It makes me cry

[996gt3rs]

I love Lee Noble's cars, they are inspired and supremely capable, but every time I see one it makes me want to cry.

Lee Noble has achieved on a shoe string what Lotus has failed to do; he has a homegrown British super car which is actually making money! While Lotus has put their icon on the back burner and another British sports car is lost (hopefully not for long).

I really hope that when they do bring it back they don't drop the ball, there are certain goals which I believe Lotus must keep in mind:

1. It has to be called an Esprit!

2. It has to at least symbolically be an evolution of the Esprit (anyone seen the new Stratos? it can be done).

3. It has to be light and agile. The last Esprit was even starting to push the scale at just over 1300kg.

4. It has to be desirable, I think Noble have the right idea with the M14, bigger cabin with more luxuries. They won't attract buyers at 60-70k with an Elise interior.

If it has the following I think it would be a winner:

* Under 1200kg

* 400bhp+

* A modern version of "the wedge"

* Elise style poise and handling

Anything anyone else wants to add to the wish list.

While we are dreaming maybe we should go all the way:

* 500 Bhp+

* 1000kg..................

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

Well the V8 engine was 450 bhp out of the box anywyay - they just detuned it to the 350 because the gearbox couldn't take it!!!

I like the Nobles a lot... They have even got a product range now - the M12 based series for the seat of eth pants drivers and the M14 for teh 456 / Aston market.

Lurrvely

[Guest Troy Halliday]

I'll go along with that the Noble's are good cars. The new M14 is stunning.

If they insist on making the Esprit a big Elise I think they will be in trouble. No one wants to spend some serious money and have it confused with the entry lrvrl car. Lets face it I'm sure Porche Boxter owners are very happy when people think it's a 911 but I bet the 911 owners aren't to happy. The sway from the G-cars to the S-cars was a true evolution and you can clearly see the bloodline lets hope they can do it again.

Wish list:

Stailess nuts and bolts all around (try undoing some on your lotus you'll understand where I'm coming from)

A strong gearbox to allow for future upgrades

A quality Aston like interior (you know what I mean quality design not recycled)

An exhaust tone like a TVR something that makes people turn round to see whats coming.

A bit of agression in it's styling (something that makes it look like it's about to eat the Porche/Ferrari that it's about to overtake)

A car that we as Lotus owners can feel proud about.

[996gt3rs]

Great response Troy!

I completely agree! It would be nice to read a review about an esprit and not have to hear about the gearbox again!

Edited March 15, 2005 by 996gt3rs