The new Evora is all the rage......

[wallabyguy]

Leno, Clooney, Brosnan, other celebs on Lotus Evora waiting list

I think this backs up what Abe was saying.

[mp3moose]

I am more impressed to see Richard Hammond and James May on that list than the celebs.

[milehitom]

Good for Lotus-any publicity is good publicity and that group is a list I'm sure they're happy to be associated with (or else they wouldn't have released the info )

I enjoyed how quickly the Left Lane News comments section veered into a political discussion. I don't think even a Lotus can change direction that fast!

Tom

[Bane]

Originally Posted by mp3moose

I am more impressed to see Richard Hammond and James May on that list than the celebs.

Yeah that's real interesting! I hope the car lives up to it's hype and helps revive Lotus a bit more

[FLuXeXigeS]

Evora FTW!!!

[wallabyguy]

This is a great example of how Lotus is jumping into viral marketing. By associating their product with "hollywood", it entices people to give consideration to the brand that otherwise would have dismissed it. This demographic are the core of the Evora's market and will be critical o win over if the company wishes to weather the economic storm. The publicity cost Lotus nearly nothing (other than perhaps some discounts to the celebs named) and will go far to lend credibility.

[dayton72]

What does Beyonce want with one??? Sheesh!

[charliex]

looks like its visiting vegas today.

[Mr. Know]

Originally Posted by mp3moose

I am more impressed to see Richard Hammond and James May on that list than the celebs.

Yup, Hamster and Captain Slow rate higher in my book than the others on the list.

[Rat27]

Originally Posted by wallabyguy

This is a great example of how Lotus is jumping into viral marketing. By associating their product with "hollywood", it entices people to give consideration to the brand that otherwise would have dismissed it. This demographic are the core of the Evora's market and will be critical o win over if the company wishes to weather the economic storm. The publicity cost Lotus nearly nothing (other than perhaps some discounts to the celebs named) and will go far to lend credibility.

Sorry Robert but I can't disagree more strongly. This type of "marketing" is transpartent and shallow. It will make serious enthuisiasts question the substance of Lotus. Is it just a car for showing off or is it a real drivers car? Lotus has been trying to suck up to "celebrities" for a couple years and I don't think it has made any impact. Hollywood is full of suck-ups who want to ride the coat tails of celebrities. I'd rather know that track day junkies were signing up to buy the car. Another point is the validity of these claims. How many celebrities will actually buy the car? You are right that it costs nothing to promote this type of connection. I suggest you get what you pay for in this case.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by dayton72

What does Beyonce want with one??? Sheesh!

To drive it? To use it in a video? Who knows, and who cares?

[texige]

Originally Posted by Rat27

Sorry Robert but I can't disagree more strongly. This type of "marketing" is transpartent and shallow. It will make serious enthuisiasts question the substance of Lotus. Is it just a car for showing off or is it a real drivers car? Lotus has been trying to suck up to "celebrities" for a couple years and I don't think it has made any impact. Hollywood is full of suck-ups who want to ride the coat tails of celebrities. I'd rather know that track day junkies were signing up to buy the car. Another point is the validity of these claims. How many celebrities will actually buy the car? You are right that it costs nothing to promote this type of connection. I suggest you get what you pay for in this case.

I disagree that this cheapens the brand. Lotus needs to hit a broader market if it is going to survive and while Lotus has modified Isuzus in the past and is owned by Proton, it still has credibility with the race crowd. The Evora fits in well with the Elise, Exige and 211 IMO. Just because many rappers on MTV have F430s doesn't cheapen Ferrari and as long as the Evora drives like a Lotus, it will not cheapen Lotus. I am going to wait for an all black turbo though.

[Rat27]

Originally Posted by texige

I disagree that this cheapens the brand. Lotus needs to hit a broader market if it is going to survive and while Lotus has modified Isuzus in the past and is owned by Proton, it still has credibility with the race crowd. The Evora fits in well with the Elise, Exige and 211 IMO. Just because many rappers on MTV have F430s doesn't cheapen Ferrari and as long as the Evora drives like a Lotus, it will not cheapen Lotus. I am going to wait for an all black turbo though.

