Race to the first i4

[PsymonR]

Interesting, I wonder if we’ll get that here in Canada as the i4 FE will be delivered as a 2025 model.

Only time will tell, but If the ADAS features have to be added in the UK/EU it won't necessarily follow that they'll also be added to FE cars in the US/Canada markets unless also mandated by legislation. Adding the relevant hardware will add cost at Lotus' end, which they're likely going to want to minimise given all the delays coupled with inflation....

 

[yohc88]

That would be a really interesting comparison, I've only driven the manual V6. I would say the i4 "feels" faster because of the torque but the V6 is more linear. I'd be interested to hear how you find the auto vs DCT. The V6 auto would have been my plan b if the test drive had gone badly.

I have driven both the v6 and the i4 and I would say the i4 'feels' faster

 

[Andy H]

Model year 2025 (builds after July) for EU/UK will have to have ADAS

That makes sense, although I would expect it to come with a further price increase. I'll quite happily go without. ACC is the only one I find helpful and even that's fairly rare.

 

[Andy H]

Bell and Colville emailled me this morning to say that my car arrived with them in the afternoon, not long after I left from my test drive! Shame I didn't get to see it but it will add to the occasion when I do finally collect it. I said that I definitely intend to collect it in March to take advantage of the servicing offer but it will likely be towards the end of the month to allow time to sort ther finances and the insurance.

 

[Superman]

I've not heard anything else this week since 'completing checkout', don't know if it is because I selected factory pickup, or because I will be financing, or both , hey-ho, will see if any update next week.

Might take a little trip over to B&C to have a look at their cars - No strong desire for another test drive tbh, but will be nice to see some more Seneca Blue cars in the flesh

 

[Andy H]

Might take a little trip over to B&C to have a look at their cars

A trip to B&C is good for the soul. Especially has they have so many Seneca Blue models on the forecourt currently.

 

[gdotp]

I've not heard anything else this week since 'completing checkout', don't know if it is because I selected factory pickup, or because I will be financing, or both , hey-ho, will see if any update next week.

Might take a little trip over to B&C to have a look at their cars - No strong desire for another test drive tbh, but will be nice to see some more Seneca Blue cars in the flesh

Me too. I’ve checked out and have not had any communication from Lotus since. I’m expecting the pick up from Oakmere in Cheshire.

 

[Lotustoronto]

Is this reported officially anywhere? And is this just for the i4?

Interesting, I wonder if we’ll get that here in Canada as the i4 FE will be delivered as a 2025 model.

These regulations have to do with EU/UK safety. It will apply to all manufacturers across the board for 2025 model year cars. Not sure if it will be adopted worldwide. My guess is it will be an optional extra for ROW that does not have it required, after First Editions are completed. (for North American i4 F/E's, I would not expect ADAS)

 

[PsymonR]

I've not heard anything else this week since 'completing checkout', don't know if it is because I selected factory pickup, or because I will be financing, or both , hey-ho, will see if any update next week.

Me too. I’ve checked out and have not had any communication from Lotus since. I’m expecting the pick up from Oakwood in Cheshire.

I've not heard anything further from Lotus either, but there does at least have been some progress behind the scenes.

I have been contacted this week by JCT600 in Bradford who now have been notified of my car by Lotus following me completing check out. I had done everything online to this point (they're ca. 1h45 away from me) so they had not been told about my order until now, even though I had put them down as my Lotus centre of choice from the start. I guess until checkout it wasn't guaranteed that I'd go with collection from them.

 

[Superman]

A trip to B&C is good for the soul. Especially has they have so many Seneca Blue models on the forecourt currently.

I took a trip over there today - Lots of lovely Emiras, some V6 (both Manual and Auto), some I4... And quite a few in Seneca Blue

 

[Andy H]

Are you going to take delivery?

It is done. Order now confirmed & looking forward to setting a collection date!

 

[Mitcheroo]

Congrats. I’m about to do the same. Have you found someone to insure it?

 

[MB-SC-LTSE]

I took a trip over there today - Lots of lovely Emiras, some V6 (both Manual and Auto), some I4... And quite a few in Seneca Blue

View attachment 38486View attachment 38487View attachment 38488View attachment 38489View attachment 38490
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Great pics, is the 4th pic posted a Meridian Blue? And glad to hear from many of you that the I4 is finally moving in the UK!! I'm a long time deposit down buyer in the US waiting patiently for our NA deliveries. Hoping things might accelerate a bit for the buyers wanting and loving this car over here in the US. Hope you all enjoy your I4's in the coming monts and please post feedback on your impressions of the AMG beast in this amazing car.

 

[Superman]

Great pics, is the 4th pic posted a Meridian Blue?

Yes it is, looks great in person, quite difficult to capture accurately in pictures - think you already seen the other pics I posted here

 

[MB-SC-LTSE]

Yes it is, looks great in person, quite difficult to capture accurately in pictures - think you already seen the other pics I posted here

Yes, I saw them, thanks! I was having a difficult time deciding whether I was going to stick with the Merdian blue or switch to nimbus grey, since there are so few pictures of this color out there so far. After I saw your pics and a few others of this color on the forum, I will stick with the Meridian blue. The metallic deep blue looks great in the sunlight, makes the car look really classy!! I ordered mine with the silver wheels, yellow calipers, and light grey interior. I think it will be a great combination.

 

[Superman]

Yes, I saw them, thanks! I was having a difficult time deciding whether I was going to stick with the Merdian blue or switch to nimbus grey, since there are so few pictures of this color out there so far. After I saw your pics and a few others of this color on the forum, I will stick with the Meridian blue. The metallic deep blue looks great in the sunlight, makes the car look really classy!! I ordered mine with the silver wheels, yellow calipers, and light grey interior. I think it will be a great combination.

Personal preferences and all that, but I do think Meridian Blue looks much better in person than in pictures... Don't think you will be disappointed

 

[MB-SC-LTSE]

Personal preferences and all that, but I do think Meridian Blue looks much better in person than in pictures... Don't think you will be disappointed

Awesome, thanks I appreciate the feedback and your opinion having seen it in-person. You're right, it is all personal preferences, but the car looks so amazing in just about every color and so many configurations it's hard to go wrong.

 

[Andy H]

Have you found someone to insure it?

No, I think that's going to be the overriding factor that determines when I can take delivery. Worst case I will arrange to collect on Saturday 30th March so I stay inside the March offer window but allow maximum time for the insurance policies to show up. I wasn't planning to add a tracker but currently the only quotes I've had insisted on it so that's another thing that's up in the air right now.

 

[Gridgway]

Just had a call from B&C to say they have my yellow i4 and could I arrange the pickup. I suspect it's the yellow car in the picture above. The embarrassing part is that I hadn't realised it was built and ready and I cancelled my order last week. I'm a bit sad, but it's the right choice for me. Wasn't meant to happen I think.

 

[Andy H]

Wasn't meant to happen I think

That's a real shame but understandable so long after the initial excitement almost 3 years ago. I was 50/50 myself until I did the test drive last week and even then the early arrival caught me off guard with the finances a bit!

It seems a really bizarre business model by Lotus that sees them commit to building a car to a customer's specification before asking them to commit to the order. I can't imagine any other manufacturer even giving a build slot without a firm order. Now B&C will presumably need to try and sell the car on the forecourt and potentially make a loss on the RRP if it doesn't shift.