[Wiz33]

What does Aston have to do with anything? We're talking about B to B relationships. And if MB isn't giving Lotus what they want, other options should be investigated. Toyota is another good option, but I don't know what their V8 situation looks like at the moment. Basically, IMO, an AMG V8 is less than ideal as it relates to the likely execution and price.

They sell the M177 to Aston so there shouldn't be a problem selling the same to Lotus. MBZ/AMG just does not want to deal with the worldwide liability of letting someone else mate a different transmission to their engine. That's why they insist that the M139 with their DCT to be used together and Lotus cannot make any changes without going through AMG.

 

[BlissfullyLotus]

Aston is in a VERY place than Lotus. They are not competitors and sell cars at very different price points, which is my point.

 

[Julian73]

But Aston is not a Major shareholder like Geely. You don't burn bridges with your single largest shareholder like that. So it's more about not willing to take on the liability of mating or letting Lotus mate a manual to it.

9.7% share holding held by Geely, while significant, is not major.and BAIC Group of China holds 9.98. AM holds zero in Daimler / Mercedes-Benz, while MB holds 9.7% of Aston .. that is significant in goal of pushing product out.

 

[Julian73]

Like a 469HP AMG uncorked M139 capable of knocking out low to mid 3 seconds 1-100kms would be adequate, whilst adding no weight, maybe even removing weight via louvers for cooling etc....I keep saying S4S!!! PULL OUT THE BOAT ANCHOR SEATS and you can get under 3200 lbs easy, maybe even 3100 pounds. That I would pay $125k for! That would signal a true return to the proper Lotus ethic...ADD LIGHTNESS!!!

All we need is a 400V system supported by a 6 kWhr battery. While the engine does develop the 469 at the crank it is boosted to that level by the 400 volt electric turbo.