RE: Is VW going to buy Lotus?
Discussion
kambites said:
Scuffers said:
with respect, exactly what have Lotus got that VW does not already have?
People who can set up suspension so that a car handles well without fracturing your spine every time you go over a bump? 
that said, having driven R8's etc, they actually need stiffer springs.
drewbagz said:
Whilst i don't believe Lotus would benefit hugely from being owned by VW, other than a cracking range of TFSI engines that could well make it into all manner of Lotus cars (preferrably mated to a Lotus gearbox mind), and a parent company with an almost bottomless wallet, i think VW would be the majpr beneficiary, the likes of the GTI for example which was a bit 'wet' in it's MkVI incarnation, would be terrific im sure with a sprinkle of Lotus magic to the chassis.
Certainly makes for an interesting prospect; Lotus running the latest generation of efficient powerful VW engines and VW's running Lotus tuned chassis. The likes of the Renaultsport should be keeping a close eye in their rear view mirror should this come to fruition.
As I said before - the general public want their "sporty" cars to be rock hard, coz it makes 'em quicker, ain't it. Certainly makes for an interesting prospect; Lotus running the latest generation of efficient powerful VW engines and VW's running Lotus tuned chassis. The likes of the Renaultsport should be keeping a close eye in their rear view mirror should this come to fruition.
Scuffers said:
you can hardly blame VW for going with market demand, ie. 20" rims and rubber band tyres, this is what people seem to want despite what it does for ride and handling, (you only have to look at how many Audi S-Lines have the big wheels fitted to get the point.)
I was thinking mostly of Porsche, to be honest. I know that in the hot hatch market, stupidly stiff suspension is actually considered a plus by many. Edited by kambites on Tuesday 24th July 09:20
Elise TDI available soon? 
I believe it's been done by a few owners. 
gofasterrosssco said:
Its interesting that people think VW are stupid enough to take a brand (in this case Lotus) and strip away its USP? Maybe they will end up using VAG engines (generally not a bad thing) but why would they remove the ability for Lotus to produce exciting, light, small cars? The proviso I'm assuming is that they stop loosing money..
I guess in the likes of Lambo, they took a struggling company, pumped in ALOT of money, engineering and expertise in its own area (soft touch dashes?) and ended up with products that are still what, 90% of what a Lambo previously was, but a generally better, more accessible vehicle, that sells well, and keeps the brand alive.. Is that not what we'd like?
Honestly no.I guess in the likes of Lambo, they took a struggling company, pumped in ALOT of money, engineering and expertise in its own area (soft touch dashes?) and ended up with products that are still what, 90% of what a Lambo previously was, but a generally better, more accessible vehicle, that sells well, and keeps the brand alive.. Is that not what we'd like?
Whenever you mass market anything, it will dilute the original. The original might be flawed and hugely compromised, but usually those are the points that made it legendary rather than a sensible business proposition. Sometimes the heart should rule the head.
A Lotus sports car with VAG involvement could potentially be great. All the positive characteristics of Lotus that we know and love, in a car that has everyday usability (and squidgy gropable interior plastics). It could even be naturally aspirated, because the average emissions in the VAG empire are lowered by the hundreds of thousands of ecodiesel s
tboxes they sell.
tboxes they sell.VW taking over the running of car manufacture for the world??
Well its only recently they were in negotiations for TVR, so if not them then Lotus would be good.
Seems to be, they leave the marque identity alone but sort the management, from past experience that can only be a good thing!
Apparently the Britishness of TVR appealed to them so Lotus would be a great choice, now Smolensky is planning on TVR wind turbines! DOH !!
Well its only recently they were in negotiations for TVR, so if not them then Lotus would be good.
Seems to be, they leave the marque identity alone but sort the management, from past experience that can only be a good thing!
Apparently the Britishness of TVR appealed to them so Lotus would be a great choice, now Smolensky is planning on TVR wind turbines! DOH !!
Edited by S2Mike on Tuesday 24th July 09:37
900T-R said:
What, because it doesn't steer like a truck and it isn't impossible to see where you're going from the driver's seat? 
That is eactly the problem. They don't try to kill you any more...The old ones felt like they were hiding in the shadows waiting with knives, and rocket launchers, and machine guns, ready to kill you in many many strange and unusual ways.
The new ones are too safe.
kambites said:
Noooo... if they start putting turbochargers in Lotuses again, I will be very unhappy. 
Guaranteed to come at some point;http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1205_th...
Scuffers said:
kambites said:
Scuffers said:
with respect, exactly what have Lotus got that VW does not already have?
People who can set up suspension so that a car handles well without fracturing your spine every time you go over a bump? that said, having driven R8's etc, they actually need stiffer springs.
Just saying.
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