Full reviews incoming?

I've just seen this on twitter, new reviews incoming?

 

[Eagle7]

I think we can already guess at what Chris and Harry's reviews are going to be. The look on Chris' face in that short snippet where he says it's good, and then Harry's comment about how needing to go pick up the Jaguar was "a good excuse to exercise the Emira again over some of my favorite roads again" pretty much says it all.

All they're going to do is confirm what I think all of us have known all along... the Emira is a winner.

 

[mjw930]

Or they can say some not so glowing things and show angles of the car with wheel gap and I’ll move up a number of places in line

It’s all good

 

[Lankan]

When I spoke to Customer Care recently about re-confirming delivery options I asked again about this. Apparently it's still being looked at and they're trying to come up with a solution in light of dealer demo cars also being delayed.

There was always a risk early adopters would have to buy sight unseen, so only able to rely on show cars and press reviews. Lotus originally intended to have dealer demos out early enough for people to test drive before delivery, but they'd also set out an approach that required a third non-refundable deposit before that.

The move away from non-refundable third deposits in the UK and to a commitment only at 30 days before delivery suggests Lotus were nervous about pushing people to commit too early and having people drop out.

If they don't sort something on test drives I suspect they will get a number of people in the July batch asking to defer delivery until after they can test drive. Currently if you try to defer for a spec change they are saying add 3-6 months, but they'd be foolish to do that for a test-drive deferral. They could in theory just store your car at the factory and delivery it a month later, but if all 200+ July folks do that they'll have a storage problem! If the press reviews are good, they may take the gamble on pushing people to take cars, knowing they can find a market for them if people decline.

Just a thought, but what if Lotus invited those who are taking delivery of theirs in the very first batch to Hethel and offered a test drive on track or on roads surrounding the factory? After all the Driver Academy is being set up, so cars should be available...

 

[VL3X]

Just a thought, but what if Lotus invited those who are taking delivery of theirs in the very first batch to Hethel and offered a test drive on track or on roads surrounding the factory? After all the Driver Academy is being set up, so cars should be available...

LOL, yeah right. Lotus doesn't even offer production line photos of customer cars (Porsche does this all the time for GT orders) or any sort of special delivery or track day events (at least not for US new car buyers). We're excited just to get an email at this point.

 

[TomE]

Test drives at the factory and/or various local private circuit venues are part of what's being looked at. Some of it depends on when they get type approval and so whether they can get insurance for test drives on public roads.

The last I heard, they were trying to get a few pre-production cars to selected dealers for deposit holder test drives ahead of production demo cars being delivered. It would be specifically for July delivery batch people, as everyone else will be able to drive a demo car from July.

 

[Lankan]

Test drives at the factory and/or various local private circuit venues are part of what's being looked at. Some of it depends on when they get type approval and so whether they can get insurance for test drives on public roads.

The last I heard, they were trying to get a few pre-production cars to selected dealers for deposit holder test drives ahead of production demo cars being delivered. It would be specifically for July delivery batch people, as everyone else will be able to drive a demo car from July.

That is exactly what I was thinking...so, good to hear that there is likely to be a Plan B for those who are taking delivery in the first batch, you included.

I had a similar issue with the GR Yaris. Mine was in the vary first batch,delivered to the UK on the same ship as dealer demo cars. Toyota's solution was to allow deposit holders to drive a dealer demo and then decide whether they wished to complete the purchase or cancel, and receive a full refund if the test drive didn't meet expectations. I ended up having 2 test drives, on different dates, and, of course, went ahead with the purchase.

 

[kitkat]

The seat is the only part that worries me. Driving position and how well it holds you for track days and comfort on long journeys are so important. It's good Lotus are still fine-tuning it, but worrying as well that they haven't finalised it ages ago. I know there was an issue several months ago with meeting a regulation on driver sight lines, as well as the concerns about getting the quality right.

I'm sure it'll be great for the average size/shape person. It's the tall and short that are more likely to have issues. I'm 5'9" so don't consider myself a long way below average, but I'm on the front stop on my Evora seat. I was fine in the blue show car and could get the seat set the right distance forward with adjustment to spare. But knowing they're dropping that seat by 20mm. I'm hoping I don't need a booster cushion!

