"Dimples" On Rear Panels Behind Doors

[LATech]

Going to check this out when I return home. In the meantime, how does the body react to a door ding? Since it I not metal, I wouldn't expect a dent as much as a scratch/chip. Any experience?

[squidward]

If it's a typical door ding, you may see a small scuff but that's about it. The paint is very resilient, if there's no chip, it will just buff out. I have buffed out two or 3 scratches over the years with ease.

[athleticmentors]

Originally Posted by x-ray

Yes, my Evora has this dimple also, but only on the passenger side. At first, I thought it was a door ding. But now I understand it is a character flaw. Thanks for the information, I will just accept it for what it is.

Just bought my Carbon Gray 2011 bout 3 weeks ago and noticed my "dimple" on passenger side only. Just caught a glimpse of it in the right light. Like most thought it was a door ding but didn't even have the car long enough to get a door ding.

Funny I feel way better knowing its a flaw. HA! That's ridiculous! But I love the car so much i don't care!

Also, this is a GREAT forum! I've learned a ton from all of you!

[squidward]

Mine is on the drive rside only. It is not that noticeable. I took a video of it but I don't have fast bandwidth on my phone here to upload it.

[abechen]

Right side here as well. Must be standard equipment.

[Sarasota Lotus]

Standard equipment is almost an accurate statement. The "rivets" are from where the body connects to the frame, nothing to worry about here!

[squidward]

Originally Posted by Sarasota Lotus

Standard equipment is almost an accurate statement. The "rivets" are from where the body connects to the frame, nothing to worry about here!

People aren't particularly worried about it-- it's just folks recognizing that classic Lotus character (lack of attention to detail). Things like upside down or crooked badges, uneven body lines, rattles/creeks/hisses/etc.

None of this matters much for most Exige/Elise owners but Evora owners are a different market segment that paid twice as much for these cars so there is a higher expectation.

[Sarasota Lotus]

Squidward- completely understandable, and I think Lotus is at least headed in the right direction. From the 11-12MY there were over 100 "interior-improvements". They know that if they are to compete with the likes of Porsche, then Q.C needs to improve. But, like everything else in life, sometimes you need to give to get and vice-versa. This is still a very low-production and hand built performance car and there will always be some sort of "little issue".

[mbiamonte77]

Sarasota - please post top 10 of "..100 improvements..."

[West-of-Hethel]

Don't you think that there's probably a bracket on the back of the panel? Get behind it, loosen and reset the mounting bolt, and that dip goes away. I believe this has already been covered in another thread, which I am too lazy to look up for you.

[squidward]

Originally Posted by Sarasota Lotus

Squidward- completely understandable, and I think Lotus is at least headed in the right direction. From the 11-12MY there were over 100 "interior-improvements". They know that if they are to compete with the likes of Porsche, then Q.C needs to improve. But, like everything else in life, sometimes you need to give to get and vice-versa. This is still a very low-production and hand built performance car and there will always be some sort of "little issue".

Can't agree with you more on your point about stepping up QC, even if my long list of "little" issues includes a few big ticket items. Whatever profit Lotus made on the car was lost to the 40+ warranty repairs to date. So they haven't done themselves any favors by selling me this car...

Despite the issues, I admit I still enjoy the car immensely. It has been running pretty solid since putting on the CAI a few months ago and with my last service visit, the car is finally at an A- now compared to the C+ it was a year ago. I don't have too much left to do. Just need to replace the rear lid dampeners (they seem weak on cold days and I've had the lid fall on my head a couple of times) and to refinish the left seat bolster as the paint on the piping has worn away from repeated ingress/egress of the vehicle.

A year ago I said I would not buy a Lotus again and while my position hasn't changed, I can only hope it will under new ownership.

[Sarasota Lotus]

Originally Posted by mbiamonte77

Sarasota - please post top 10 of "..100 improvements..."

1) Alpine audio replaced the pioneer: better nav, easier to function
2) The Dashboard was updated (the seem issue in the middle)
3) Additional leather on door panels and lower sills
4) Recaro seats have been re-worked- upgraded leather and design
5) New metal faced pedals
6) New steering wheel
7) new alloy gearlever knob and surround
8) New, firmer-action doorhandles open and close doors whose “slam” is improved.
9) New door seals reduce road and wind noise
10) New low-friction cables were installed on the shifter- better gear shifts (this counts for interior improvement right?

[LotusEvoraLover]

I actually noticed the same the other day (Driver side) and until I saw this post, I was so upset. Glad this is part of the character of the car. Thanks for the post.

[squidward]

Originally Posted by LotusEvoraLover

I actually noticed the same the other day (Driver side) and until I saw this post, I was so upset. Glad this is part of the character of the car. Thanks for the post.

It makes you feel better that this is a issue instead of a mistake made?

(face palm) Facinating...does anyone see how illogical this sounds??? Lol

[abechen]

Originally Posted by squidward

(face palm) Facinating...does anyone see how illogical this sounds??? Lol

If ownership is about being logical, I would have bought a Camry or a Mustang.

[squidward]

U miss my point

[jwilsonjx]

I purchased my Evora in November and noticed the dimple and also assumed it was a door ding. I'm not happy that it's a flaw, but I do take some comfort in that I am not the only one

[gasupraman]

I have the dimple on my carbon grey 2011 passenger side. I look at it like its a beauty mark like Cindy Crawford's mole

[Lckitty]

Got one on my right side too. I guess I'd now feel left out if I didn't have one.

[Ronev]

Originally Posted by abechen

If ownership is about being logical, I would have bought a Camry or a Mustang.

Ha! Thank you.

I have the "dimples" on both sides, but what's the bad news? My girlfriend pointed it out!

I feel better after reading this thread, and still very excited about this car.