Lotus Concept Cars

[slomove]

IMO for the most part, they are ugly. But I am going to have a look tomorrow.

http://www.laautoshow.com/Debuts.aspx?Concepts#

That is supposed to be an Elise:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01lotuseliseparisliveopt.jpg

[DeanG]

In one of the video interviews posted by Golden Gate someone said that the front ends were based on the Seven.

[MoPho]

I was working for Lotus, shooting the launch on the press day Wednesday. I think the cars are gorgeous with exception to the Elise, which is just ok. They look much better in person.
That said, I am disappointed in the direction they are taking but it seems to make sense for them from a business perspective

[rnr]

I was at the press day and I have to say that the cars look pretty good in person and the Elise was actually my favourite.

I had a few interviews with the senior management that are posted at http://gglotus.org/blog/?p=1770 The one with the head of design is where he says the front ends of the cars are inspired by the Seven

You can also see some of the pictures that I took at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/sets/72157625412970754

[Mondo]

I think they all look fantastic.... just wonder if a few will look a little dated in 5-10 years.

The 4 door is cool, wonder who can fit in the back seat;)

[slomove]

Oh well, then I better reserve my judgment until I see them. It is just the Elise was a pretty exciting and radical design in the 90's and these models look more generic to me.

When I squint I can see the 7s resemblance :hurray:

[breezy7]

Didn't Lotus go down this road before? Many years ago they tried to go up market and it just about killed them, it wasn't until they went back to their roots with the Elise that they turned things around. I don't think they will pull customers away from the companies they will be competing with. In my opinion the cars look dated now much less 5 years from now, but I'm not the customer they are targeting. Saying that I didn't care for looks of the Evora until seeing it in person. I think the last good looking Lotus was the original Elan so I may be out of touch!
Mike

[slomove]

O.K., I was there and I have to take the "ugly" back. They are actually decent looking sport cars. Nevertheless I was underwhelmed. I would not mind having a current Elise but probably would not spend money on these new concepts.