World's first Emira customer delivery?

[TomE]

I’m beginning to wonder.

UK dealers were told in July they’d have demos in August, then they were told delayed to late August, then told it would be mid September. Now it looks like late September, but none have been given specific dates or even which week. Many have also not had confirmation of whether they’ll get the spec they requested or another spec.

People on factory tours several weeks ago were told UK demo cars were in build at the time of the visit. If a car gets finished then it should only be a few days for it to reach the dealer. The Belgian cars appear to have reached those dealers about a week after finishing build.

Maybe they’ve part built all the UK demos and are waiting on shortage parts before they can delivery them.

 

[Eagle7]

Wasn't the DV car shown at the concours a week ago, a customer car for the leather company that provides the interior leather for the Emira? That was a RHD car.

 

[Jon_N]

Parts issue makes sense, as does then switching to get some LHD vehicles out-the-door.
Surprised the issues are so bad that so few cars can get completed. The German marquee have all set up new factories wide of Ukraine in this time for wiring looms etc., to get things moving, all-be-it, still catching up from huge backlogs & then have sporadic delays on specific parts.
Must be awful for cash flow, if Lotus didn’t have owners with deep pockets I think this would have sunk them….

 

[Cachaco131]

Any chance that US orders get prioritized while RHD parts become available?

 

[BeHappy]

The 30 day notification process is only for UK customers. In other countries it follows the usual dealer-run process, so in theory the dealers are supposed to know when their customers' cars are going to arrive at the dealership and then let customers know in advance accordingly.

Shambles comes to mind certainly feels like Lotus not applying any relevance to deposit date now - that’s gone way out of the window

 

[xen]

Shambles comes to mind certainly feels like Lotus not applying any relevance to deposit date now - that’s gone way out of the window

This is a bit strong. They’re working within the constraints they have. The better of two evils is to get the cars they can make out and get some cash coming in.

Quite a few things could have been managed better but from where we are now this is the smart thing to do.

 

[Jon_N]

Any chance that US orders get prioritized while RHD parts become available?

I’d doubt it, volumes produced still look very low

 

[emiraspain]

Well you certainly get the prize for the most dramatic and impactful first post on the forum!

Welcome to forum membership and congratulations on your imminent delivery. Of course everyone is eager to hear your first impressions, regardless of your previous car history and driving experience.

If you've only been dropping in to the forum now and then you may not have seen the ongoing discussion about delivery sequences and how that's been handled by Lotus, particularly the apparent re-sequencing so that EU cars are starting to be delivered before any UK cars (including dealer demos), which were expected to arrive first. That seems to be due to parts supply issues affected RHD cars more than LHD ones. Many people in the UK had been told cars would be delivered in roughly deposit date order, at least in the UK. For other countries we expected cars would be in deposit date order for each dealer, because of how dealer allocations work.

Your deposit being 18 July 2021 means it was 10 days after the reveal and a week after the end of Goodwood. That means it was placed after thousands of deposits in the UK and elsewhere. A UK deposit on that date would be roughly Month 6 or 7 for delivery (so Feb/Mar 2023 on current forecasts). I expect there will be UK deposit holders who feel your early delivery is a big surprise and a long way off what they had thought would happen. Personally it makes me pretty annoyed with Lotus, for telling many of us there would be a particular approach and then changing it without communicating.

But I'm happy for you and wish you well with your car - you're very lucky to have the first (or at least a very early) customer Emira.

if your annoyed, imagine myself... contacted Lotus Barcelona to place a deposit months before July...and I mean several months before.....and still no word on when the car maybe delivered, but that has its own story and unsurprisingly, the story and the buck, stops with Lotus and the way they have handled their dealers as well as many other things, which we all know too well. Add insult to injury, UK car also delayed beyond my supposed position...
still, the sun is shining.... I am healthy (more or less) and tomorrow I go to the dentist... .what more could someone ask for.

 

[emiraspain]

I’m beginning to wonder.

UK dealers were told in July they’d have demos in August, then they were told delayed to late August, then told it would be mid September. Now it looks like late September, but none have been given specific dates or even which week. Many have also not had confirmation of whether they’ll get the spec they requested or another spec.

People on factory tours several weeks ago were told UK demo cars were in build at the time of the visit. If a car gets finished then it should only be a few days for it to reach the dealer. The Belgian cars appear to have reached those dealers about a week after finishing build.

Maybe they’ve part built all the UK demos and are waiting on shortage parts before they can delivery them.

Is not another option that they have a paperwork issue? Im sure they have approvals as you have mentioned, but could they now be maybe trying to ADD ADAS (which could be a terrorist organisation) or some other small change. With all the time they have had, perhaps they made some alteration and reapplied... I guess its not that easy and I am no doubt once again talking rubbish, but the RHD/LHD differing parts and differing suppliers? does seem as if it could be true or could be false and hence maybe conspiracy theory wise there is another reason they cant let RHD cars go, unless it has been 100% confirmed otherwise.

Not to hammer a nail thats lost its head, but surely SURELY for heavens sake whatever the case, you would imagine a simple email would be sent out to RHD customers, the first 500 at least.