I agree Lotus needs to broaden its market. The difference between Lotus and Ferrari is that Ferrari doesn't promote the fact that rappers buy their cars. The current management with Lotus seems to think that snuggling up to celebrities will some how provide credibility to the cars. It's just the other way around. People migrate to things with credibility because of substance not because of the stars that agree to be promoted with the item.

[D713B]

Originally Posted by Rat27

Sorry Robert but I can't disagree more strongly. This type of "marketing" is transpartent and shallow. It will make serious enthuisiasts question the substance of Lotus. Is it just a car for showing off or is it a real drivers car? Lotus has been trying to suck up to "celebrities" for a couple years and I don't think it has made any impact. Hollywood is full of suck-ups who want to ride the coat tails of celebrities. I'd rather know that track day junkies were signing up to buy the car. Another point is the validity of these claims. How many celebrities will actually buy the car? You are right that it costs nothing to promote this type of connection. I suggest you get what you pay for in this case.

I believe you're missing the purpose of this vehicle. The track day junkies will be purchasing an Elise/Exige or 211. Those looking for a sporty 2+2 with some luxury will be opting for the Evora. Eventually when the Esprit returns Lotus will have a full line of products for most demographics. Not everyone buys a Porsche Carrera because it can post particular lap times. For Lotus to be able to produce track day vehicles and stay true to its philosophy they need to be in business to do so. The Evora will open them up to a new demographic allowing them to post greater profits.

[Allan Gibbs]

Originally Posted by dayton72

What does Beyonce want with one??? Sheesh!

Because Kelly Rowland (other Destiny's Child singer) is getting on. I believe Charlotte Church is also on the list too.

Here's a celeb list for those interested:
Celebrity Evora owners - Evora Forum

[Allan Gibbs]

Originally Posted by D713B

I believe you're missing the purpose of this vehicle. The track day junkies will be purchasing an Elise/Exige or 211.

+1.

[texige]

It's funny that the Hollywood crowd thinks a Lotus is cool. I have a G Mercedes which is a rough riding thinly disguised military vehicle with 3 lockers and some of the Hollywood owners are Hillary Duff, Ashley Olsen, Brittany Spears and Lindsay Lohan.

[spectre]

I wish I loved the evora but I don't. It's off a hair in look, power, etc. but it is in a market of car that they really need to start owning. But let me tell you...that if the build quality is as poor as the elise and exige than that will quickly become negative press. People spending that kind of money for a car are use to a certain quality. I hope it is dead on but have a feeling its not...

[Gizmo3000]

Originally Posted by Rat27

Lotus has been trying to suck up to "celebrities" for a couple years and I don't think it has made any impact. Hollywood is full of suck-ups who want to ride the coat tails of celebrities. I'd rather know that track day junkies were signing up to buy the car. Another point is the validity of these claims. How many celebrities will actually buy the car? You are right that it costs nothing to promote this type of connection. I suggest you get what you pay for in this case.

any publicity is good publicity
and believe me, if you were selling a product, particularly a luxury item, you'd be all over the fact that a celebrity was interested in your product - and you'd tell everyone.

Celebrity endorsements are always welcome, and can cost millions.
George Clooney gets paid BIG bucks to do commercials for Honda - Japan)

So in todays economic times, companies are more than anxious to gain free publicity if a famous figure is photographed getting out of one of their cars.

It's not like Lotus is running adverts featuring those names, it's just a little press blurp from the sales dept to drum up a bit of interest.

the Evora isn't targeting the track crowd!
it's more boing touted as a luxury 2+2 (even the name suggest that!)
with enough trunk space for a set of golf clubs!

[D713B]

Originally Posted by spectre

I wish I loved the evora but I don't. It's off a hair in look, power, etc. but it is in a market of car that they really need to start owning. But let me tell you...that if the build quality is as poor as the elise and exige than that will quickly become negative press. People spending that kind of money for a car are use to a certain quality. I hope it is dead on but have a feeling its not...

Lotus has proved they can put together a quality interior with the last iteration of the Esprit. Not to mention this car has already been viewed by many at previews, auto shows etc. and no one has complained yet. I think Lotus was well aware of what they needed to accomplish in order to successfully enter the market.