Not a fan as I said on the other thread for it.

But I do like this :

http://www.pistonheads.com/Lotus/def...p?storyId=6384

High

 

That's my point, it has no USP. Unless it's the handling. But it's going to be compromised compared to an elise or an exige. And what was the Europa? Isn't this just an extra 2 seats in a Europa?

 

It's the car the Europa should have been.

Hopefully.

If the performance is not there, then it's going to be a little lost in the noise.

 

3.5 V6
2+2
Decent boot
More comfort

I think it's very different to anything currently in the Lotus stable.

The Europa was intended as a comforatable version of the Elise.

This is a fast coupe aimed at 911 / M3 type proportions.

 

But it's not quick enough. It's needs to be 300bhp minimum to get into that market. It's sub boxster level. It's only going to be marginally quicker than an S at that spec.

 

I can't say as I haven't driven it

But on paper, with power to weight (1350 kg) i'd expect it to be able to cut it.

That would be like saying the NSX isn't quick enough as it only has 280 bhp

 

Guys don't write it off till it's done the rounds and the oh so importnat figures are in and verified.

If it's $hit then it will fail, simple enough. As the Europa did pretty much. I can't see them making the same mistake again.

Or should we now say that the S2k's stats put it in sub hot hatch territory and is no longer a sports car but an old person's cabriolet?

 

I'm not being a Lotus fanboy but it seems a little odd to write something off based on it's bhp number. 280 bhp from a 3.5 V6 feels conservative too.

 

i'm hoping that its going to be a good car and that the handling will more than make up for its potential power deficit.

I suspect that this is only the first version and they'll be plenty of higher power versions to come.

Its certainly got my interest.

 

I know the power race is something that Lotus have traditionally shied from going for the weight approach, which is IMHO the correct approach (says he driving a 340bhp barge )

It just doesn't add up on paper, it *seems* too heavy.

And for the record, I think the NSX IS underpowered.