Lotus Heritage

acura_el2000

Ive got a couple of questions about Lotus.
1. Who owns them?
2. Does anyone know why just about every single Lotus made, has a name starting with E??
3. When is a new Esprit due? Any pictures out there?

carlisimo

I can't answer all of it, but I'm sure someone else will be able to.

I know that Proton (from Malaysia) owns them. Proton makes really cheap and basic cars, some of which are sold in Europe. Poor quality, from what I hear. But the "Gen II" or something like that, one of their sedans, has pretty good handling for the price. They go so far as to advertise one of their other cars as "My First Lotus."

I think Kia was their previous owner?

There are pictures of the Europa around the internet. But it's nothing more than a slightly larger Exige (room for luggage!). Given Lotus's brush with death, I doubt they've been able to even think about a new Esprit.

Oh, and I also remember the existence of the Lotus Carlton - not an E. But it was a tuned version of some other car.

lemmer

Go to Wikipedia and check back with us if you have any further questions.

john_324

Oh, and I also remember the existence of the Lotus Carlton - not an E. But it was a tuned version of some other car.

Or my favorite Lotus, the Seven (so cool that after its demise, a Lotus Dealership named Caterham bought the rights so they could keep making it...and they still do!)

andys120

The Vauxhall/Lotus Carleton was just one of the sedans that recieved special tuning from Lotus. One of the earliest was the Lotus-Ford Cortina, extensively raced in the easrly mid-60s by the likes of Jimmie Clark and others

Mr_Shiftright

Interesting thing...nobody knows where the name Lotus comes from or why Chapman picked it.

carlisimo

Because you have to be able to fold yourself into the Lotus position to get into the Elise's cabin?

Mr_Shiftright

People over 5' 9" or with shoe sizes bigger than 8 need not apply. :P

njexpress

Hi ShiftRight,
I do not see any threads for general discussions, like prices paid / experiences / Problems etc...
I am looking to find out all I can about the ownership experiences, issues, wait time etc.. Where can I post these questions?
Thank You.
--njexpress!

Mr_Shiftright

If you go to the Prices Paid Home Page,

Prices Paid Topic List

you'll see at the top of the list a link to request opening up a new topic about a car not yet being discussed there.

njexpress

Many thanks - I will do that...
Cheers!!
--njexpress

rockylee

Isn't Lotus suppose to make a SUV or 4 door sedan ? I thought I read something about this a while back ? Maybe one of ya'll could refresh my memeory.

Thanx

Rocky :shades:

dgorn

Am delighted with my recently acquired 1995 Lotus Esprit S4. The sound doesn't reflect the power. Don't want it to sound like an F1, but a little growl would be OK. Would also think a larger exhaust diameter and less restrictive muffler would improve performance. ANY SUGGESTIONS? If so, please comment and indicate supplier. Thanks.
David G.