Surely an email would be sent out to LHD dealers in the EU to give them an update on their scheduled deliveries...so they can in turn contact their patient customers. Do they NOT realise people like, correction, most people like, the build up to their new car.... the excitement... "its only 8 weeks away... 6....4.....2..." For heavens sake, get someone in this department who understands their role in all aspects.... Instead of building the excitement for their customers, they are absolutely ruining the experience.
Getting this car is like booking a holiday to Bali, after COVID and waiting to travel, then everything seems great, getting closer and closer, but them a new variant come out and delays you more, eventually its clear again and you get on the plane with your family all excited (August delivery)....you touch down, its 34C and you are dying to take a dip in the pool only to find LOTUS, ie some parent has let their baby have a n ........ unfortunate incident which means the pool is now closed. What a way to ruin the holiday and the 2 year build up..... By the time you get in the pool, the holiday has 2 days left to run..... Anticlimax personified...

 

[TomE]

Agreed, a few basic emails to update first customers and dealers would be a help.

I don't think they're adding ADAS to V6 FEs during the delays. Why add the extra risk of yet more difficult to obtain chips to an already problematic supply chain?

 

[emiraspain]

Agreed, a few basic emails to update first customers and dealers would be a help.

I don't think they're adding ADAS to V6 FEs during the delays. Why add the extra risk of yet more difficult to obtain chips to an already problematic supply chain?

true.... I just imagined if and I dont know the answer.. but IF EU cars have it, then they may well have the CHIPS....
Will ask our German friend to ask if there is ADAS on EU cars.... I hope so... but my dealer does not even know.

 

[Jon_N]

Looking at the first demo car deliveries I’m starting to think the interior dash & tech is going to feel pretty dated vs. German cars when I eventually get my delivery in mid to late 2023

 

[emiraspain]

Looking at the first demo car deliveries I’m starting to think the interior dash & tech is going to feel pretty dated vs. German cars when I eventually get my delivery in mid to late 2023

The interior tech is average...
I mean if G force meters are your thing when you go around a round about and are 14 years old like @Lotustoronto and @Leonard in his G wagon.. no sorry, GR wagon... then its great, but as the 911 will have its refresh now and will probably have an even more superior interior by the time you get your car, you are no doubt correct.
The only saving grace is that the 718 will never now be refreshed and its interior is even more outdated haha.... although I still think the screens may be better quality even though 8 years old... we shall seeeeee

 

[Jon_N]

The interior tech is average...
I mean if G force meters are your thing when you go around a round about and are 14 years old like @Lotustoronto and @Leonard in his G wagon.. no sorry, GR wagon... then its great, but as the 911 will have its refresh now and will probably have an even more superior interior by the time you get your car, you are no doubt correct.
The only saving grace is that the 718 will never now be refreshed and its interior is even more outdated haha.... although I still think the screens may be better quality even though 8 years old... we shall seeeeee

Yeah, you can’t compare a 911 anyway tbh. It’s a completely different price bracket.
718 will be electric at point of replacement car as well.
Not seen Volvo tech, but I’d be interested to see if Lotus could take more advantage moving forward?

 

[TomE]

true.... I just imagined if and I dont know the answer.. but IF EU cars have it, then they may well have the CHIPS....
Will ask our German friend to ask if there is ADAS on EU cars.... I hope so... but my dealer does not even know.

Lotus never intended to fit ADAS to the V6 FE. Due to technical and development challenges, before chip supply became an issue.

 

[JohnHoward]

Lotus never intended to fit ADAS to the V6 FE. Due to technical and development challenges, before chip supply became an issue.

@TomE - I recall that there was a requirement to fit ADAS or whatever technology is needed for speed control or something similar earlier this year, but can't remember if that was EU only. Sorry to be so vague, but I didn't take a great note of it, as at the time it didn't seem relevant to the V6 Emira.
If this is now indeed a requirement for the UK and the question over Type Approval for the V6 auto remains (see V6 autobox news thread), this could be a big problem.
Hope this makes sense and you will be very kindly be able to provide some facts. Many thanks.

 

[CDM1855]

@TomE - I recall that there was a requirement to fit ADAS or whatever technology is needed for speed control or something similar earlier this year, but can't remember if that was EU only. Sorry to be so vague, but I didn't take a great note of it, as at the time it didn't seem relevant to the V6 Emira.
If this is now indeed a requirement for the UK and the question over Type Approval for the V6 auto remains (see V6 autobox news thread), this could be a big problem.
Hope this makes sense and you will be very kindly be able to provide some facts. Many thanks.

