Lotus Type 131 - The Rumour Mill

[C8RKH]

4 minutes ago, cobwatch said:

I wonder if Lotus may be a little frustrated, pipped to the post here...

They've faffed about and taking too long. Only themselves to blame.

[cobwatch]

1 minute ago, C8RKH said:

They've faffed about and taking too long. Only themselves to blame.

Yes, unfortunate. McLaren are literally on their knees, but they managed to keep momentum. The warranty on the Artura is impressive, even if it is an admission of past failings, and very necessary to bolster customer confidence. I think the 131 models are going to bring it. Word is best developed Lotus Type ever....

[NedaSay]

I agree, the cars have been in gestation for long enough. Now they will look reactive instead of proactive, but it is not just McLaren, it is also Maserati and soon Ferrari. They are all coming down with V6 twin turbo and hybrid. if Type 131 is indeed 2 cars a 4cyl and a V6. I'm afraid the V6 has been upstaged already. The fun thing is that JMG wanted that 3.0L V6 twinturbo supercar out in 2019. By that point they had been working on it  for almost 3 years.  They were really happy with the design. Geely was bringing the parts bin, the change in leadership and the strategy review delayed things.

Still Lotus needs to make a splash in terms of image but also volume and create a strong differentiator on price point, so a playful 3 or 4cyl hybrid, based on VVA+,  should be able to top the balance under 1300kg if they optimize things. Power is in my mind a non issue whether they fit it with 300 or 400bhp is kind of besides the point. The car should be about build quality, easy of use and playfulness For The Driver. The Geely/Volvo element should make warranty a non issue.

[cobwatch]

Even if it is late to market, a Type 131 V6 that can hang with the cars you mention would be a stunning surprise. There must absolutely be no more delay if that is the case. Lotus seem to be aiming for a different price point from what they have said which luckily provides the leeway needed. Just. A 1300kg hybrid with up to 400 bhp? Yes please. Priced right it could revolutionise Lotus. Exciting times.

[stephenwhyte]

Exciting times indeed - certainly the most anticipated car launch I can remember for a very very long time! I can’t bloody wait!😎 I think we will see the first sightings of it very soon........this image has just whetted the appetite further😍

[TomE]

On 15/02/2021 at 15:59, LotusLeftLotusRight said:

Cool. I reckon they’re going to upsell you. I can’t imagine they will want chassis number one to be poverty spec!

I hope they don't do the same "Launch Edition" approach as done for the Evora.  Whilst it's nice to have a fully loaded car, it meant all the early batch were very top end price and I had to give up my slot for #12.

I've heard the Type 131 will be V6 first, then 4 cylinder, so at launch it's likely to be the higher end of the price range anyway.

On 15/02/2021 at 18:17, NedaSay said:

Uh the AMG 4 cyl is probably out of the equation as the deal between Geely and Daimler was signed way after the development team froze the spec. Beside Volvo has a very potent 4cyl that does fit the need for a lightweight mild hybrid (48v battery) sport cars and also a PHEV (the SUV), and has it come from within the group there is no license fee to pay and  dealership staff can easily be trained to service it.

I'm with you on this.  Would make more sense for Lotus to use an engine from the Geely family and, with an eye to the future, have something with a hybrid and/or EV option.

On 13/02/2021 at 20:07, Karl M Roberts said:

I have got a lotus 131 on order. I am told it looks very much like 130. Should be a good looking car. Also, possible launch 8th to 11th July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

@Karl M Roberts how have you managed to order and via which dealer?  I've tried to put a deposit down but was told they aren't been accepted yet.  So I've lodged a formal "expression of interest" so I'm in the line when deposits can be taken.

 

[exeterjeep]

1 hour ago, TomE said:

I've heard the Type 131 will be V6 first, then 4 cylinder, so at launch it's likely to be the higher end of the price range anyway.

Seems as if some info has come out from somewhere, has there been any thoughts of performance/ economy (if relevant..)  and cost.

[Karl M Roberts]

23 hours ago, TomE said:

I hope they don't do the same "Launch Edition" approach as done for the Evora.  Whilst it's nice to have a fully loaded car, it meant all the early batch were very top end price and I had to give up my slot for #12.

I've heard the Type 131 will be V6 first, then 4 cylinder, so at launch it's likely to be the higher end of the price range anyway.

