RE: Lotus Evora Roadster 400 confirmed
Discussion
Article tells us nothing new then. JMG confirmed a roadster Evora last summer. Still no confirmation of whether 2+0 only or 2+2 is still a possibility? There's no way that the car can look anything like the Autocar rendering with a pair of carbon panels. Surely the existing roll hoop will have to stay and also act as the rear fixing point for the panels. Just like a 246/308/328/348/355. Targa is a much better description than roadster or convertible/cabriolet, but maybe they're not allowed to use that word?
The amount of time it's taking Lotus to sort out its ugly duckling is astounding.
I guess they think other cars have become more expensive so they can charge even more for an Evora. Bear in mind you can buy a new Cayman for the winter AND an Ariel Nomad for the summer for that money!
Let's hope there's a sensible new car somewhere in the pipeline that Lotus can actually make money from. With so many cars now going 4-pot they should have no trouble shifting a new Elise by the ship-load if they get it right.
As for Lotus profit/loss if you dug a hole the depth of Lotus accumulated losses; shovelled in the profits and then stood on the profits with your tallest step-ladder I fear your head would still be a long, long way below ground. Really hope they can sort themselves out.
I guess they think other cars have become more expensive so they can charge even more for an Evora. Bear in mind you can buy a new Cayman for the winter AND an Ariel Nomad for the summer for that money!
Let's hope there's a sensible new car somewhere in the pipeline that Lotus can actually make money from. With so many cars now going 4-pot they should have no trouble shifting a new Elise by the ship-load if they get it right.
As for Lotus profit/loss if you dug a hole the depth of Lotus accumulated losses; shovelled in the profits and then stood on the profits with your tallest step-ladder I fear your head would still be a long, long way below ground. Really hope they can sort themselves out.
I am very much in favour of the proposed removable roof design; this is so much better than a heavy & expensive electric solution.
As for the Cayman in winter: I haven't driven one of the new ones yet, but we have a late 987 & it's rubbish in the winter. The dampers/springs are way too stiff & the car snaps out really quickly in the cold and/or wet. Porsche just don't understand suspension as well as the design team at Lotus.
As for the Cayman in winter: I haven't driven one of the new ones yet, but we have a late 987 & it's rubbish in the winter. The dampers/springs are way too stiff & the car snaps out really quickly in the cold and/or wet. Porsche just don't understand suspension as well as the design team at Lotus.
tony993 said:
I am very much in favour of the proposed removable roof design; this is so much better than a heavy & expensive electric solution.
Exactly. It's the proper Lotus solution. If they'd have done a heavy, motor driven version I expect we'd have more people on here complaining about how Lotus had lost their way.Hard to tell from that angle but I think the engine would just about fit under the deck as pictured in that mock up. The topmost point of the Evora's airbox is about level with the top of the steering wheel.
I suspect they could cut another inch or two off that by redesigning the airbox if they needed to (although the supercharger might still be too high up).
I suspect they could cut another inch or two off that by redesigning the airbox if they needed to (although the supercharger might still be too high up).
Edited by kambites on Monday 13th July 21:52
Ozzie Osmond said:
blueg33 said:
You do know that the image isn't from Lotus? It's made up by Autocar.
...as is apparent by the absence of the engine standing tall at the back of the car. Nonetheless I hope they can come up with a cost-effective package. 
blueg33 said:
....it still handles better than a Cayman/Boxster, goes quicker too
Just a shame they've been so SLOW getting out of the dealerships. A substantial revision can't come too soon IMO. There's more to car ownership than standing in the pub with a folder of road test statistics.Ozzie Osmond said:
blueg33 said:
....it still handles better than a Cayman/Boxster, goes quicker too
Just a shame they've been so SLOW getting out of the dealerships. A substantial revision can't come too soon IMO. There's more to car ownership than standing in the pub with a folder of road test statistics.I will probably change my Evora for another this month. I had a Cayman Gts on test. Overall, for me the Evora reaches parts the Cayman can't reach.
Whoah that front end. Where the current model is a bit understated, this one is a bit over the top. The GTE front would be a nice update. I was wondering how that roof panel would fit behind the front seats but i suppose that whole rear would be redone and a reasonably short roof panel specified!
rodericb said:
Whoah that front end. Where the current model is a bit understated, this one is a bit over the top. The GTE front would be a nice update. I was wondering how that roof panel would fit behind the front seats but i suppose that whole rear would be redone and a reasonably short roof panel specified!
It says "panels", plural, so I suppose it depends on how it's split up. Imafreeman said:
More sales will hopefully mean a new basic Elise type car.
Yes indeed - and they need to get on with that new Elise. Otherwise Porsche will be out there in the market with its basic 4-pot sportscar (de-contented 981) before Lotus arrive. If Lotus have an attack of stupid and think they can charge £50k for Elise we'll be going back round the same old loop again. Bear in mind that even the inexpensive Mazda MX5 is lighter than Alfa's ££££ carbon-fibre 4C.Back in the day Lotus punted Renault's fine mid-engined Sport Spider straight into touch by coming out with a really great Elise. Need another great car right now.
Ozzie Osmond said:
Yes indeed - and they need to get on with that new Elise. Otherwise Porsche will be out there in the market with its basic 4-pot sportscar (de-contented 981) before Lotus arrive.
Which will still weigh 1200kg; have their crap rear suspension design; and stick with the utterly hopeless EPAS system but wont squeak and rattle and fall to bits. Unless Porsche are stupid enough to really target their new car at driving enthusiasts (which I don't believe they are) I don't think Lotus will be worried about Porsche poaching Elise sales any more than Porsche will be worried about a new Elise taking away any sub-Boxster sales. Completely different markets.
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 14th July 14:11
wemorgan said:
Frimley111R said:
Is an electric roof really that expensive to design? I am not sure many Evora level customers want removable roof panels.
Mega money by comparison, plus it's more difficult to package to an existing design.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff