RE: Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition
Discussion
Lagerlout said:
I wish they'd start making cars more like the 2-Eleven. Target weight of 750kg, but a modern Elise with a windscreen. We've got a 2-Eleven and a new 220 Sport, the 220 Sport is really nice but the 2-Eleven is just alive with feedback especially in the steering and braking departments. Keep the Exige and bin the rest. Downsize the business and target a more specialist market. They are never going to compete with any volume manufacturers without massive investment and they should stop trying.
As I understand it, they took on a lot of debt during the era of Danny Bahahaha. This put them in a situation where need to become a volume manufacturer. I would love to see Lotus concentrate on real driver's cars, but they need to sell to fat yanks and SUVs to Asia. Hopefully this will keep them afloat, and in a position to still make a handful of special edition Elise and Exige models forever. SpudLink said:
they need to sell to fat yanks and SUVs to Asia.
I doubt 99.9% of Americans, let alone our Fear Eastern cousins, have even heard of Lotus. Trying something completely new risks repeating the front-wheel-drive sportscar or mid-engined 2+2 fiascos.Other manufacturers have marketed SUVs from a position of strength, not out of desperation.
Modern sportscar or sporty road car is the way I would go, and they'll have to keep the price under control. Europa 2 seemed a decent car in its day but no-one was ever going to pay an extra £10k for a hardtop Elise. There's no future for a company of Lotus size building cars for a handful of blokes in driving gloves, standing on a windy airfield comparing minutiae of their specifications.
otolith said:
DonkeyApple said:
The other big issue that again the current management are fully aware of and redressing as they can afford to is that for decades Lotus cars have been built for malnourished Hobbits, a pretty niche market. 
. But also, as well as physically excluding a large number of potential buyers they have failed to understand that at the same time a large number of short blokes don't rush to buy things that draw draw attention to their shortness, such as flat soles shoes or Lotus cars. Most short blokes tend to want to buy things that intimate they are taller than they actually are.
I'm 5'6, and have never even considered it. If I were to, I think I'd be less drawn to a car that looks like I'm trying to compensate. I suppose there probably are some blokes who think like that, and they would buy some monstrous SUV.. But also, as well as physically excluding a large number of potential buyers they have failed to understand that at the same time a large number of short blokes don't rush to buy things that draw draw attention to their shortness, such as flat soles shoes or Lotus cars. Most short blokes tend to want to buy things that intimate they are taller than they actually are. 
Ugh, I thought this was PistonHeads?
6 pages and no mention of the last car to hold a "350" Special Edition monika from Lotus -
Just don't look up the interior shots which make this thing look really old.
Lotus aren't in the game of making cars for the 'modern man' unfortunately, the one who buys his skinny Latte every morning before work, wears those ridiculous tight-fitting trousers (probably why folk can't get in an Elise / Exige) and is, above all else; a bit of a tart.
They still make proper cars for people who want to make the effort to get in and out of them and enjoy them.
6 pages and no mention of the last car to hold a "350" Special Edition monika from Lotus -
Just don't look up the interior shots which make this thing look really old.
Lotus aren't in the game of making cars for the 'modern man' unfortunately, the one who buys his skinny Latte every morning before work, wears those ridiculous tight-fitting trousers (probably why folk can't get in an Elise / Exige) and is, above all else; a bit of a tart.
They still make proper cars for people who want to make the effort to get in and out of them and enjoy them.
C.A.R. said:
Ugh, I thought this was PistonHeads?
6 pages and no mention of the last car to hold a "350" Special Edition monika from Lotus -
Just don't look up the interior shots which make this thing look really old.
Lotus aren't in the game of making cars for the 'modern man' unfortunately, the one who buys his skinny Latte every morning before work, wears those ridiculous tight-fitting trousers (probably why folk can't get in an Elise / Exige) and is, above all else; a bit of a tart.
They still make proper cars for people who want to make the effort to get in and out of them and enjoy them.
Hey! I love a skinny latte. If I got a full fat one I couldn't haul my leg over my S1 sills!6 pages and no mention of the last car to hold a "350" Special Edition monika from Lotus -
Just don't look up the interior shots which make this thing look really old.
Lotus aren't in the game of making cars for the 'modern man' unfortunately, the one who buys his skinny Latte every morning before work, wears those ridiculous tight-fitting trousers (probably why folk can't get in an Elise / Exige) and is, above all else; a bit of a tart.
They still make proper cars for people who want to make the effort to get in and out of them and enjoy them.
Tickle said:
Hey! I love a skinny latte. If I got a full fat one I couldn't haul my leg over my S1 sills!
