Type 134

[eUKenGB]

Just to get this thread rolling.

Current thinking is that the 134 (available in 2024) will be the smaller SUV, possibly considered a 'Crossover'.

News and thoughts - here's the place to air them.

[eUKenGB]

Not a lot of love for the 134 it would appear. Does anyone have any idea of what it might be like? All I've heard is "4 door coupe", but that's hardly definitive.

????

[ramjet]

Sorry, I don't keep up with things that much. Everything I know is from here and from much more knowledgable people than me.

[eUKenGB]

Damn, too late to edit my previous post. I was obviously thinking of the 133 when I made the comment about 4 door coupe. However I'm keen to know more about all these future EV models.

[exeterjeep]

Now have to wait to see what the 134 looks like - a smaller version of yesterdays launch of the 132..

[scotty435]

It’s mentioned in this video 

 

[stevensr34]

From the above video:

Type 133 = "Four door coupe" "will follow in a different vein - a lower product" "Still al lifestyle product"  

Type 134 = "Crossover" "Something different, newer" "a smaller crossover SUV"  

[ramjet]

So will the 134 be something like a Rav4 or not that small?

[exeterjeep]

Saw a reference somewhere to it being in the same sort of category/size as a Jeep Compass. ie a D segment vehicle?

[ramjet]

D segment? I wish I knew what that meant.

I must be an automotive numpty.

Or, in the words of the inimitable Walter, DUMBASS!!!!!!!!

[exeterjeep]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-segment    the 132 is E segment apparently.

[ramjet]

Thanks for that Keith. 

[stephenwhyte]

1 hour ago, ramjet said:

So will the 134 be something like a Rav4 or not that small?

It’s to be a Macan challenger, same as Eletre is targeting the Cayenne. But significantly Lotus will be ahead of both Porsches’ as they’ve gone electric first with both. 133 is going after Taycan buyers.

The strategy is clear - they’re going (together with Emira v Caymen) after Porsche customers head-on!👍

And why not….it’s a model that works, and there’s more than enough custom out there, to share. However the other part to this is Aftersales and customer care……Lotus have work to do here, but it will come!😎

[NedaSay]

Other thing going for Lotus, has much as Porsche design is very codified and they tend to design their EV's (Taycan) as they would design their ICEVs. I think that Lotus can play with their design a lot more  cause if you ask people what a Lotus should look like, other than small and light people will not have much to say, meanwhile should you ask the same question about a Porsche, people will say a 911 Carrera. It is very much set in stone Lotus doesn't have that problem and as a result their design teams have a lot of free reigns to express themselves within the confine of the newly named Carved by air and also cab forward concepts.

 

[KusaKusa]

Yep, in terms of EV known/proven resources and competencies, Porsche is ahead and a known quantity, especially including dealerships. But they're suffering from their own success in my eyes, in that they can't do anything too extreme that compromises mass market appeal. This shows itself in their conservative styling and sterile sports cars (that aren't GT products). 

On the other hand, Lotus' key advantages for me are 1) their cutting edge and well executed styling and 2) their commitment to optimizing the driver engagement of their product. The latter point manifests itself in a more aggressively tuned vehicle but also in making decisions that prioritize what's best for the product/customer over the business, like for example using bonded aluminum instead of much easier to manufacture welds. Lotus has to go above and beyond to gain market share, and on the other hand Porsche has (one of?) the highest margins per vehicle sold in the entire industry. 

[NedaSay]

Porsche just gave the media a first look at the Maccan EV that will reach market in two years. It looks like a Maccan for now at least

 

It will not be very hard for lotus to one them up on design as Eletre one ups everything in the upper SUV segment imo. And when it comes to EV tech. If Type 134 gets the Eletre entry model 110KW/600bhp then it will be on par with this Maccan

Interior has not been unveiled but Type 134 will no doubt get Hyper OS and its user interface probably without the fancy motorized centre screen that should be just fine if it comes without the motorized system.

Mccan will be built using Rimac tech but Geely-Volvo tech appears to be more than up to the task when you look at the Polestar out there and Lotus can put its own spin on that. Type 134 will be a very worthy competitor in that premium compact/midsize segment especially if Lotus once again manages to price it aggressively.

[exeterjeep]

Looking forward for info in the next couple of years..

[Mysterae]

8 hours ago, NedaSay said:

Porsche just gave the media a first look at the Maccan EV that will reach market in two years. It looks like a Maccan for now at least

 

My god, that looks horrendous. It's as if a Mini, a Fiat 500 and Nissan Juke had a threesome. 

They'll sell thousands.

[NedaSay]

I'm guessing this is still a mule body but it is probably mostly there in terms of body shape. And yes they will sell like hot cakes because the Maccan does sell in silly numbers to all the soccer mums worlwide. I now live in Calgary and I see more Maccan than any other premium german baby carrier.

[Chabbu]

Going by Lotus' own teaser image, the 134 (which possibly will be named Etude) will have more "interesting", swoopy lines than the Macan or the Grecale, and of course will have the advantage of being designed as an EV from the ground up. I'm guessing it is intended to become Lotus' "cheap" volume seller.

Edited January 8, 2023 by Chabbu
re-wording

[exeterjeep]

43 minutes ago, Chabbu said:

Lotus' "cheap" volume seller.

Looking forward to see some info about this. I wonder why launch the biggest/most expensive SUV first - I know Porsche did this with the Cayenne then Macan later.

[NedaSay]

Because the bigger model always get higher margins than the smaller one. Bigger models are also more aspirational than smaller cars.

[ramjet]

I wonder if any of these 'designed from the ground up as an EV' cars have the ability to easily be changed to ICE as more comments start to appear as to EVs not saving the planet etc?

Could be a dangerous tightrope to be crossing.

[Bibs]

Not really as that usually means they are a 'skateboard' and the chassis enclosed the battery pack. Not something you'd be removing in a weekend! 

[ramjet]

That was what I thought as well.