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6_speed · 05-15-2009, 11:03 PM

For me, it all comes down to Evora's (US) price point because that is the easiest thing to adjust.

Forget about losing 200 lbs - ain't going to happen unless with CF and corresponding price hike. I believe Lotus tried their best in choosing material for the price point they have in mind.

Forget about a spartan interior to lose weight and cost because the Evora is aimed at a different market than Elise/Exige.

Forget about more power for now (by adding a SC) because that would move the price point even higher as well as making it tougher for a later higher power iteration.

So, we are stuck with what their production plans are and I believe at this point in the game, they are pretty much set for the 1st generation of Evora.

If the rumored $70k is true, they would have a tough time competing with a 911. Granted, they can move 600-800 units a year and if that is all they want/need to achieve, then so be it. However, if they expect to double(or triple) the number of units in the coming years, they will face an uphill battle with Porsche. At $70k, they will also have pricing issue when the Evora S comes out because from their Elise/EliseSC/ExigeS pattern, an Evora S is likely to be $7k-$9k more, taking it closer to a 911S.

All 3 cars - Cayman, Evora and 911 has similar power-to-weight ratio and car enthusiasts shopping in this segment knows that. So, Lotus won't have any clear advantage in this regard like they do traditionally.

In summary, if Lotus's goal is to move only 600-800 units per year for the forseeable future, then I believe they can price it right in the middle of a 911 and a Cayman.

05-15-2009, 11:03 PM	#81 (permalink)
6_speed Highway Star Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 633	For me, it all comes down to Evora's (US) price point because that is the easiest thing to adjust. Forget about losing 200 lbs - ain't going to happen unless with CF and corresponding price hike. I believe Lotus tried their best in choosing material for the price point they have in mind. Forget about a spartan interior to lose weight and cost because the Evora is aimed at a different market than Elise/Exige. Forget about more power for now (by adding a SC) because that would move the price point even higher as well as making it tougher for a later higher power iteration. So, we are stuck with what their production plans are and I believe at this point in the game, they are pretty much set for the 1st generation of Evora. If the rumored $70k is true, they would have a tough time competing with a 911. Granted, they can move 600-800 units a year and if that is all they want/need to achieve, then so be it. However, if they expect to double(or triple) the number of units in the coming years, they will face an uphill battle with Porsche. At $70k, they will also have pricing issue when the Evora S comes out because from their Elise/EliseSC/ExigeS pattern, an Evora S is likely to be $7k-$9k more, taking it closer to a 911S. All 3 cars - Cayman, Evora and 911 has similar power-to-weight ratio and car enthusiasts shopping in this segment knows that. So, Lotus won't have any clear advantage in this regard like they do traditionally. In summary, if Lotus's goal is to move only 600-800 units per year for the forseeable future, then I believe they can price it right in the middle of a 911 and a Cayman.