06-28-2010, 11:24 PM
Mike Wrote:Because they're a business and the flyweight segment probably doesn't sustain [or grow] a business too well. Just a guess; I could very well be wrong.
Looks like they prospered pretty well with Elise-based stuff from the 90's to today - I doubt the Esprit was ever really profitable. Profits - Don't forget the amount of suspension/handling consulting they do as well.
IMO, if you're a specialist in lightweights, as the sports car paradigm shifts to light weight/smaller cars (even Ferrari/Lambo taking notice of this), moving to heavier segments doesn't make a ton of sense.
Plus, at least where I'm coming from, "un-focused" off-shoots like the Cayenne/Panamera, even if they're very good and profitable cars, just kind of suck to me (I'm no fan of the Evora, and the Europa is kind of a failure).
Current: '20 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD | '20 Yamaha R3 | '04 Lexus IS300 SD
Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo
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Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo
My MM Movies - Watch Them Here