Certainly a consideration Aeroman. The pluses are as you've already described. Minuses? maybe a bit wide for my access, but a tape measure will decide that. Not convertible though, and not that pleasing on the eye IMO. The new face of Lotus is bland.
I really like more rawness in my cars, so the Europa would better fit the fixed head and Elise the convertible aspirations which I have. On one of the Lotus forums, it is said that there may be lay offs at the factory due to low sales and on Pistonheads there are loads of new Evoras. On fifth gear, VBH tested one against a 911 at Essen. Low spec 911 with 360bhp. Evora supercharged with 365bhp. VBH praised the 911, and was rather critical of the Evora, but you could almost sense the surprise when the Evora proved to be 4/10ths quicker on the lap.
I don't know if the younger generation truly realise how cutting edge Lotus once were, both in F1 and road cars. They had more track success than Ferrari at one time (except in sports cars), but failed to capitalise. They've never managed to become mass sellers, although the Elise has done really well. I do hope that they don't misjudge the market yet again. The factory tour and academy days look excellent, but it's a long haul getting to Norwich for 0800 for the full day without staying over. Factory tours are 1400hrs though, but it's a long way home, so either way a couple of nights stay looks to be the best way (for me). Maybe next year.
But at the risk of droning on - a 4/4 with spare wheel, easy up hood and 2 litre engine would be massively tempting. Isn't that what bespoke hand built should mean?