I'm with you on this.  Would make more sense for Lotus to use an engine from the Geely family and, with an eye to the future, have something with a hybrid and/or EV option.

@Karl M Roberts how have you managed to order and via which dealer?  I've tried to put a deposit down but was told they aren't been accepted yet.  So I've lodged a formal "expression of interest" so I'm in the line when deposits can be taken.

 

Hi, I expressed an interest appropriately 18 months ago. I was asked to pay and paid the deposit 30th January 2021.

[geartox]

On 22/01/2021 at 11:12, duncx said:

Well, since you ask......

Elise, Exige, Evora finished this year with some very tasty final editions due shortly and made in limited numbers (of course). Be quick if you want one, end of an era for sure

...

 

This also what I got from "good sources" last year. But maybe the new strategy with Alpine and full electric cars will change that.

 

[Trevsked]

Where have you placed your order Karl?

 

Trevor.

[TomE]

On 20/02/2021 at 18:21, exeterjeep said:

Seems as if some info has come out from somewhere, has there been any thoughts of performance/ economy (if relevant..)  and cost.

Not that I've heard yet.  My sources are reliable, I'll share what I can but I can't share everything.  As some know, I had a very early deposit down on an Evora while it was Project Eagle and was able to provide some info back then.  The Evora section on here was started by Bibs and me as the standalone EvoraForum before moving to TLF 👍

[Karl M Roberts]

31 minutes ago, Trevsked said:

Where have you placed your order Karl?

 

Trevor.

Hi, Lotus Silverstone, they are brilliant and very knowledgeable and helpful. I fully recommend them. Yours, Karl

[Julian73]

On 13/02/2021 at 14:07, Karl M Roberts said:

I have got a lotus 131 on order. I am told it looks very much like 130. Should be a good looking car. Also, possible launch 8th to 11th July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

An order or a cash deposit on some fluffy tales like the rest of us?  They've had my money for over year now.

[Trevsked]

On 21/02/2021 at 20:17, Karl M Roberts said:

Hi, Lotus Silverstone, they are brilliant and very knowledgeable and helpful. I fully recommend them. Yours, Karl

Yes the sales there are very good I understand. Should be a very good car, I’ll be very disappointed if not but no reason given the extra time and resources they have now for it to be anything other that something we hope for.

 

Trevor.

[Karl M Roberts]

9 hours ago, Trevsked said:

Yes the sales there are very good I understand. Should be a very good car, I’ll be very disappointed if not but no reason given the extra time and resources they have now for it to be anything other that something we hope for.

 

Trevor.

Hi guys, well 19 weeks today, the Lotus 131 will be launched at Goodwood. 

[TomE]

40 minutes ago, Karl M Roberts said:

Hi guys, well 19 weeks today, the Lotus 131 will be launched at Goodwood. 

... and I'll be there!  Super excited! 

[stephenwhyte]

2 hours ago, Karl M Roberts said:

Hi guys, well 19 weeks today, the Lotus 131 will be launched at Goodwood. 

Have you had it confirmed then Karl?

[exeterjeep]

12 hours ago, TomE said:

Hi guys, well 19 weeks today, the Lotus 131 will be launched at Goodwood.

If this is confirmed than there will be an extra incentive for loads of us to go this year. I cannot imagine the wife would like to spend the day driving there, looking round and driving back though.

[Techyd]

I'm assuming that's the festival of speed?  I might book a ticket !

[TomE]

23 minutes ago, Techyd said:

I'm assuming that's the festival of speed?  I might book a ticket !

They're selling out fast!  Thursday is manufacturers day, with fewer of the usual cars doing runs up the hill but more new/recent launches.  With so many motor shows cancelled I'm expecting to see several launches being done there.  Lotus will be there across Fri to Sun too, but the launch itself will be on the Thu. 

https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/festival-of-speed/programme/

[TomE]

@Techyd I've just been advised by Goodwood that extra FOS tickets and packages will go on sale at 12:00 tomorrow, including for Saturday which was sold out.

[Wake]

Car magazine posted this - https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/lotus/global-expansion/

 

It says that the type 131 will use the same Toyota V6 found in the Exige / Evora. 

[AK70]

https://drivingtomorrow.lotuscars.com/

Here we go... 😉

Edited April 14, 2021 by AK70

[Inversed]

Please don't let me regret putting deposit down for FE 390 today

[DarrylV8]

No shame it part exchanging the 390 April 2022!