurking, 3 posts in 88 months!"
And with a welcome back like that it's going to be my last!
Probably for the best tbh. If that's put you off they'll eat you alive on other threads And with a welcome back like that it's going to be my last!
It was only a little dig at your low post count in all that time. Don't be so sensitive.
Captain Muppet said:
Twincam16 said:
... and it looks like DRB-Hicom is looking to sell a substantial stake in Lotus...
Not according to the BBC about an hour ago: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17829069
kambites said:
Hmm, I've often wondered if the main reason for Lotus' ride quality stems from the fact that they couldn't afford to resurface their track. I hope this doesn't lead to them producing awful rock hard suspension like most other "sports car" manufacturers.
Apparently they have enough crap roads surrounding them to tweak their ride settings.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff