Mike Kimberley replies..........
Discussion
quoted from LEF (Lotus Esprit Forum)
'Firstly I'd like to address the concerns that the car looks like the Elise/Exige platform. Where we were concerned, was with fulfilling our objective of recognisable Lotus DNA in a completely new platform. I would ask you to view the car in the flesh before you make any decision as I can assure you that it is absolutely beautiful, elegant with lush haunches and the treatment at the rear of the car (which is the view most people will have) is phenomenal with exquisite lines and at the same time it looks strong, very strong and aggressive. The car interior is stylish and modern, yet retaining a unique Lotus feel. The high quality finish will match up to the highest competition in the market and the ease of use and functionality are ground breaking, designed around the driver as all Lotus products are.
The development team have created, in the Eagle project, a unique car which results in a stunning package and I am exceedingly pleased with what they have achieved. The proportions of the vehicle exterior, whilst being much larger than the Elise footprint belie the 'quart into a pint pot' interior and many of the largest Esprit drivers will find the car very comfortable and still retain room in the back, yet the car retains the look of a real supercar with it's low, sleek lines. We've kept many of the best angles for people to see at the show next week including the 3/4 rear view along the lines of the vehicle which is simply stunning and extremely unique.
I personally drove the car just recently and I would be happy for any Esprit driver to drive it in the knowledge that the performance is very similar to the cars they drive at present. Let us not forget that the car is still in development, we will not begin production until the end of December and although the exterior design is as good as complete we still have to put the finishing touches to the overall package. The car is on target for release as stated and is bringing the company back to Colin's original vision for Lotus.
'Firstly I'd like to address the concerns that the car looks like the Elise/Exige platform. Where we were concerned, was with fulfilling our objective of recognisable Lotus DNA in a completely new platform. I would ask you to view the car in the flesh before you make any decision as I can assure you that it is absolutely beautiful, elegant with lush haunches and the treatment at the rear of the car (which is the view most people will have) is phenomenal with exquisite lines and at the same time it looks strong, very strong and aggressive. The car interior is stylish and modern, yet retaining a unique Lotus feel. The high quality finish will match up to the highest competition in the market and the ease of use and functionality are ground breaking, designed around the driver as all Lotus products are.
The development team have created, in the Eagle project, a unique car which results in a stunning package and I am exceedingly pleased with what they have achieved. The proportions of the vehicle exterior, whilst being much larger than the Elise footprint belie the 'quart into a pint pot' interior and many of the largest Esprit drivers will find the car very comfortable and still retain room in the back, yet the car retains the look of a real supercar with it's low, sleek lines. We've kept many of the best angles for people to see at the show next week including the 3/4 rear view along the lines of the vehicle which is simply stunning and extremely unique.
I personally drove the car just recently and I would be happy for any Esprit driver to drive it in the knowledge that the performance is very similar to the cars they drive at present. Let us not forget that the car is still in development, we will not begin production until the end of December and although the exterior design is as good as complete we still have to put the finishing touches to the overall package. The car is on target for release as stated and is bringing the company back to Colin's original vision for Lotus.
I did not like the initial picture, but the pictures in Autocar look great. I have a Europa so know all about cars looking very different in the flesh compared with in the pictures. I have to say Lotus look like they have produced a lovely motor. Next time my wife moans about me having a 2 seater and nowhere to put the little ones I know what I am going to be showing her.
I'm amazed Mike Kimberley posted on a forum! Not something I would think many people in his position would have done...! Probably shows just how important this car is to not Lotus's existance and just how knife edge it is...
A reply like that, to me, looks like a bloke who is cacking it. All anyone has seen is a couple of pretty crap pics that make the car look average at best. I Would have shut up until after the motorshow at the least!
A reply like that, to me, looks like a bloke who is cacking it. All anyone has seen is a couple of pretty crap pics that make the car look average at best. I Would have shut up until after the motorshow at the least!
Twit said:
I'm amazed Mike Kimberley posted on a forum! Not something I would think many people in his position would have done...! Probably shows just how important this car is to not Lotus's existance and just how knife edge it is...
A reply like that, to me, looks like a bloke who is cacking it. All anyone has seen is a couple of pretty crap pics that make the car look average at best. I Would have shut up until after the motorshow at the least!
Or shows a man so passionate about the marque that he feels justified to defend it to ensure it gets a fair crack of the whip.A reply like that, to me, looks like a bloke who is cacking it. All anyone has seen is a couple of pretty crap pics that make the car look average at best. I Would have shut up until after the motorshow at the least!
I think Mike's son is a regular poster on LEF, so that's probably how he heard about it.
I've got nothing but praise for his efforts in turning Lotus around. This is the man who worked alongside Chapman for many years. He knows far better than any of us what Lotus's key values were & at an age when many of his peers are sitting in comfy armchairs smoking pipes, he's fighting to bring the company he loves back to rude health.
They have put everything into the Eagle & good on him for being so committed he's willing to justify it to a few web mongs like us
Edited by jb111s on Wednesday 16th July 20:29
Edited by jb111s on Wednesday 16th July 20:31
Twit said:
A reply like that, to me, looks like a bloke who is cacking it. All anyone has seen is a couple of pretty crap pics that make the car look average at best. I Would have shut up until after the motorshow at the least!
If I were him, I would be pretty upset by the ill-informed nonsense some armchair pundits are spouting in this and other forums. There are some very good pictures available for those that want to find out about the car (my desktop is now resized from the 30 megapixel image that has been provided). There are also some figures that suggest it will be pretty competitive. The specification on the press release is impressive and Lotus still have six month's development time to make sure that the reality exceeds people's expectations.Naturally, with some of the 'facts' being made up by people who clearly don't know much about the car, some potential owners - some of whom have already put down deposits - will be wanting some reassurance. I don't blame him for wanting to clarify things before the rumours colour people's perceptions. He's bet the company on this car.
I'm very pleased to hear that Lotus - at the highest level - are paying attention to the things current and ex-owners are saying about this car. I hope those that get a kick out of rubbishing something with little or no justification don't get the satisfaction of damaging this project before Lotus can demonstrate what their greatest efforts can produce.
I agree with you, but I'm not sure a forum on the day a couple of pics turn up is the place to make the point!
Next week we will all actually see the car, so the pics will be irrelevant - we'll all have our own!!!! The specs are simply illustrative at the moment, they are not fixed so I'm not paying any attention to any of of those as they will change ot could be changed. I don't really think he needs to make a point, the car will do that (or not) for him, I prefer more gravitas from senior directors!
I do take the point about reassurance for those with deposits on, but they are returnable so in financial terms it shouldnt be an issue. And, besides following the M250 farce I'm surprised anyone has actually put a deposit down unseen.
For me I'll wait to actually see, feel and drive the thing. If its good I'll buy one, I don't really care what price it ends up at, but if its rubbish I won't. From what we can see now, which isnt much, I'm a bit underwhelmed; but I'm pretty sure the pictures are doing a bad job of selling the car!!!
Next week we will all actually see the car, so the pics will be irrelevant - we'll all have our own!!!! The specs are simply illustrative at the moment, they are not fixed so I'm not paying any attention to any of of those as they will change ot could be changed. I don't really think he needs to make a point, the car will do that (or not) for him, I prefer more gravitas from senior directors!
I do take the point about reassurance for those with deposits on, but they are returnable so in financial terms it shouldnt be an issue. And, besides following the M250 farce I'm surprised anyone has actually put a deposit down unseen.
For me I'll wait to actually see, feel and drive the thing. If its good I'll buy one, I don't really care what price it ends up at, but if its rubbish I won't. From what we can see now, which isnt much, I'm a bit underwhelmed; but I'm pretty sure the pictures are doing a bad job of selling the car!!!
Tuna said:
Twit said:
A reply like that, to me, looks like a bloke who is cacking it. All anyone has seen is a couple of pretty crap pics that make the car look average at best. I Would have shut up until after the motorshow at the least!
If I were him, I would be pretty upset by the ill-informed nonsense some armchair pundits are spouting in this and other forums. There are some very good pictures available for those that want to find out about the car (my desktop is now resized from the 30 megapixel image that has been provided). There are also some figures that suggest it will be pretty competitive. The specification on the press release is impressive and Lotus still have six month's development time to make sure that the reality exceeds people's expectations.Naturally, with some of the 'facts' being made up by people who clearly don't know much about the car, some potential owners - some of whom have already put down deposits - will be wanting some reassurance. I don't blame him for wanting to clarify things before the rumours colour people's perceptions. He's bet the company on this car.
I'm very pleased to hear that Lotus - at the highest level - are paying attention to the things current and ex-owners are saying about this car. I hope those that get a kick out of rubbishing something with little or no justification don't get the satisfaction of damaging this project before Lotus can demonstrate what their greatest efforts can produce.
I like the car, and the more I look ate the couple of pics on the web, the more I like it but they're just flat pictures on a screen and can never properly represent to a 3 dimensional object.