There’s nothing in the handbook to suggest that the V6 FE has ADAS, The latest version that is currently on the Lotus website covers both manual and automatic

 

[emiraspain]

Yeah, you can’t compare a 911 anyway tbh. It’s a completely different price bracket.
718 will be electric at point of replacement car as well.
Not seen Volvo tech, but I’d be interested to see if Lotus could take more advantage moving forward?

yes but the 718 would have had the same tech as the 911 IF they did the update.... the macan the 718 the 911 etc etc all tend to have very similar interior tech when they are updated, so although the 911 is in another price bracket, the 718 is actually cheaper and hence, repeating myself, the lotus is well behind where the 718 should be... if that makes sense.. and if it doesn't well..... it does to me haha

 

[Lotustoronto]

The interior tech is average...
I mean if G force meters are your thing when you go around a round about and are 14 years old like @Lotustoronto and @Leonard in his G wagon.. no sorry, GR wagon... then its great, but as the 911 will have its refresh now and will probably have an even more superior interior by the time you get your car, you are no doubt correct.
The only saving grace is that the 718 will never now be refreshed and its interior is even more outdated haha.... although I still think the screens may be better quality even though 8 years old... we shall seeeeee

Hey! 39 years old actually... and we don't have many roundabouts here in Canada anyways!

Ok so I haven't really mentioned the cars I have owned in the past purposely, but since the Emira full prod is now out I will give the rundown.

2020 718 Spyder
2022 992 C2S - Manual
2020 C8 Corvette

Current Drive
2022 Lexus LX600
2020 Ford F-150

I have had a few more cars in the past, but I am giving what I compare to the Emira/what it is replacing. Before the Emira, I was actually going to go back to a Spyder and keep it for a while. The 992 felt far too civilized for what I was looking for. Great machine, but this is a second/third car driven a couple times a week. Want something a little more special and 992's seem to be almost normal over here these days. If it's your only car the 992 is the best one out this group by far. The C8, while very quick, I did not like some of it's exterior design. The ride was very good actually. No manual was why I parted ways and got the 718 Spyder. The 718 was the best of the bunch for a fun car and the only one I would consider keeping and regret letting go. The gearing is not great for the street tho and the interior even with full leather and deviated stitch does feel its age. I like all the analogue buttons and dash it's more that the layout being very German and boring.

I am hoping the Emira gives me the thrills of the 718 Spyder/GT4 (obviously not as quick around track) in the sense of the mechanical feel that the 992 and C8 are missing. It's exterior to my eye is more catching than all three and I feel that the interior MATERIALS (not sure about fit/finish) for the money is a step above base Porsche spec. I have said it before, If I could have bought a 2021 Lotus Exige, I would have no questions. But that no longer exists and I can't have one over here anyway.

 

[emiraspain]

Hey! 39 years old actually... and we don't have many roundabouts here in Canada anyways!

Ok so I haven't really mentioned the cars I have owned in the past purposely, but since the Emira full prod is now out I will give the rundown.

2020 718 Spyder
2022 992 C2S - Manual
2020 C8 Corvette

Current Drive
2022 Lexus LX600
2020 Ford F-150

I have had a few more cars in the past, but I am giving what I compare to the Emira/what it is replacing. Before the Emira, I was actually going to go back to a Spyder and keep it for a while. The 992 felt far too civilized for what I was looking for. Great machine, but this is a second/third car driven a couple times a week. Want something a little more special and 992's seem to be almost normal over here these days. If it's your only car the 992 is the best one out this group by far. The C8, while very quick, I did not like some of it's exterior design. The ride was very good actually. No manual was why I parted ways and got the 718 Spyder. The 718 was the best of the bunch for a fun car and the only one I would consider keeping and regret letting go. The gearing is not great for the street tho and the interior even with full leather and deviated stitch does feel its age. I like all the analogue buttons and dash it's more that the layout being very German and boring.

I am hoping the Emira gives me the thrills of the 718 Spyder/GT4 (obviously not as quick around track) in the sense of the mechanical feel that the 992 and C8 are missing. It's exterior to my eye is more catching than all three and I feel that the interior MATERIALS (not sure about fit/finish) for the money is a step above base Porsche spec. I have said it before, If I could have bought a 2021 Lotus Exige, I would have no questions. But that no longer exists and I can't have one over here anyway.

thats quite interesting and not a bad analysis for a mere 39 yr old.

I will leave the F150 out of the equation and forget you even mentioned it as if I focus on it, I will probably not even speak to you again.

I agree with all else you said and am surprised you sold the 2 porsches unless you suddenly had twins!

The 992 I think is a very VERY good looking car and it looks.... more classy than the Emira ..... and you can just tell it has quality, but of course the Emira is great looking in a different, more look at me way, but not as much as a Ferrari, how dare you not look at me way. I fully agree the 992 is, away from the GT3 guise an almost boring car.....
The spyder looks good also, but the interior really really annoys me as its way behind the rest of the range.. and then you have that second gear being as long as the Nile...and then some, but I think I would still have kept it if I had it, UNLESS I sold it for more than I bought it .
C8... not much feelings on this car. Numbers are great, build quality I've no idea, similar to lotus I guess, but styling is still very american/japanese.... ie no real style at all... sorry ... just MO.. haha. This from the country that brought you the Austin Alegro! But also the Austin Healey 3000...

A shame about the Exige, if it was just a bit better looking and a better interior... more reliable...better made..... ohhhh it is, its called an Emira.. haha. No, its not..... but you can hope it is