[ErictheBastard]

Never lose sight of the Lotus core value - performance through lightness. It is the last, sole surviving pure sports car. The conundrum is that it is so enjoyable to drive, that one wants it to function as a grand tourer. As for the various items requested to facilitate this role (cup holders, cruise control, etc...), perhaps they can be made available a la carte at the parts counter to avoid the unwanted items bundled in packages. Mostly, I just want enough luggage space to accommodate his-and-her soft overnight bags AND stowage of the soft top. Keep the passenger seat fixed (I've had zero complaints), keep the Probax relationship going (make it available as a bolt on to us with '05s please!)

MOST IMPORTANTLY, since the cars are inevitably going to be victims of chin rash due to driveway angles, please redesign the front with a sacrificial, easy-to-replace, lower 3-4 inches. Having to have the entire front clam removed and repaired is expensive and it is frustrating to have the car out of service for those 7-10 days.

I just did 12 years in a 66 Jaguar E-type with no A/C or any ventilation whatsoever - I'm NEVER going back. A/C, in spite of the weight is here to stay and I wouldn't have it any other way. As previously noted ad nauseum, a more substantial fan is worth the weight increase. I like the minimalistic controls and also the unified design of the A/C, Recirc, headlight and tripmeter reset buttons - very businesslike.

As for the audio system, as a professional audio engineer, the main weakness is the lack of airspace behind the speakers. This is a perfect place to add lightness! More air, more real bass response. Won't cost you a thing!

I wouldn't mind a carpet delete option on the touring package though. The sidesills look great bare and I'm using the Sector 111 rubber mats in the footwells.

I'm basically enamored with the car as-is. Iconic styling, real provenance, all the excitement of a Ferrari, all the headache of a Miata, pricing to enable the true enthusiasts, enough rough edges to discourage the riffraff.

Having said that, I believe many of the resonances and vibrations could be hunted out and eliminated without any additional weight. I don't mind the odd creaky plastic interior panel, but some of the buzzy resonances are a bit wearying. I imagine two pounds more of foam tape could go a loooooooong way, although I'd prefer a more elegant solution.