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Lotus Could Tweak Cars From Other Companies source: https://www.motor1.com/news/409174/lotus-tweak-other-companies-vehicles/ Engineered by Lotus could be making a comeback. Lotus has been one of those manufacturers that have always stuck to its core principles, no matter what the market or competition says. Okay, so they do have an SUV coming, but, for the most part, their entire lineup is still based on creating fast, light, and raw driving experiences. Heck, even their "most comfortable" car, the Lotus Evora, still feels like a go-kart with a suede steering wheel; and that's not a bad thing. Because it's still engaging to drive, rewarding to push to the limit, and who needs an infotainment system when you have a supercharged V6 playing the right notes behind your seats? Gallery: Lotus 3-Eleven 430 In a story by Autoblog, Lotus is now focusing on expanding its newfound success by introducing new models and reaching new markets. While reception to limited-edition models such as the 3-Eleven has been overwhelmingly positive, there have been talks that the British brand is still open to creating similar vehicles, just not until it fleshes out and overhauls its current offerings. "There is room for it, but we have so many things to do that we're already committed to. Getting a new product range out there is the priority," Matt Windle, the firm's engineering boss, told Autoblog during an interview. With other supercar manufacturers releasing limited-edition models at much higher price points, there's also the advantage that Lotus' limited-run products sit at a much more accessible level. With its engineering team finishing up on the Lotus Evija, they've also had more time to focus on the consultancy side of the business, tying up with other automobile companies. "Lotus Engineering, the consultancy side of the business, is going strong as well. We've been talking about bespoke programs with other companies. That's one way we could deal with that, and it would take it away from the main product development teams. Nothing is confirmed yet, but there are a lot of discussions going on," Windle revealed.

this can be merged under one closed

Very poor argument. No wonder sales is so poor as well. Just priced the cars with immediate Cat.E in mind, and gave $20,00 discount to those who can wait for six bids lah. Many buyers will think the $20,000 discount is for real....and will book the cars like its dirt cheap. By Samuel Ee As the government looks at two possible ways to ease the COE supply crunch, some motor distributors are hoping it will go further and tweak the certificate of entitlement system itself, in particular, the Open Category COE. The Open Category or Category E COE is transferrable, unlike Cat A for small cars (under 1,600 cc) and Cat B COEs for big cars (above 1,600 cc). But with Cat B COEs in short supply, Cat E has recently been used by motor traders to register luxury cars. As a result, the Cat E premium currently tracks the Cat B premium, and they stand at $92,010 and $91,000, respectively. On the other hand, the premium for Cat A - for small cars or those under 1,600cc - is only at $64,201 now. "Dealers of luxury models have bigger profit margins, so they are able to bid more for a COE," said the sales manager of a Japanese dealership. "As sellers of cheaper bread and butter models, we can't compete with them. So we have been priced out of the Cat E COE segment." For a fairer system, George Lee, general manager of Opel distributor Auto Germany and Chevrolet dealer Alpine Motor, would like the government to consider splitting the Open Category so that some Open Cat COEs can be used only to register Cat A cars while the others are reserved specifically for Cat B models. "Right now, the system is unfair to Cat A models because Cat B car sellers are monopolising Cat E with their stronger purchasing power," said Mr Lee. "This defeats the purpose of having an Open Category COE that can be used to register all vehicles." Opel and Chevrolet have models in both Cat A and Cat B but the majority of the two marques' sales - about 80 per cent - are Cat A cars. "Right now, if a customer walks in and wants to register a Cat A car immediately, it will not be possible unless he is willing to pay the price of a Cat B COE," said Mr Lee. "If the Open Cat COEs can be allocated in such a way that no one class of cars can monopolise them, it will be more equitable." One senior executive of a dealership, who declined to be named because of company policy, agrees. "Yes, I think it will be better to apportion some Open Cat COEs for Cat A and some for Cat B, so that everyone has a chance to secure an Open Cat COE." However, he added: "I think the best way forward is still to abolish Cat A and Cat B based on engine capacity and just go with a system determined solely on exhaust emissions." Neil Fiorentinos, managing director of BMW Group Asia, said that the recent hike in the COE price resulted from a combination of strong vehicle demand and short-term price pressure, due to the quota limits experienced this year. "This price hike happens across all categories, even for commercial trucks and lorries, not just passenger cars. At this moment, any short-term measures, including the separation of the Open Category for Cat A, Cat B, etc, to alleviate the price pressure sentiment, will likely be welcomed by the general public." BMW is a luxury carmaker and the popularity of its models made it Singapore's top make last year. But the general manager of a small mass-market dealership does not agree with the suggestion. "This is effectively saying that Cat E should be abolished. This is rubbish. With this small COE quota we have now, it will push COE prices even higher." He said that Cat E now gets 25 per cent from the deregistrations of each respective category. Under the suggestion, if there are 100 Cat A COEs available for bidding, 25 pieces will be turned into a so-called Open Cat A COE, or a transferable Cat A COE. The general manager asked: "Cat A, Cat B and Cat D (for motorcycles) were made non-transferrable to prevent speculation. If you allow speculation in Cat A COEs, plus reduce the supply of non-transferrable Cat A COEs, won't that raise premiums even further?"

Ferrari may ask the FIA for permission to make changes to its formula one engine on the grounds of reliability. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport magazine on Thursday said the Italian team's recent engine problems - including two failures for Fernando Alonso - have been identified. Reportedly, the problem - which could cost Alonso grid places later this season if he runs through his allocation of eight engines - is with the pneumatic valves. The report said too much air is escaping from the engine during the races, and because of the new regulations there is not enough time during the single pitstop to replenish the 2.4 litre V8s. Auto Motor und Sport said that if Ferrari can prove to the FIA that the engine is suffering a general reliability flaw, it may be granted a temporary exemption from the 'freeze' on engine development. The engines already used by Alonso and his teammate Felipe Massa, however, may not be altered.

Just don't turn on the air-con whenever you can. My Civic averaged 12km/l, after 1 week of running with as little use of air-con as possible, shot up to 14km/l. Pickup also faster, care feels lighter without air-con on.