I'm out - the cancellations thread

To the best of my knowledge they will not start building till the get certification and read /heard somewhere that won’t be till September. But no one can clarify that. If that’s the case first batch may arrive in December at the earliest.
If Lotus would only at least let dealers know that would be one thing.
For me I’m an early July 2021 deposit.
Other than an initial email from Lotus saying welcome then nothing since. So nearly 2.5 years.
My dealership has been fantastic and let me know what they know. They know pretty much nothing since January this year.
At the very least imo Lotus should have had the courtesy to at least send an email to all US FE 1 depositors an email once every quarter giving us some idea when cars would be arriving.
Good or bad news no issue from me. Just let us know what is going on. Don’t think that is asking much of them.
I’m in the manufacturing business so fully understand production issues.
However we inform everyone of our customers as to what is going on all the time. As stated many times this is not the case with Lotus
I put my initial deposit down July 2021 as well, but my math says it'll just be 2 years this July. 🤔
 
After Emailing LCC today and getting very quick replies from Abi, I have moved my deposit from I4FE to I4 base.
She did mention that they were hoping to have the Base configurator up live this summer, including the pricing🤷‍♂️. Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking, but where would we be without hope:D
 
I put my initial deposit down July 2021 as well, but my math says it'll just be 2 years this July. 🤔
Yes July is 2 years but car is not arriving nor have the even started to build NA cars
So by time you get it that will be 2.5 years plus
Edit that’s if you are in the first batch arriving.
 
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Yes July is 2 years but car is not arriving nor have the even started to build NA cars
So by time you get it that will be 2.5 years plus
Edit that’s if you are in the first batch arriving.
OK..I thought you meant since you'd last had any communication from Lotus.
 
OK..I thought you meant since you'd last had any communication from Lotus.
No sorry I was not clear on that
Lotus itself was July 21 acknowledging my deposit. But that’s it.
Dealership has been communicating occasionally. When I take the Evora to dealership I go talk to one of the owners and he lets me know what he knows and that’s not much.
 
Anyone see the new Maserati MC20? It’s the best of Lotus: the looks of the Evora, the doors of the Evija, and the reliability of the Emira.
IMG_7457.jpeg
 
Just on the brink of cancellation - I contacted Lotus yesterday as they want another 3K (i4) to be told they cannot give me any idea of delivery until I have configured the car(not asking for a precise date, just would like to know 2023 or 2024), then if I wanted to cancel after paying the 3K I would loose my deposit. They just kept saying, pay the deposit configure and you will be in the queue - customers will be getting their cars from July and if you hurry up will be one of these!!!!!!!! (not quite said in those words). It just smacks of a business in trouble trying to pull in as much money as it can in a short a time as possible to keep things going. To me I feel I am being stretched just that bit to far to want to carry on holding on! - or might just go and get one of those used v6s that aren't selling on autotrader.
 
Just on the brink of cancellation - I contacted Lotus yesterday as they want another 3K (i4) to be told they cannot give me any idea of delivery until I have configured the car(not asking for a precise date, just would like to know 2023 or 2024), then if I wanted to cancel after paying the 3K I would loose my deposit. They just kept saying, pay the deposit configure and you will be in the queue - customers will be getting their cars from July and if you hurry up will be one of these!!!!!!!! (not quite said in those words). It just smacks of a business in trouble trying to pull in as much money as it can in a short a time as possible to keep things going. To me I feel I am being stretched just that bit to far to want to carry on holding on! - or might just go and get one of those used v6s that aren't selling on autotrader.
Wait... what!? The deposit becomes non-refundable after this out-of-the-blue second payment?! I was under the impression you are committed only when they begin the build, otherwise how do they legally justify hanging onto any money, having provided nothing, and incurred no unrecoverable costs? :|
 
Well guys....I did it. Yesterday I finally hit "send" on the cancellation draft I've had saved since January. Still waiting for a response from my sales guy at Park Place.

I just don't have it in me to deal with the issues that I may encounter. If I had to have a door repainted or it torn apart to replace wiring or any number of things that I may involve needing it hauled to the dealer several hours away and left for who knows how long, would taint that car for me immediately. And I really can't support Lotus' terrible ethos.