I'm looking forward to seeing in in the flesh and finding out about the way it drives.
Until then all comments regarding anything other than the few images are pure speculation.
I am so proud that Mr Kimberley has seen fit to open a discussion about the Eagle. Can you imagine a director of Porsche responding in any way.
I know PH is well read in Hethel, I was known as "Gooby" on our factory visit.
To me it shows concern for the product. Colin would have got stuck in with anyone who would argue a point - this shows a passion and a buy in to Lotus.
Yes, this car needs to succeed otherwise there will be huge doubts over the future of Lotus. There is no doubt, Many CEO with Kimberleys pedigree would be checking the colour of his parachute and looking to other organisations for his next move. This shows that Kimberley cares and wants Lotus to succeed.
Before I read that, it was another Lotus product, now I feel that there is some pride and passion in this car.
Thankyou Mike for your time and response and to all those at Hethel, the motor show is nearly here and I would bet that you will be working all hours until the public turn up. Bloody good Luck!
People seem to enjoy failure more than success. Most people do not understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into the creative process especially when the bar is set so high. Their comments are cheap and done without understanding.
Failure sucks - I wish you all every success.
I know PH is well read in Hethel, I was known as "Gooby" on our factory visit.
To me it shows concern for the product. Colin would have got stuck in with anyone who would argue a point - this shows a passion and a buy in to Lotus.
Yes, this car needs to succeed otherwise there will be huge doubts over the future of Lotus. There is no doubt, Many CEO with Kimberleys pedigree would be checking the colour of his parachute and looking to other organisations for his next move. This shows that Kimberley cares and wants Lotus to succeed.
Before I read that, it was another Lotus product, now I feel that there is some pride and passion in this car.
Thankyou Mike for your time and response and to all those at Hethel, the motor show is nearly here and I would bet that you will be working all hours until the public turn up. Bloody good Luck!
People seem to enjoy failure more than success. Most people do not understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into the creative process especially when the bar is set so high. Their comments are cheap and done without understanding.
Failure sucks - I wish you all every success.
Gooby said:
I am so proud that Mr Kimberley has seen fit to open a discussion about the Eagle. Can you imagine a director of Porsche responding in any way.
I know PH is well read in Hethel, I was known as "Gooby" on our factory visit.
To me it shows concern for the product. Colin would have got stuck in with anyone who would argue a point - this shows a passion and a buy in to Lotus.
Yes, this car needs to succeed otherwise there will be huge doubts over the future of Lotus. There is no doubt, Many CEO with Kimberleys pedigree would be checking the colour of his parachute and looking to other organisations for his next move. This shows that Kimberley cares and wants Lotus to succeed.
Before I read that, it was another Lotus product, now I feel that there is some pride and passion in this car.
Thankyou Mike for your time and response and to all those at Hethel, the motor show is nearly here and I would bet that you will be working all hours until the public turn up. Bloody good Luck!
People seem to enjoy failure more than success. Most people do not understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into the creative process especially when the bar is set so high. Their comments are cheap and done without understanding.
Failure sucks - I wish you all every success.
I totally agree with your sentiment, and I really hope this car is a mega success and I personally really want to love it! But I completely disagree with making a statement like that on a forum, it smacks of defense! The time to do that is when an Evo or a Top Gear slates it, not when a bunch of web monkeys get all excited over 6 pictures!!!I know PH is well read in Hethel, I was known as "Gooby" on our factory visit.
To me it shows concern for the product. Colin would have got stuck in with anyone who would argue a point - this shows a passion and a buy in to Lotus.
Yes, this car needs to succeed otherwise there will be huge doubts over the future of Lotus. There is no doubt, Many CEO with Kimberleys pedigree would be checking the colour of his parachute and looking to other organisations for his next move. This shows that Kimberley cares and wants Lotus to succeed.
Before I read that, it was another Lotus product, now I feel that there is some pride and passion in this car.
Thankyou Mike for your time and response and to all those at Hethel, the motor show is nearly here and I would bet that you will be working all hours until the public turn up. Bloody good Luck!
People seem to enjoy failure more than success. Most people do not understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into the creative process especially when the bar is set so high. Their comments are cheap and done without understanding.
Failure sucks - I wish you all every success.
There is no need to make any statement as no one really knows anything yet! Thats my view anyway...
Gooby said:
I am so proud that Mr Kimberley has seen fit to open a discussion about the Eagle. Can you imagine a director of Porsche responding in any way.
