Let's Hope These Patents Aren't of the Upcoming Lotus SUV
It’s no secret Lotus is planning on producing an SUV and these patent images might give us our first idea of what to expect.
First seen on Chinese website PCauto.com.cn, these patent drawings preview the direction Lotus plans on taking with its first production SUV. The British automaker has not shied away from expressing its interests in developing and manufacturing an SUV, believing that it can introduce a model that sticks to its core values of being light and aerodynamic with excellent handling.
SEE ALSO: Lotus SUV Might Not be Made in the UK
Now that Lotus is majority owned by China’s Geely, which also owns Volvo, the automaker has access to parts within the Geely Group. Previous rumors suggested the Lotus SUV was in its early design stages and that it hadn’t been approved just yet, but these patent images hint Lotus is making progress. It is likely that the model won’t arrive on the market for another four years, and there’s a good chance it will be produced in China. Lotus does plan on keeping its sports car production in the U.K.
[Source: PCauto.com.cn]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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It does look like a Lotus design. How crazy can you make an SUV and still call it an SUV? None of them on the market are so out there compared to the others. A Lotus should be judged on its driving dynamics; that is where it will set apart from the competition.
If it's going to be like anything I have experienced in servicing my to Lotus vehicles, my recommendation is don't buy it. Honestly with the initial purchase of my Evora S and fighting for everything which is clearly warranty, it's been a nightmare of ownership. The dealership wasn't the issue, they agreed on the warranty items. Lotus elects to drag it's feet for weeks and hopes that the owner will cave in out of frustration. Instead I am simply requesting in writing on Lotus letterhead why they reject the warranty claim and have delays in getting parts. Then I am going to the LA Auto Show and will stand at their booth presenting to EVERY SINGLE PERSON what my owner experience has been. This should really help them with their perspective on poor customer service.