RE: Evora S Sports Racer: Intro
Discussion
Two days gone by and not a single response from either Lotus themselves or any of their rather feeble dealer network, is it surprising they don't sell cars ? It's a very big deal for a member of the public to make such an offer with a new car, it would be nothing for them, who no doubt loan Evora's to any sort of celebrity, however, I think sadly they know in their heart of hearts where the Evora lays with regard to the 981, it only stand-out feature is it's rarity, and that's because it's been such a failure ?
As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
Captain Muppet said:
Shnozz said:
blueg33 said:
Shnozz said:
f1colin said:
Read the updates with interest. Observations: 1) shameful that 2 PH hacks have never driven a Lotus until now
Indeed. Loses all journalistic credibility to me. How any motoring hack, let alone a couple, can give a proper comparison and review of sports cars when having never driven what is often considered the pinnacle comparable for handling in a road car is simply staggering to me. It's not as though it's a bizarre little known leftfield choice either. I'm utterly baffled. But to offer opinion on a subject matter, under the guise of being employed as a motoring journalist, not a "readers wives" article, and having been doing that job for 10+ years, I find it staggering that neither have driven what could be considered the benchmark.
Indeed it is rather embarrassing that I hadn't driven a Lotus prior to the Evora. We try to drive as many cars as possible here but there are always limitations that prevent that. We're not road testers remember! From my understanding Lotus has a fairly small press fleet too (an Elise was due in a little while ago, a booking that unfortunately had to be cancelled). I came to the job last July with very little experience of other cars hence some reviews perhaps not being as comprehensive as others. I'm very lucky but it does mean learning the job on the job. And in front of you lot
That Lotus hadn't been mentioned for a while was exactly our reason for having the Evora and Elise in. We're happy to feature them as soon as they are available!
And now at least we can pass judgement, right? Anything else that must be driven? I'll pass the list on to Dan and he can get some stuff booked in...
Matt
ravon said:
Two days gone by and not a single response from either Lotus themselves or any of their rather feeble dealer network, is it surprising they don't sell cars ? It's a very big deal for a member of the public to make such an offer with a new car, it would be nothing for them, who no doubt loan Evora's to any sort of celebrity, however, I think sadly they know in their heart of hearts where the Evora lays with regard to the 981, it only stand-out feature is it's rarity, and that's because it's been such a failure ?
As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
Interesting point, however your post came across to me like you're not bothered about buying one, but will happily test drive one. As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
If you are genuinely interested in one, go and phone a dealer.
Your point on being rare is a good one. Part of buying a Sports car/Special/toy car is also to make the owner feel good, feel special. Unfortunately for me, the Cayman just doesn't quite do it. Its a bit too run-of-the-mill. Appreciate its probably a better car overall, but its not nearly as special which is a big factor for me.
I want some sense of occasion when buying this type of car. An Evora passed me this morning, as well as an Exige V6 and I had a good look, smile. Can't say that Porsches do the same for me. Admittedly I am a Lotus fan, although have looked into various Porches previously.
Lotus do however, need to get people in to try the Evora and realise how good it is. Almost all the owners I know, love it, and can't think of what to change to, other than another Evora.
ravon said:
Two days gone by and not a single response from either Lotus themselves or any of their rather feeble dealer network, is it surprising they don't sell cars ? It's a very big deal for a member of the public to make such an offer with a new car, it would be nothing for them, who no doubt loan Evora's to any sort of celebrity, however, I think sadly they know in their heart of hearts where the Evora lays with regard to the 981, it only stand-out feature is it's rarity, and that's because it's been such a failure ?
As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
a) What makes you think anyone from Lotus has noticed your post?As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
b) Even if anyone had, were you really expecting a reply within two days?
c) Given what you have written about the Evora to date I didn't think you were being remotely serious. (Camry engine, taxi gearbox, engine too high, poor paint finish, did I miss any?)
d) the above post (containing 5 entirely unreasonable insults to Lotus and Lotus owners) confirms that you weren't.
e) you come across as if you only want an Evora so you can slag it off in detail and tell the world how much better you think your Cayman is. Not a very enticing prospect for Lotus.
ravon said:
Two days gone by and not a single response from either Lotus themselves or any of their rather feeble dealer network, is it surprising they don't sell cars ? It's a very big deal for a member of the public to make such an offer with a new car, it would be nothing for them, who no doubt loan Evora's to any sort of celebrity, however, I think sadly they know in their heart of hearts where the Evora lays with regard to the 981, it only stand-out feature is it's rarity, and that's because it's been such a failure ?
As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
If Porsche want to lend me GT3 for a week for me to compare it with my Aston with no guarantee of a sale, then hopefully they'll see this post and get straight onto their nearest dealership to arrange my 7 day As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
If this doesn't happen in the next ten minutes I'll try to act both important and disgusted at the same time.
