[quote=JDS]Why on this earth would you show a new example , as ‘half a job’? Only Lotus !!!
You are kidding right??? Pretty much every OE has pre prodution models, to check how things work, fit, that people like them. Then you have the first cars down the production line to check that they it works. GM always used to send out PP models to dealers to get them sat in the showrooms while they were ramping up production and suppliers, then take them back when they had sufficient available. To be fair there were normally stickers on them to explain what they are and that specs can change.
The way I see it, Lotus has sent out 1 or 2 cars for ‘preview’ before official demos are available at the dealers. I bet that every dealer was supposed to give lots of feedback to the factory about the fit, feel and finish. Better than waiting even longer for demos to show up surely when its too late?? [/quote]
Pre production is AOK , and tried and tested way to market, but to have a demonstrator that’s not even finished inside as not OK , if they can build a ’ concept’ car , then 4 Demonstrators fully kitted is not rocket science, ‘book by the cover’ etc etc
Are the cars that are doing the rounds at dealers actually “demonstrators”? AFAIK no one is being taken out in them, & only the factory drivers are driving them on the road.
I’ve only seen photos, & would love one to complement my S1 - not too bothered about the interior personally, it’s hardly what the Exige should be about.
Totally agree about book by the cover. Did you read what Boothy said? They’re not demonstrators, more a mule of some description, who knows whats its been through, or what bits are still being developed.
If they have not made enough to supply dealer demos, should they
A Leave all the dealers in limbo and say tough, not ready yet, make all those who have expressed an interest wait
or
B Make an effort to take a PP model around all the dealers and let people see it/hear it/touch it
Seeing as everyone has been a little unsure of the looks of it, I think that B sounds like a better plan to me.
[quote=Mr Pesky]
I’ve only seen photos, & would love one to complement my S1 - not too bothered about the interior personally, it’s hardly what the Exige should be about. [/quote]
I bet you would tick the gravy holder option.
On a side note Lotus did the same thing with the Evora, no one complained then.
The white No3 we saw at the dealers was not even a runner; we believe it was doing the dealerships for feedback etc
The rear spoiler was a (very heavy) mock up and we was told this would be CF or GRP on the production cars and that there was still work on the interior bringing the car more in line with the 2012 Evora the PP car had the electric heated seat switches in etc obviously us older drivers need these warm seats so we can drive the car early morning!!! and with our eyesight becoming worse with age we need the reverse sensors!
Not sure why the weight has gone up over 100kgs though
I thoght the blue one at jct was a ride & handling mule. It certainly wasn’t the finished article or pristine but a great taster for the fans of the marque.
[quote=stevegreen]I thoght the blue one at jct was a ride & handling mule. It certainly wasn’t the finished article or pristine but a great taster for the fans of the marque. [/quote]