Comments on: Lotus reveals 2008 lineup, acknowledges upcoming 2+2 sports car, Esprit replacement

By: jackjimturkey

jackjimturkey — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:54:55 +0000

Most of my Lotus driving has been in Gran Turismo.

“If I were 7 years old, I would much rather ride in the stodgy momobile where I can watch Spongebob on the 8″ flatscreen than a car that doesn’t even have an arm rest to fight your sister for.”
Good point, Cyclone

By: global_lightning

global_lightning — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:41:52 +0000

When I was 3 years old my Dad owned a blood red Ford Torino GT with the red leather interior. One of my earliest childhood memories is my and my sister in the back seat while he was smoking the rear tires. Kids now are deprived little boob-tube addicts. Get them out and let them experience some g-forces.

By: Cyclone of Red

Cyclone of Red — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:56:10 +0000

I don’t know global_lightning. If I were 7 years old, I would much rather ride in the stodgy momobile where I can watch Spongebob on the 8″ flatscreen than a car that doesn’t even have an arm rest to fight your sister for.

By: global_lightning

global_lightning — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:11:45 +0000

The GT-R will compete more against the Corvette than the Elise/Exige. It’s a different set of buyers. Lotus doesn’t build ‘numbers car’; they lose every head-to-head racetrack competition on acceleration, braking, and skidpad numbers. Instead they compete more on road feel and agility.

By: CTS DRIVER

CTS DRIVER — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:08:57 +0000

^ why just the corvette, couldnt you use another car there astin? hater.

By: Aston Martin

Aston Martin — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:43:50 +0000

Best handling cars in the world. Although I’m really kicking myself for not waiting for the performance S version of the Exige. I’ll just have to upgrade my one’s engine.
The Esprit will be the ambassador of the British bulldog for years to come. The Corvette is going to be absolutely WHOOPED!!!!

By: Veda

Veda — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:31:57 +0000

Seriously though how is this going to go against the 3.7sec Nissan GT-R if it’s going to be similarly priced?

By: global_lightning

global_lightning — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:52:19 +0000

Lotus has sold 2+2 models, although to my knowledge never in the U.S. The last one was the Excel, which shared a lot of parts with the 1980′s Toyota Supra. I think a new 2+2 would sell well with guys who want Lotus handling, but need to throw a couple of rugrats in the back. I’m sure the kids would rather ride in Dad’s funcar than Mom’s stodgy minivan…

By: Cyclone of Red

Cyclone of Red — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:54:16 +0000

I’m curious what made Lotus decide to build a 2+2. The idea behind Lotus is to scrap all unessential luxury/features which do not contribute to performance but do to weight in order to produce the ultimate spartan sports car. I mean seriously, when a cup holder is an extra feature you know this is not meant to be a daily commuter.

So why ruin that pure sport spirit with a second row of seats. Unless they add a lot more luxury no one is going to buy it as a vehicle for the carpool to work or for taking the family to Disneyland. And who wants to hit the race track with an extra 300-400 lbs. of passangers in the back of the car to slow it down?

Perhaps I missed a press release where they explained this decision. If so, someone please fill me in.

By: 67_L-88

67_L-88 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:22:36 +0000

I’m loving lotus more and more every minute. Keep up the good work.

By: autonut

autonut — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:24:19 +0000

meanpants555 in Europe they have their own, bit for states they are using the same mill as Corolla/Matrix/Vibe, but the more tuned one.

By: Madcapp

Madcapp — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:21:28 +0000

Lineup? What do they have a sedan, wagon, SUV and crossover coming out or something?

By: CA36GTP

CA36GTP — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:13:22 +0000

Some of the ugliest cars in the world, but boy do they fly.

By: meanpants555

meanpants555 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:03:26 +0000

Most important is who is providing engines to the upcoming Esprit.

By: autonut

autonut — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:02:34 +0000

This is competition to Honda S2000 in performance. Of course it is a lot pricier. Based on specs looks like more fun to drive, but need to drive it before passing jusgement.

By: jamaicandude

jamaicandude — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:55:13 +0000

Sounds like good times ahead from Lotus.