To be fair I don't even know what one is. Is it just made using low-fat milk? But giving it a hip name?I always get a puzzled look in Starbucks when I ask for a "white coffee please" - it's like you're talking a foreign language, when all they want to know is your order - in Italian FFS.
My dad has an S2 and he's a portly fella. He manages to get in more gracefully than me - practice definitely required for any Elise / Exige - but that's surely part of the charm / sense of occasion?!
C.A.R. said:
To be fair I don't even know what one is. Is it just made using low-fat milk? But giving it a hip name?
I always get a puzzled look in Starbucks when I ask for a "white coffee please" - it's like you're talking a foreign language, when all they want to know is your order - in Italian FFS.
My dad has an S2 and he's a portly fella. He manages to get in more gracefully than me - practice definitely required for any Elise / Exige - but that's surely part of the charm / sense of occasion?!
Don't worry, my wife is Italian and informs me that it's all made up rubbish, like paninis and that the liquid they sell is more akin to piss than real coffee. I always get a puzzled look in Starbucks when I ask for a "white coffee please" - it's like you're talking a foreign language, when all they want to know is your order - in Italian FFS.
My dad has an S2 and he's a portly fella. He manages to get in more gracefully than me - practice definitely required for any Elise / Exige - but that's surely part of the charm / sense of occasion?!
C.A.R. said:
To be fair I don't even know what one is. Is it just made using low-fat milk? But giving it a hip name?
I always get a puzzled look in Starbucks when I ask for a "white coffee please" - it's like you're talking a foreign language, when all they want to know is your order - in Italian FFS.
My dad has an S2 and he's a portly fella. He manages to get in more gracefully than me - practice definitely required for any Elise / Exige - but that's surely part of the charm / sense of occasion?!
Absolutely. I would probably be classed as the ‘hobitty’ stature mentioned in this thread (5’ 6” and 60kg). Getting in and out of an Elise/Exige is a bit of a knack that you get to master quickly, my S1 is more of a faff than an V6 Exige too. I think the high/fat sills add to the experience of being cocooned in the car.I always get a puzzled look in Starbucks when I ask for a "white coffee please" - it's like you're talking a foreign language, when all they want to know is your order - in Italian FFS.
My dad has an S2 and he's a portly fella. He manages to get in more gracefully than me - practice definitely required for any Elise / Exige - but that's surely part of the charm / sense of occasion?!
As for the comments regarding the interior of the Exige, I personally think the 'old' Exige 360 Cup has one of the most appropriate interiors of a focused sports car; no clutter, just functioning kit with the bits that matter (seats, steering wheel, pedals and gear knob) all in the right place.
First time I tried to get in a S2 Elise they had to take the roof off for me. However when I bought by Exige V6S Coupe I soon sussed how to get in and out easily. I'm 6 foot and no problems.
The main problem Lotus have is their marketing, or lack of it. Once people have a test drive they are usually blown away and realise it's all about the driving experience, rather than image, luxury interiors etc. If you haven't driven one, get down to your local dealer and drive one. Then come back and comment on the cars.
Of course if you want a bit of luxury, easier access etc, then the Evora is a cracking car. On my 2nd now and amazed how well they soak up the bumps on the road providing an Exec car style ride. As for the exhaust noise from the 400 I just laugh to myself everytime I give it some beans. Like others I wasnt sure of the new styling from photos but was suitably impressed in the flesh to buy one.
GO ON......TEST DRIVE A LOTUS tomorrow
The main problem Lotus have is their marketing, or lack of it. Once people have a test drive they are usually blown away and realise it's all about the driving experience, rather than image, luxury interiors etc. If you haven't driven one, get down to your local dealer and drive one. Then come back and comment on the cars.
Of course if you want a bit of luxury, easier access etc, then the Evora is a cracking car. On my 2nd now and amazed how well they soak up the bumps on the road providing an Exec car style ride. As for the exhaust noise from the 400 I just laugh to myself everytime I give it some beans. Like others I wasnt sure of the new styling from photos but was suitably impressed in the flesh to buy one.
GO ON......TEST DRIVE A LOTUS tomorrow
I once was selling a 911 (993). Bloke made an appointment to come see it. Phoned and apologised, said he had to cancel - he'd seen another but couldn't drive it because he couldn't fit!
I asked what he was driving now, he said an Elise. I asked how on earth he managed the Elise - it seemed the problem for him was steering wheel clearance, the wheel in the Elise is tiny, so no problem!
You can always cheat and roll the roof partway across before getting in
I asked what he was driving now, he said an Elise. I asked how on earth he managed the Elise - it seemed the problem for him was steering wheel clearance, the wheel in the Elise is tiny, so no problem!
You can always cheat and roll the roof partway across before getting in
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