I know PH is well read in Hethel, I was known as "Gooby" on our factory visit.
To me it shows concern for the product. Colin would have got stuck in with anyone who would argue a point - this shows a passion and a buy in to Lotus.
Yes, this car needs to succeed otherwise there will be huge doubts over the future of Lotus. There is no doubt, Many CEO with Kimberleys pedigree would be checking the colour of his parachute and looking to other organisations for his next move. This shows that Kimberley cares and wants Lotus to succeed.
Before I read that, it was another Lotus product, now I feel that there is some pride and passion in this car.
Thankyou Mike for your time and response and to all those at Hethel, the motor show is nearly here and I would bet that you will be working all hours until the public turn up. Bloody good Luck!
People seem to enjoy failure more than success. Most people do not understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into the creative process especially when the bar is set so high. Their comments are cheap and done without understanding.
Failure sucks - I wish you all every success.
I don't agree with everything you post Gooby (albeit silently sometimesI know PH is well read in Hethel, I was known as "Gooby" on our factory visit.
To me it shows concern for the product. Colin would have got stuck in with anyone who would argue a point - this shows a passion and a buy in to Lotus.
Yes, this car needs to succeed otherwise there will be huge doubts over the future of Lotus. There is no doubt, Many CEO with Kimberleys pedigree would be checking the colour of his parachute and looking to other organisations for his next move. This shows that Kimberley cares and wants Lotus to succeed.
Before I read that, it was another Lotus product, now I feel that there is some pride and passion in this car.
Thankyou Mike for your time and response and to all those at Hethel, the motor show is nearly here and I would bet that you will be working all hours until the public turn up. Bloody good Luck!
People seem to enjoy failure more than success. Most people do not understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into the creative process especially when the bar is set so high. Their comments are cheap and done without understanding.
Failure sucks - I wish you all every success.
), but that one gets a great big BFD from me.I was genuinely excited when I heard Mike Kimberley was back at the helm and the Eagle justifies that excitement
Go Lotus and Go Mike Kimberley and team
Twit said:
I agree with you, but I'm not sure a forum on the day a couple of pics turn up is the place to make the point!
Next week we will all actually see the car, so the pics will be irrelevant - we'll all have our own!!!! The specs are simply illustrative at the moment, they are not fixed so I'm not paying any attention to any of of those as they will change ot could be changed. I don't really think he needs to make a point, the car will do that (or not) for him, I prefer more gravitas from senior directors!
I do take the point about reassurance for those with deposits on, but they are returnable so in financial terms it shouldnt be an issue. And, besides following the M250 farce I'm surprised anyone has actually put a deposit down unseen.
I was caught up in the M250 farce. Relatively few people remember it - which is a pity because I'd be very pleased if Lotus honoured the deposit I lost. Next week we will all actually see the car, so the pics will be irrelevant - we'll all have our own!!!! The specs are simply illustrative at the moment, they are not fixed so I'm not paying any attention to any of of those as they will change ot could be changed. I don't really think he needs to make a point, the car will do that (or not) for him, I prefer more gravitas from senior directors!
I do take the point about reassurance for those with deposits on, but they are returnable so in financial terms it shouldnt be an issue. And, besides following the M250 farce I'm surprised anyone has actually put a deposit down unseen.
The vast majority of people interested in the car will get their first information from the internet and magazines, not from seeing it in the flesh at the motor show. Even amongst those who should know better, the misinformation is quite staggering (i.e. this is a stretched Elise!). Getting a good buzz online is vital. You say that you're waiting to see what the car looks like, but already your posts have been hugely negative and dismissive of the car. Anyone wanting to find out whether the car will be any good will read opinions like that and think "maybe it's not such a good design" - because they don't know that your comments are based on a small picture and nothing else.
As for deposits, yes they are refundable, but from Lotus' point of view it would be hugely damaging if word got out that deposits were being returned. They need people to have confidence in the car, and to understand what it is they're buying. People thinking that they're getting the next Esprit, or an even faster track-day car will be disappointed, and if they return their deposits the real target market might start thinking that the car isn't that good.
Tuna said:
but already your posts have been hugely negative and dismissive of the car. Anyone wanting to find out whether the car will be any good will read opinions like that and think "maybe it's not such a good design" -
They have not been hugely negative, I have said I am underwhelmed and I am. I was really hoping for something a bit radical, the fact that it looks a bit like an M250 is not good in my view as that design has dated horribly. But I have said in every post that I will wait to see it and, if its any good I'll write the cheque and buy one - thats not negative!Check the comments on the autocar site, they are not Lotus fans specifically and the reaction there isnt that positive, in the main the design isnt radical enough. I showed people at work today and everyone, without exception, said it looked like an elise...!