Seat is my only real concern left here too. I’m the same height and having a good quality seat that holds me well and gives me space for my helmet at the track is requirement. I don’t want to have to get an aftermarket seat. This sort of thing isn’t promising:

 

[Tonyshepp]

Test drives at the factory and/or various local private circuit venues are part of what's being looked at. Some of it depends on when they get type approval and so whether they can get insurance for test drives on public roads.

The last I heard, they were trying to get a few pre-production cars to selected dealers for deposit holder test drives ahead of production demo cars being delivered. It would be specifically for July delivery batch people, as everyone else will be able to drive a demo car from July.

It does seem to be very close to the wire for first deliveries and test drives. Road test reviews embargoed till early June, payment 30 days before delivery could mean you’ve paid before road test reviews are out.
I’ve never driven a Lotus but have faith it will be good, it’s the other stuff I expect in a car (quality interior, NVH, seats that fit) which I’m less sure about and need reassurance on as do others new to the brand.
That could be sorted by having a good pre prod car at a dealers or local venues I could sit in.

Just as an idea on the forum but why couldn’t Lotus do a virtual tour of the factory like Amazon do? After all we live in a digital age and not everyone can, or has time to get to Hethel.

 

[Pegasi]

*****
Some time ago I saw a full video with Harry at the Lotus HQ to configure his own Emira.
Harry furthermore was to see as a passenger during a test drive with an Emira V6 manual on the testtrack of Lotus.

During that Emira testdrive (pre production car) he seemed rather reserved during the whole test, with only a few times a slight smile on his face.

On the other hand I remember a video where Harry made its own test drive of the Evora GT 410 Sport manual, where he drove almost constantly with his typical big smile on his face and was very, very enthusiastic.

Both times he came over as the typical balanced "Harry himself".

I fear that the impression of his mood during that Emira Lotus HQ test drive was a preview of what will await us for his upcoming own test drive.....at most modest positive.

I don't mind nit picking. Frankly I like how everyone is finding little stuff here and there and that they are obsessed. HP, wheel gap, key fob, whatever let's talk cars and how we are just irrational about stuff.

Your post is interesting because to me it explains exactly what this car is. Not as raw or focused as an Evora but not as refined and compromised as some rivals. Could it be that extra security feel and handling ability that Gavan K. talks about that makes you fall asleep taking a corner at 65MPH because the dang car is just so capable and poised? Everyone agrees the Evora is among the best handling cars in the world no matter what price. Dial that back just a tick, add a cup holder, we now have a car that you really can't compare to anything else.

In short, Evora is the girl or boy you date. Emira is the girl or boy you marry.

 

[Bilbao-Emira]

In short, Evora is the girl or boy you date. Emira is the girl or boy you marry.

That makes me boyfriend and husband at the same time then !

 

[digilotus]

In short, Evora is the girl or boy you date. Emira is the girl or boy you marry.

What does that say about those who will have both an Evora and an Emira in the garage?

 

[Bilbao-Emira]

What does that say about those who will have both an Evora and an Emira in the garage?

Faithful husband and Lover !!

 

[eclat2emira]

I had just seen this and was about to post myself. I'm really looking forward to his take on it.

Me too, always enjoy his reviews - they feel real and relevant.

 

[EspritGuy]

What does that say about those who will have both an Evora and an Emira in the garage?

It either says 'how a successful date starts and ends,'
or someone`s got a side gig going on.
Keeping the lust in lotus.

 

[Pegasi]

What does that say about those who will have both an Evora and an Emira in the garage?

It says you can really drive a stick.

 

[Daz]

I have to agree that 5'9 is optimal sports car height.... lucky me!
I also consider myself tall

Is this the Tom Cruise ‘lookalike’ forum ?

 

[eclat2emira]

Is this the Tom Cruise ‘lookalike’ forum ?

At a close to sports car optimal 5' 8 ½" (those of us under 6' tend to include the halves!) I would tower 1 ½" over Tom Cruise!

 

[mjw930]

I’m 5’9”, my problem fitting into past Lotus Cars isn’t related to height

 

[eclat2emira]

I’m 5’9”, my problem fitting into past Lotus Cars isn’t related to height

Then the Emira was built for you then!

 

[mjw930]

Then the Emira was built for you then!

Yep! The Evora fit fine, it was just the egress that was somewhat challenging. Getting old sucks but it beats the alternatives.