The Pits said:
a) What makes you think anyone from Lotus has noticed your post?
b) Even if anyone had, were you really expecting a reply within two days?
c) Given what you have written about the Evora to date I didn't think you were being remotely serious. (Camry engine, taxi gearbox, engine too high, poor paint finish, did I miss any?)
d) the above post (containing 5 entirely unreasonable insults to Lotus and Lotus owners) confirms that you weren't.
e) you come across as if you only want an Evora so you can slag it off in detail and tell the world how much better you think your Cayman is. Not a very enticing prospect for Lotus.
Well put, pretty much what I was trying to say, only in a more balanced wayb) Even if anyone had, were you really expecting a reply within two days?
c) Given what you have written about the Evora to date I didn't think you were being remotely serious. (Camry engine, taxi gearbox, engine too high, poor paint finish, did I miss any?)
d) the above post (containing 5 entirely unreasonable insults to Lotus and Lotus owners) confirms that you weren't.
e) you come across as if you only want an Evora so you can slag it off in detail and tell the world how much better you think your Cayman is. Not a very enticing prospect for Lotus.
ravon said:
Two days gone by and not a single response from either Lotus themselves or any of their rather feeble dealer network, is it surprising they don't sell cars ? It's a very big deal for a member of the public to make such an offer with a new car, it would be nothing for them, who no doubt loan Evora's to any sort of celebrity, however, I think sadly they know in their heart of hearts where the Evora lays with regard to the 981, it only stand-out feature is it's rarity, and that's because it's been such a failure ?
As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
I think the industry expression is you have been accurately 'qualified' by all the sales people. As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
ravon said:
Two days gone by and not a single response from either Lotus themselves or any of their rather feeble dealer network, is it surprising they don't sell cars ? It's a very big deal for a member of the public to make such an offer with a new car, it would be nothing for them, who no doubt loan Evora's to any sort of celebrity, however, I think sadly they know in their heart of hearts where the Evora lays with regard to the 981, it only stand-out feature is it's rarity, and that's because it's been such a failure ?
As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
Hmm, to me your post came across as if you had already decided that the Evora wouldn't meet your expectations. IIRC you said you would go for the Evora is it was demonstrably better than the Cayman. But as we have seen from this thread that is subjective and the two cars are close. I suspect across the whole car neither is demonstrably better than the other its just where your priorities lie.As a lifetime Lotus fan and owner, I try to read most of the Forums, almost the most repeated comment from owners is the interest they get from other motorists, people in the street and children, if you so sadly crave the attention of others, this is your car.
ravon said:
Thanks for your views gentlemen, I'm clearly, as ever out of line.
Did you actually write to Lotus and/or a dealer or did you just post it on here? If the latter, did you honestly expect someone from Lotus to call you at all, let alone within 48 hours? If so, that is one of the most bizarre things I have ever read on here.Coming from a porsche owner who had never tried the lotus marque, I called and arranged for a test drive and it was simplicity itself. The sales person was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and patient. I am bowled over by the steering on the exige. The engine and gearbox were also outstanding. I mean a whole world away from what I would associate from a Toyota engine, in a good way.
As a sports car driver, you need to know where your driving sweet spot is re usage and what your priorities are. As an all rounder, the porsche is hard to beat. Still, for some people, the rarity, looks and driving experience are enough to justify an order. We do need more of these people.......
As a sports car driver, you need to know where your driving sweet spot is re usage and what your priorities are. As an all rounder, the porsche is hard to beat. Still, for some people, the rarity, looks and driving experience are enough to justify an order. We do need more of these people.......
ravon said:
Any Dealer bold enough to try to convert a Cayman owner ? The proposition, exchange my "just run-in" Cayman S for an Evora for a couple of days, if the Evora is in my view a demonstrably better car than the Cayman, which many people on the forums insist is the case, I'll buy one from you, ( assuming you help me dispose of the Porsche ) in orange like the fabulous looking one belonging to Dave211.
You can use my Cayman to prepare your defence for future sales ?
There is a Lotus Dealer not five miles from my house, from whom I've bought a number of new Lotus cars and numerous others .......
As an ex-Elise owner, current Cayman owner, someone whose driven an Evora and a driving enthusiast. I can answer it for you. If your priority is for a car that is dependable, practical, that's got character and is still fun to drive, the Evora isn't going to set your world on fire next to the Cayman as the Cayman has all that nailed. However if your priority is pure driving involvement and pleasure, maybe at the expense of a little finesse and practicality, the Evora will blow you away.You can use my Cayman to prepare your defence for future sales ?
There is a Lotus Dealer not five miles from my house, from whom I've bought a number of new Lotus cars and numerous others .......
It is currently the only car on sale I can think of that I'd swap the Cayman for. Though I have other reasons for not getting back into a Lotus that may not be applicable to the Evora, so I'm not getting into them again.
But I'll say it again, if you buy a car purely on the way it drives, the Evora slays just about everything, Cayman included.