The point have been making is wait and see, I'm sure in the flesh it'll look ok and I wouldnt be at all surprised if it looks a bit different from the pics revealed today. In short from what I can see today (which is next to nothing) I'm disappointed, but I'll reserve my judgement until I see and feel it!
Still dont think a Lotus director posting on a forum is a great idea mind you!!
Lots of sense in that post Tuna.
Imagine we were looking at a new Porker. We'd be looking at the Porsche forums and saying 'even the Porsche boys don't like it'. Mmmmmmmm
Come on peeps, if Lotus are to survive they need to get into new markets. The Elise/Exige saved them and I can't see the concept of a lightweight sportster/trackcar going away. Let's applaud the Eagle and the achievement it represents for a very small car manufacturer.
The Eagle isn't what I need or want right now but in a few years? Who knows? I'd like to think that Lotus are still around offering a left field alternative to the German mass market offerings and a car that looks and drives like a Lotus -like no other.
Imagine we were looking at a new Porker. We'd be looking at the Porsche forums and saying 'even the Porsche boys don't like it'. Mmmmmmmm
Come on peeps, if Lotus are to survive they need to get into new markets. The Elise/Exige saved them and I can't see the concept of a lightweight sportster/trackcar going away. Let's applaud the Eagle and the achievement it represents for a very small car manufacturer.
The Eagle isn't what I need or want right now but in a few years? Who knows? I'd like to think that Lotus are still around offering a left field alternative to the German mass market offerings and a car that looks and drives like a Lotus -like no other.
TIPPER said:
Lots of sense in that post Tuna.
Imagine we were looking at a new Porker. We'd be looking at the Porsche forums and saying 'even the Porsche boys don't like it'. Mmmmmmmm
Come on peeps, if Lotus are to survive they need to get into new markets. The Elise/Exige saved them and I can't see the concept of a lightweight sportster/trackcar going away. Let's applaud the Eagle and the achievement it represents for a very small car manufacturer.
The Eagle isn't what I need or want right now but in a few years? Who knows? I'd like to think that Lotus are still around offering a left field alternative to the German mass market offerings and a car that looks and drives like a Lotus -like no other.
We are going to have to open a Tipper / Gooby mutual apreciation forum.Imagine we were looking at a new Porker. We'd be looking at the Porsche forums and saying 'even the Porsche boys don't like it'. Mmmmmmmm
Come on peeps, if Lotus are to survive they need to get into new markets. The Elise/Exige saved them and I can't see the concept of a lightweight sportster/trackcar going away. Let's applaud the Eagle and the achievement it represents for a very small car manufacturer.
The Eagle isn't what I need or want right now but in a few years? Who knows? I'd like to think that Lotus are still around offering a left field alternative to the German mass market offerings and a car that looks and drives like a Lotus -like no other.
Lets face it Prokers are very popular for many reasons, one of the biggest is that you can have a seriously good sports car that is reliable and useable. Could you imagine commuting to work every day in a fezza? No chance. This car has the potential to be an every day sports car with some pedigree and passion that you could use as a daily driver. My hope is that we Lotus have distilled thier driver focus and added some design flair (The pics support this), topped the package with reliability and useability (The choice of engine would support this). It seems to have passion and practicality and if the motoring press are as kind to Lotus as they have been over the last few months, fingers crossed.
I will place a bet right now. I will bet money that however the "Eagle" does with the motoring press, 5th gear will not like it and find Porsche wins of some odd test, even if it is something as stupid as driving it backwards.
Through joke of a program
kevin ritson said:
I have to say that after reading the Autocar article on the way into the office this morning I was genuinely excited about the car and can't wait to see it. Just wish my earnings were a bit higher but then in a couple of years when the first s/h ones come onto the market...
Same her...after reading the article I had an excitement that I've not had for a new Lotus for years. As I h ave a two year old and a little on the way this is the perfect car for me. Until know I would have been Lotusless without this car. Bravo Mike, I think his passion for this car comes over in the reply and he needs to be applauded for this.The pics in Autocar are very good. The one where the guys who developed the car are stood around it shows just how low and sleek the car looks but if I had one worry and that is the back arch area...seemd to look a bit heavy handed, has a touch of thast still born Noble thingy..still a great effort and lets hope is does Lotus proud.
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