Too many other amazing cars out there for $100k+ to enjoy. Never know...I may loop back to an Emira in the future. I think there will be many available in the next 3-4 years.
 
Well guys....I did it. Yesterday I finally hit "send" on the cancellation draft I've had saved since January. Still waiting for a response from my sales guy at Park Place.

I just don't have it in me to deal with the issues that I may encounter. If I had to have a door repainted or it torn apart to replace wiring or any number of things that I may involve needing it hauled to the dealer several hours away and left for who knows how long, would taint that car for me immediately. And I really can't support Lotus' terrible ethos.

Too many other amazing cars out there for $100k+ to enjoy. Never know...I may loop back to an Emira in the future. I think there will be many available in the next 3-4 years.

Sorry to hear this, but I fully understand. I'm just waiting for another option myself.
 
Too many other amazing cars out there for $100k+ to enjoy. Never know...I may loop back to an Emira in the future. I think there will be many available in the next 3-4 years.

Can you please list out those cars? I feel like I've gone back/forth on it many times and nothing is as appealing for less than 2x the price.

Of course when we compare to used there are a few more options, but still 1.5x+ price.

I've considered the McLaren 570, Audi R8, Huracan EVO RWD, Maserati MC20, Z06, GT-R, 992 GT3, Aston Martin Vantage F1 and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.

I'll admit the basic Porsche's don't do it for me, they're like Camry's of the sports car world. Same with the C8, it's just everywhere and too huge with a performance envelope I'll never approach.
 
Can you please list out those cars? I feel like I've gone back/forth on it many times and nothing is as appealing for less than 2x the price.

Of course when we compare to used there are a few more options, but still 1.5x+ price.

I've considered the McLaren 570, Audi R8, Huracan EVO RWD, Maserati MC20, Z06, GT-R, 992 GT3, Aston Martin Vantage F1 and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.

I'll admit the basic Porsche's don't do it for me, they're like Camry's of the sports car world. Same with the C8, it's just everywhere and too huge with a performance envelope I'll never approach.
I sadly agree. The main reason I want an Emira is it's one of the few remaining sports cars still in production that value the old school analog driving experience without paying huge $$$ (manual, small/lightweight, non-turbo, no ADAS yet, etc.)

I've only found 2 comparable options in the US, a Cayman GTS 4.0 or an Ariel Atom 4. Both have their own set of compromises so I feel stuck frustratingly waiting for Lotus. Very nearly ordered an Atom two months ago before the price increases here, but decided against it last minute as it would end up being 90% a track car for me and not worth the extreme price they sell for in the US.

If money were no option I'd buy a 992 GT3 and be done with it. Sadly, given the uncertain economy and weak stock market in the last 18 months I can't justify $250k+ on one car right now no matter how amazing it is. First world problems certainly, but it still leaves me feeling a bit deflated after spending many years waiting on a dream wondering if it will ever happen.
 
Can you please list out those cars? I feel like I've gone back/forth on it many times and nothing is as appealing for less than 2x the price.

Of course when we compare to used there are a few more options, but still 1.5x+ price.

I've considered the McLaren 570, Audi R8, Huracan EVO RWD, Maserati MC20, Z06, GT-R, 992 GT3, Aston Martin Vantage F1 and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.

I'll admit the basic Porsche's don't do it for me, they're like Camry's of the sports car world. Same with the C8, it's just everywhere and too huge with a performance envelope I'll never approach.
Look, I can make a list of cars that I would consider good alternatives, but it doesn't mean you'd agree.
I already have a Turbo S. Where I live, Porsche's are rare because we don't have dealers around. So that's all relative. I took it on a Spring Rally today and drove through some pretty aggressive canyons for 2 hours. Not a worry about it ever. Some people are already missing track days due to issues.
I also don't always compare apples to apples when it comes to my "fun" car. It isn't beyond me to shop the Emira with an LC 500. Each is special in its own way. Both are rare. Both are gorgeous cars. But the LC will be rock solid and built to the highest standards.
I'm not going to spend $100k on a car that just looks good but getting to the dealer is a hassle and waiting for parts may be another struggle. Again...just too many alternatives for me out there.
As I've said before...the Emira is special. But how many problems will it take before the new shines off and it's just a huge pain in the ass? Everyone's tolerance levels are different for that sort of thing.
 
