How is it possible Lotus has no idea who cancels their orders... or do you think they know, but are calling to try and entice you back?
I have just been in to my local dealer today to test drive the i4. It was the local dealer who contacted me to say that my car had been built and soon to be ready for handover if I still wanted it, even though I cancelled in December! So yes, it is definitely the Lotus way of dangling the carrot again.
Re my test drive:- Yes, I still love this car. Everytime I see one in person it re ignites the lust and desire! So much better than in a photo!
I was expecting the be somewhat underwhelmed/disappointed with the noise from the i4 and yes on tick over or just cruising along its what you expect from four cylinders, nothing special but not as unrefined as I thought it would be either. However, when giving it the beans, the sound was quite impressive (I have come from a c63s with one of the best sounding V8 engines there is in my opinion).
Power wise, I actually felt at times, that the i4 was quicker than the V6 and it certainly revs higher which I like! (the harsh rev limiter cut off on the V6 can be annoying) I don't think many would be left longing for more power with the i4 either. This thing definitely shifts when on song!
The shift paddles on the steering had a nice feel although they are too small, but no doubt there will be retrofits in time to make them larger. Shift speeds were not really a problem for me. A slightly quicker shift would have been nice but certainly no deal breaker. One negative when parking or manoeuvring at low speeds and using the gear lever selector to change from reverse to 1st was that if you do it too quickly, it does not seem to register and can take 3 or 4 attempts. Take it a bit easier and it will respond in the two flicks of the lever as we have previously heard. Maybe it was just my lack of familiarity with it.
Driving/handling of the i4 did feel ever so slightly more nimble/agile than the v6 and perhaps marginally lighter probably due to the aluminium subframe and lower centre of gravity with this engine and transmission set up and slightly lighter power steering setup.
Let's just hope that there are less Gremlins with the i4 set up than there have been on the V6!
Both cars have their plus points and negatives, but I cannot say say that one is overwhelming better than the other. They are both very enjoyable cars that will bring lots of driving pleasure (as long as they are working) to many!