From Deposit to Order Timeframe

[LTUS]

I'm curious how long you had to wait from the time you placed a deposit until the time you were actually able to place your order for the Emira? This probably applies more to later purchases versus those who placed deposits back in 2021.
I get zero response/communication from my dealer either from calls or emails. The only way I speak with him is if I just show up at the dealership. I placed a deposit back in March '23 and was informed that I would likely be able to place an order the first quarter of '24. With all of the CARB and other delays, this time has come and gone and that is somewhat expected on my part, but I still have no idea when to even expect to be able to place an actual order. I've seen some posts on this forum that orders may be delayed until the 3rd or 4th quarter of this year but then there was a post that it may be late '25 or '26 before these orders are filled. Curious what timeframe to expect.

 

[RoryBellows]

I have been told that my spec cant be finalized until the new base configurator goes live. All the FEs are gone so the current configurator is technically outdated.

 

[Aero]

If you havent been told you were getting a FE2, then youll have to wait to til the new base configurator comes online.
Ask your dealer how many people are in front of you that also have a base edition now and how many allocations they have per month. That should give you a guesstimate once they start the base orders.

 

[SirSoysauce]

I'm curious how long you had to wait from the time you placed a deposit until the time you were actually able to place your order for the Emira? This probably applies more to later purchases versus those who placed deposits back in 2021.
I get zero response/communication from my dealer either from calls or emails. The only way I speak with him is if I just show up at the dealership. I placed a deposit back in March '23 and was informed that I would likely be able to place an order the first quarter of '24. With all of the CARB and other delays, this time has come and gone and that is somewhat expected on my part, but I still have no idea when to even expect to be able to place an actual order. I've seen some posts on this forum that orders may be delayed until the 3rd or 4th quarter of this year but then there was a post that it may be late '25 or '26 before these orders are filled. Curious what timeframe to expect.

Aero is pretty on the money on the money about dealership variability being a big factor.

To add some of my personal data, I just put a deposit down last Friday and have been told to expect 6 months from now to get a call to configure. I also asked and was told that base configurator is likely to be up in 1.5 months from now. At the moment FE V6 auto production is in progress. Whether next will be FE i4 or V6 Base is unknown. AutoEurope stated it'll likely be 3 months of V6 auto, so I'm guessing it'll be 3 month of i4 after then base configuration orders will begin.

 

[EZcheezy]

deposit: July 2023
configure sent for FE: Feb 2024
expected arrival date: July/August
Lotus of Dallas

I never expected to get an FE, the call in feb was a total surprise when I was given the chance to upgrade. probably a combination of Lotus of Dallas being a large place with lots of allocations and me being very persistent and calling them often. maybe that pushed me up the line.

 

[Medic518]

...wait from the time you placed a deposit until the time you were actually able to place your order for the Emira?

The quick answer in my case was 14 months from deposit to build order - and being locked in.

The longer, more accurate (and concerning), answer is - I'm currently at 19 months and waiting. Have been informed I have an FE, but sitting on an I4 allocation/Lotus confirmed build order, which has been affected by several factors. First, was the v6 delivery/CARB debacle, and second (according to Lotus) AMG supply chain issues. Now expecting 2025 delivery; best case an additional 14 month wait after build order submission/acceptance.

I guess the point is determining deposit to order submission may not be the best measure of the timeline - to be fair this information may not relate to the v6 versions. And then there are the rumors of Lotus ceasing builds of v6 versions after FE1 and FE2.. but those are rumors and speculation.

 

[Vintage]

I have been told that my spec cant be finalized until the new base configurator goes live. All the FEs are gone so the current configurator is technically outdated.

My local dealer said the same. They originally said new configurator would be up in a couple weeks, when I went back a week later they said a month. I was told once order was placed it was appropriately 6 months till delivery. I'm trying to order a V6 automatic, hoping wait time won't be as long as I4's.

 

[The_Stig]

My local dealer said the same. They originally said new configurator would be up in a couple weeks, when I went back a week later they said a month. I was told once order was placed it was appropriately 6 months till delivery. I'm trying to order a V6 automatic, hoping wait time won't be as long as I4's.

I got a similar response. Placed my deposit in Oct. 2023 for the V6 auto. Still no news.

 

[Cdwilli217]

I contacted my salesman last week to obtain an update on when I would be able to submit my Base model order as I missed the cutoff for the First Edition/2.0 orders. I was advised the Base model orders couldn't be placed until the online configurator was updated. I placed my initial deposit back in April 2022. I received a call on Friday and was asked did I want to purchase a FE 2.0 as the dealership received another FE 2.0 allocation. I had to make my decision by close of business 3 June 24 and I had to pay an additional $2500 to secure the order. I submitted my specs and was advised of a 4-6 month delivery date for the FE 2.0 manual.

 

[John777]

I'm curious how long you had to wait from the time you placed a deposit until the time you were actually able to place your order for the Emira? This probably applies more to later purchases versus those who placed deposits back in 2021.
I get zero response/communication from my dealer either from calls or emails. The only way I speak with him is if I just show up at the dealership. I placed a deposit back in March '23 and was informed that I would likely be able to place an order the first quarter of '24. With all of the CARB and other delays, this time has come and gone and that is somewhat expected on my part, but I still have no idea when to even expect to be able to place an actual order. I've seen some posts on this forum that orders may be delayed until the 3rd or 4th quarter of this year but then there was a post that it may be late '25 or '26 before these orders are filled. Curious what timeframe to expect.

I placed a deposit back in October 2022 and I've asked my dealer this question numerous times and they won't commit to any timelines. It's been frustrating as fk being kept im the dark. But I guess this is normal practice with Lotus. Sh.t customer service.

 

[John777]

Aero is pretty on the money on the money about dealership variability being a big factor.

To add some of my personal data, I just put a deposit down last Friday and have been told to expect 6 months from now to get a call to configure. I also asked and was told that base configurator is likely to be up in 1.5 months from now. At the moment FE V6 auto production is in progress. Whether next will be FE i4 or V6 Base is unknown. AutoEurope stated it'll likely be 3 months of V6 auto, so I'm guessing it'll be 3 month of i4 after then base configuration orders will begin.

Hilarious all these promises. Heck over the last at least 6 months.. they said in 2 months base will come out then nothing.. in 2 months again nothing now another 2 months nothing.. lol.. Who knows when.. goal posts keep changing.

I've had a deposit in since oct 2022 and they couldn't commit to any timelines. Funny they told you 6 months. If I was a betting man.. I'd say maybe 1 to 1.5 years.

 

[SirSoysauce]

Hilarious all these promises. Heck over the last at least 6 months.. they said in 2 months base will come out then nothing.. in 2 months again nothing now another 2 months nothing.. lol.. Who knows when.. goal posts keep changing.

I've had a deposit in since oct 2022 and they couldn't commit to any timelines. Funny they told you 6 months. If I was a betting man.. I'd say maybe 1 to 1.5 years.

Haha fair enough, at this point I just hope that I can get an order at all given that there are concerns of the V6 manual getting discontinued. I'm not too worried if it takes longer as long as they assure me a car!

 

[24Emira]

Ordered July 2021, Received March 2024