Emira build quality will never get close to an LC500. There is no question there. I think the issue with Emira is consistency. I’m sure there will be some built very well, but this is a mostly hand assembled, new factory, new staff and the tolerance for QA seems spotty. Over time will this improve? Yes of course it will. How long will it take is yet to be seen. Any Emira built in 2022 or q1 2023 I will give a pass and won’t be cancelling based on those cars. If cars built in the second half of ‘23 have the same issues, I would have to really think twice. I believe it will take them 1.5 years of steady production to find all the niggles, come out with fixes, implement the fixes with suppliers first and then apply it on the manufacturing line as well. Not enough time has passed for me to give complete judgement. It will be 1 year come September and if there is not a noticeable difference in our problems thread, I will begin to worry.

As for the early depositors that took the chance on the early cars, it is what it is. These sort of issues happen to any early new model, difference being larger manufacturers deal with the clients in a more polished manner. (Parts availability, courtesy car etc.) That is another issue altogether.
 
And I think you're right. Given some time to iron things out, they'll probably get everything buttoned up. But for now, I'll just get my $5k back. I can add it to my high interest savings account and at least have it doing something for me.
There will always be Emira's available. I'll just bide my time and see how things play out. I was already a base customer after I didn't get the FE slot, so I was already looking at 2024.
 
. These sort of issues happen to any early new model, difference being larger manufacturers deal with the clients in a more polished manner. (Parts availability, courtesy car etc.)
.....not so with Lexus/Toyota or perhaps Mazda. Our 18 year old Lexus RX400h, a fairly complicated vehicle, has been rock-steady reliable all these years. We should stop assuming that poor quality is inevitable. It is not. I have designed many products that have been improved over time, but almost never were they causing customers headaches from their introduction.
I understand that many assemblies and components are designed by outside companies, but that doesn't mean that the company that sells products that contain those subassemblies and components cannot demand thorough testing to their own standards.
I agree with Magma. Lexus is a benchmark that all should emulate. It's too bad they don't make a mid engine, light sportscar.
 
First, I own a Lexus LX600... So believe me I am a huge fan of how Toyota operates. But let's be honest, they are not the most exciting or innovative products. They are tried, tested and honed with an obsession of quality and longevity. Marginally changing the models year over year. Which in a daily driver I very much appreciate.

Lotus is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Colin Chapman was extremely innovative and looked at any way to shed weight and pioneered many suspensions and other automotive firsts all in the name of performance. Companies like Toyota, need Lotus to pioneer, try different things, fail at some and make magic in others. Now this is not the Lotus of old and the Emira is basically an updated Evora so you would think there is less issues to be had. However, when you couple a new factory, new employees and changing your vehicle output from 2K cars a year to 5K per annum, this was bound to happen. I wish it was not this way, but when Toyota lanuches a new car / product they are usually built in factories that have been operating for decades with the same staff and that Japanese work ethic (sorry for the Englishmen, but the Japanese have QC covered). A Toyota is a mass produced, very well made, long lasting automobile. This is not Lotus.

What Lotus do better than Toyota is place importance on how the car feels, the performance and how it evokes emotion. No Toyota product can replicate what the Emira does. (exception the LFA.... Anyone got 600K for one?) The Emira has a soul, it is special with a sense of occasion that the designers at Toyota do not grasp. We buy these cars for how it makes us feel, how it handles, it is automotive art if you will. As our good friend @emiraspain would say, the Emira is the romantics choice. Not a car you choose with your head.
 
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.....not so with Lexus/Toyota or perhaps Mazda. Our 18 year old Lexus RX400h, a fairly complicated vehicle, has been rock-steady reliable all these years. We should stop assuming that poor quality is inevitable. It is not. I have designed many products that have been improved over time, but almost never were they causing customers headaches from their introduction.
I understand that many assemblies and components are designed by outside companies, but that doesn't mean that the company that sells products that contain those subassemblies and components cannot demand thorough testing to their own standards.
I agree with Magma. Lexus is a benchmark that all should emulate. It's too bad they don't make a mid engine, light sportscar.
But let's face it, Lexus is kind of boring Mom/Dad car.
 

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