Roz_Bennetts

This is the first post I've made in a while! But the title of this post just resonated with me - I so feel your pain and I regularly dream about both my Esprits that I sold over 20 years ago, each time believing that I still own them and they've been tucked away in a garage all these years. And then I wake up. Don't sell them guys!!! And if it's too late, then enjoy other people's vicariously as I do, by getting down to the Lotus meets (though I haven't been for Donkeys, shamefully)! xx

If the parent is not getting out of the car then I don't mind too much if they are in a bikini let alone PJs! But if not and they are getting out, mingling with other parents and children waiting for their child then I think they should be properly dressed. Casual clothes are fine but PJs or onesies just look sloppy - would you wear them to the supermarket; if not then how is school that much different?

I'm glad this is being discussed - personally I hated the design of the so called 'new Esprit' that never materialised (thankfully), it looked too much like an insect with those huge aggressive grill things on the front and looked more like a Lamborghini than a Lotus. I don't care too much about the engine though the V8 would be the obvious choice. I agree with those who are asking for a slightly softened V8 shape.

Atmospheric indeed She looks fabulous.

Thanks Trevor - I'm on the mend! I hope you can post some pictures of the evening and your De Lorean, really sorry to miss it but hope to make it to an event before Christmas.

I've come down with that Norovirus thing, so it looks doubtful that I'll make it

I haven't seen you guys for ages so count me in 1/ Trevsked 2/ Sizona 3/ Internets 4/ Yellow Peril 5/ Stubox 6/ Roz

How lovely Nice to know that you're doing the right thing by the bees. Photos would be nice, please keep us updated!

Glad to hear it Sparky (and classy photo of your driveway) See you at the next meet up!

What a sensible viewpoint, Trevor.

I'll pop along Trevor, as long (as you promise to share your carrot cake)

John, a slight improvement on the most recent one for sure (which looks like an insect from the front imo). Those grilley air intake things will go out of fashion soon and the cars that have them will look enormously dated - much like the big shoulder-pads of the 1980's

Interesting article, copy and pasting the body of it here. I just hope that it doesn't look so much like the masculine version suggested previously! ______________________________________________________________________________ Range-topping Lotus supercar not dead and buried, as Lotus model rejuvenation continues As Lotus this week launched its new 2014 model Exige S Roadster in Australia, as part of an ongoing product renewal process designed to stimulate sales, the company says it still hasn't given up on its stalled Esprit V8 supercar project. "Contrary to popular belief the factory is keeping its options open," said Alastair Manihera, brand manager for Lotus Australia and New Zealand, of the Esprit -- an iconic supercar which emerged in 1976 and was last built in 2004. "It's extremely exciting -- we'd love to see it," he said. "But as far as what happens and when, we still need to find out from the factory where they're going to go." The Ferrari-rivalling supercar was first shown as a concept at the 2010 Paris motor show, alongside four other concepts during Dany Bahar's ambitious reign as Lotus CEO. He's since been fired. Development on the Esprit's 4.8-litre V8 engine and the car itself were said to be well advanced when Malaysian owner DRB-Hicom tightened the reins on Lotus's rapid expansion plans and halted all work on the concept cars' progression. Nevertheless, there is still a strong desire both within the company and from customers to bring the Esprit project to fruition. "Moving forward there is a long-term view with the plan and products that are coming through," Manihera told motoring.com.au. But he cautioned there has been "no commitment" to the project yet. The ultimate deciding factor for any new model is demand, which a born-again Esprit should have no trouble with, according to the Lotus regional boss. Asked if there was customer interest in a reborn Esprit, he answered "Absolutely". "A lot of people who grew up idolising that car are now capable of purchasing such vehicles. There's a very strong affiliation in people's minds and because of that I think that would be a very strong case for something like Esprit to come back." He also agreed there was still "a lot of scope within the factory for new product lines as well". It is understood that the V8 engine destined to power the in-limbo Esprit is capable of revving to 9000rpm and had an output of around 450kW. Developed by Wolf Zimmerman, Lotus's chief technical officer, the engine can be scaled due to its modular design. It was planned to power the Elan and Elise in six- and four-cylinder iterations, and the engine tech could yet be resurrected, with or without a reborn Esprit. "The capability would be there [to put the engine in other vehicles]," said Manihera. "It was supposed to be a modular [engine] platform so you could break it down to six or four cylinders theoretically speaking, but again the factory is evaluating various options, on existing and future lines," he said. Lotus currently uses Toyota engines in its lightweight sports car: the Exige S and Evora's 3.5-litre V6 is shared with the Aurion and the Elise's 100kW four-cylinder also powers the Corolla. Manihera says Lotus has the capability to build its own engines and that "obviously people would like to see a bespoke engine from the brand as well," but questions if it's necessary at this stage. Whatever the fate of the new Esprit and its lusty V8 engine, Lotus appears to be on the road to recovery with increased sales in the last couple of years prompting Malaysian owner DRB-Hicom to invest more cash, while UK government grants have also afforded the company more flexibility. "We have a much, much brighter future," said Manihera. "We are very pleased to be able to say that, because the brand's about passion and building cars that excite the soul." "DRB-Hicom see a very long-term future approach, otherwise they wouldn’t be making the investment we're looking at. As to what that investment entails, I can't talk about at this stage."

You kept that quiet!! Many happy returns Trevor (and thank you for sharing your cake with me yesterday) xxxx

Thanks for the reminder, I'll pop in for a cuppa 1/ Trevsked 2/ Sparky (refurbished wheels GT3) 3/ Internets 4/ Pete (without blowing exhaust) 5/ Roz