Edited by juansolo on Sunday 4th May 19:27
Toaster said:
Its interesting that what a journalist writes makes such headline news, I don't care what these guys think, often they are so wrong. By that I mean in 'their opinion' which to be honest is no different to yours or mine. Perhaps the biggest difference is the ability to access many cars on loan, mix with the marketing guys and then spout their biases as they have the ability to string words together to create an article.
Critical thoughts from me I know, but its curious there are now 5 parts to the Evora story according to the piston heads journalists, this must make this a very worthy car to write about.
I am not going to say the Evora or lotus is the best car or manufacturer in history but it beats the pants of having a mundano of any description, also owning one you know you have something special with Porsch as nice as they are are common as well........muck. Adding to that the reputation you get with certain cars and drivers ( sounds like I will get flamed here)
What ever car I am in I love to explore its foibles, it's handling (or not as the case may be)
For me for now the Evora is one heck of a comfy car yet its is stonkingly quick on the road and if you have been on track you know it can get brutal (for a novice track person)
Does it have flaws yes, are they liveable yes but so has every other car on the market, we are lucky to be in a moment of time when Lotus produced the Evora go get one Boys and Girls you won't regret it.........Ever
This.Critical thoughts from me I know, but its curious there are now 5 parts to the Evora story according to the piston heads journalists, this must make this a very worthy car to write about.
I am not going to say the Evora or lotus is the best car or manufacturer in history but it beats the pants of having a mundano of any description, also owning one you know you have something special with Porsch as nice as they are are common as well........muck. Adding to that the reputation you get with certain cars and drivers ( sounds like I will get flamed here)
What ever car I am in I love to explore its foibles, it's handling (or not as the case may be)
For me for now the Evora is one heck of a comfy car yet its is stonkingly quick on the road and if you have been on track you know it can get brutal (for a novice track person)
Does it have flaws yes, are they liveable yes but so has every other car on the market, we are lucky to be in a moment of time when Lotus produced the Evora go get one Boys and Girls you won't regret it.........Ever
Monkey said an Evora was only better by subjective criteria.
I'd suggest that at this end of the market, this is a largely emotional purchase and subjective criteria are far more important.
How it looks, how it makes you feel.
Anyway, I just stuck a deposit on one.
Ed Straker said:
Toaster said:
Its interesting that what a journalist writes makes such headline news, I don't care what these guys think, often they are so wrong. By that I mean in 'their opinion' which to be honest is no different to yours or mine. Perhaps the biggest difference is the ability to access many cars on loan, mix with the marketing guys and then spout their biases as they have the ability to string words together to create an article.
Critical thoughts from me I know, but its curious there are now 5 parts to the Evora story according to the piston heads journalists, this must make this a very worthy car to write about.
I am not going to say the Evora or lotus is the best car or manufacturer in history but it beats the pants of having a mundano of any description, also owning one you know you have something special with Porsch as nice as they are are common as well........muck. Adding to that the reputation you get with certain cars and drivers ( sounds like I will get flamed here)
What ever car I am in I love to explore its foibles, it's handling (or not as the case may be)
For me for now the Evora is one heck of a comfy car yet its is stonkingly quick on the road and if you have been on track you know it can get brutal (for a novice track person)
Does it have flaws yes, are they liveable yes but so has every other car on the market, we are lucky to be in a moment of time when Lotus produced the Evora go get one Boys and Girls you won't regret it.........Ever
This.Critical thoughts from me I know, but its curious there are now 5 parts to the Evora story according to the piston heads journalists, this must make this a very worthy car to write about.
I am not going to say the Evora or lotus is the best car or manufacturer in history but it beats the pants of having a mundano of any description, also owning one you know you have something special with Porsch as nice as they are are common as well........muck. Adding to that the reputation you get with certain cars and drivers ( sounds like I will get flamed here)
What ever car I am in I love to explore its foibles, it's handling (or not as the case may be)
For me for now the Evora is one heck of a comfy car yet its is stonkingly quick on the road and if you have been on track you know it can get brutal (for a novice track person)
Does it have flaws yes, are they liveable yes but so has every other car on the market, we are lucky to be in a moment of time when Lotus produced the Evora go get one Boys and Girls you won't regret it.........Ever
Monkey said an Evora was only better by subjective criteria.
I'd suggest that at this end of the market, this is a largely emotional purchase and subjective criteria are far more important.
How it looks, how it makes you feel.
Anyway, I just stuck a deposit on one.
Very tempted by this http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
Seems realistically priced too.
Seems realistically priced too.
HokumPokum said:
As a sports car driver, you need to know where your driving sweet spot is re usage and what your priorities are. As an all rounder, the porsche is hard to beat. Still, for some people, the rarity, looks and driving experience are enough to justify an order. We do need more of these people.......
That's an excellent analysis. It's a great shame few customers have been attracted to the Evora package and it looks as though the company's going to take a long time to recover. The combination of Kimberley's folly and Bahar's dreamware has been pretty disastrous.
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