Radford Motors + Lotus

[CaptainSlow]

Well, I didn’t see this one coming! https://fb.watch/5irCtcVkqL/

Looks very promising at this point though

Article on the subject: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/354521/revived-radford-coachbuilders-signs-partnership-lotus

[CaptainSlow]

Also on Youtube if the link above doesn’t work 

 

[exeterjeep]

Does this mean that we can spend weeks and weeks (months and months) discussing a possible name for a Radford - Lotus  and which Lotus underpinnings it will/would be based on and which selection of engines and gearboxes it would have. 

[Bibs]

Welcome to the internet 👍

[CaptainSlow]

58 minutes ago, exeterjeep said:

Does this mean that we can spend weeks and weeks (months and months) discussing a possible name for a Radford - Lotus  and which Lotus underpinnings it will/would be based on and which selection of engines and gearboxes it would have. 

Naaah, wouldn’t happen here. We’ll sit quiet and wait until further official communication comesfrom Lotus or Radford 😇 

[Francisco Franco]

Well they say history repeats itself, bit of Déjà vu with the Lotus 7 here, then again perhaps they are sharing the Emira platform already???
I am starting to think that a bit too much is going on at once. 
Time will tell

[yeller77]

So, this would be an Alfaholics, Singer Porsche, Eagle Jag $300k+ for and old looking car that drives like a new one thing? Awesome.

[Bibs]

Full press release here...

https://www.thelotusforums.com/latest-news/lotus-cars-news/lotus-aid-jenson-buttons-radford-to-engineer-new-car-based-on-lotus-tech/

[Arregueti]

I doubt it, but might this be one of the reasons why we did not get a FE Evora? It would at least explain some of Jenson Button's latest praise of the Evora.

Wish them well but it does all look a bit "lifestyle" for now. Going with the times, I guess.

[Domino Lotus]

[CocoPops]

1 hour ago, Arregueti said:

I doubt it, but might this be one of the reasons why we did not get a FE Evora? It would at least explain some of Jenson Button's latest praise of the Evora.

That's actually a very logical thought!

[Arregueti]

I can always dream, but I would be a very happy man if they similarly agreed to allow Caterham's new japanese owners (and Lotus importers in Japan) to continue building the Elise.

It would make a lot of sense too, right?  😉

[exeterjeep]

But then in a few years time they will have to invest to make it an EV as the petrols will not be sold.  

[Bibs]

They did that already (kind of) with the Tesla Roadster so it certainly wouldn't be impossible.

[mdw]

1 hour ago, Arregueti said:

I can always dream, but I would be a very happy man if they similarly agreed to allow Caterham's new japanese owners (and Lotus importers in Japan) to continue building the Elise.

It would make a lot of sense too, right?  😉

Wouldn't it just canibalize sales of the new car.   I agree however  it would be a great idea.

[Arregueti]

Maybe some at first, but the products would probably be different enough and it would not be the first time that a former generation of cars is passed on to another manufacturer. Lotus is heading in a different direction anyway, isn´t it?

Reading one of Windle's interviews it sounded like a big chunk of the problem for continuing the production of the Elise was the room need for the (now outdated) paint cabin. It was begging the answer: Just move it to someone else´s plant. He also has a background with small manufacturers, so there might be some simpathy for the project. I am sure it wouldn´t be him approving the whole idea, though.

Well, there goes another speculative theory. (probablty in the wrong thread).

[windymiller]

do you reckon they may do a tv/ you tube series on the build ? Ant is a tv personality and be great pr for both radford and lotus for sure

[Vulcan Grey]

The Radford silhouette does look similar to the Europa above

 

[stephenwhyte]

I know I’m sticking my neck out here......but I hope it’s better looking than the Type 62 as it’s got proportions only a mother could love! It ain’t the prettiest Lotus anyway! Am I on my own here with that thinking? Took me a while to appreciate the original Europa, which I now like but this is all wrong in my eyes😰

[Barrykearley]

😍 glad I’m reading this sat on the toilet 

[jonwat]

Autocar 

[Domino Lotus]

[Bravo73]

^^^^ That's a Jenson, BTW. Not a Radford.

[yeller77]

 

Will be interesting to see what design they come up with. I, for one, was always enamored with the swoopy 62, which seemed a 47 on steroids. Like most sports racers that came out of the 60s and early 70s as in the T70 and GT40, though, the initial aerodynamics of sports racers was not yet evolved and, hence, dreadful leading to all sorts of contrivances to keep them on the ground. Sadly, only to take away from the original lithe form. Knowing his disdain for spoilers, wonder what ACBC really thought about the finished product.

 

[dooie]

The spec's look interesting and a 500-600BHP DCT as well

https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/radford-type-62-2-modern-000000022.html