Requests to Lotus - Page 3 - LotusTalk

jml1952 · 08-26-2005, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

Stay tuned on this one!

I've gotten used to the fob, but it isn't a very elegant solution. I'll even give up the light in the key, if necessary.

Hey Lotus, please integrate alarm controls into the key and provide a retrofit for your loyal early buyers. But don't turn the key into a Hummer - lightness counts.

jml1952 · 08-26-2005, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banzai

A lot of good suggestions here, but I can't believe I got to the end of the thread so far and nobody mentioned my particular nit pick: a lockable glove box.

Being down south, I drive with the top off most of the time. Every time I stop somewhere Iv'e got to lug wallet, cell phone, sunglasses, radar detector and any other little stuff I can't leave out in plain sight in an open car.

Yes, I can always gather it all up and toss it in the trunk, but that's a real PITA, especially when I forget something is back there and start slinging it all over the place while driving.

I know Shinoo is working on one, so I'll take it any way I can get it.

I was throwing my sunglasses into the trunk, but it's a PITA when you get back into the car and realize that your sunglasses are still in the trunk. Now I tend to carry them in my pocket, but the hard case that protects my expensive Maui Jim's is a bit large for my pocket. Good news is that women think I'm really glad to see them.

Allan Gibbs · 08-26-2005, 01:25 PM

Retrofitable factory supercharger, please.

Vantage · 08-26-2005, 01:36 PM

- Slightly higher effort, lower travel brake pedal. Not necessarily to improve braking, but just for driving enjoyment
- Engine mods to produce some more torque
- Lotus Sport Parts readily available here in the U.S. Lotus is losing a lot of potential market share to aftermarket companies. Given a choice, I'd almost always take the Lotus designed performance part with warranty over something else.

I understand some or all of these are being addressed, so it's just a matter of waiting. No car is perfect!

- J

TimMullen · 08-26-2005, 03:05 PM

A rather simple request.

The passenger seat belt has a "child safety seat mode" - pull the seat belt all the way out, and it engages a ratchet. As the seat belt is released, it is pulled back into it's reel, and will not come out (until all the way back in). Basically it turns off the inertial reel portion of the belt and makes it a locking belt - pull it snug, and it stays snug.

Add this to the driver side. It would be wonderful in an autocross, and even for driving on the twisties...

QYKSLVR · 08-26-2005, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMullen

A rather simple request.

The passenger seat belt has a "child safety seat mode" - pull the seat belt all the way out, and it engages a ratchet. As the seat belt is released, it is pulled back into it's reel, and will not come out (until all the way back in). Basically it turns off the inertial reel portion of the belt and makes it a locking belt - pull it snug, and it stays snug.

Add this to the driver side. It would be wonderful in an autocross, and even for driving on the twisties...

This is a rare feature on drivers seats. It is much cheaper to install a non-locking retractor seat belt. This is also a bad idea if you want to hit some twisties and lock yourself down. I am a Certified (NHTSA 32 hour course) Child passenger Safety Technician (car seat installer) and this interferes with the workings of the safety systems designed into your car. In the case of a crash you could be seriously hurt. We encounter parents who use this to try to keep their kids in booster seats, and it causes much greater forces on the body as the belt has had some of the "give" removed from the system.
Bobby

xxxotic · 08-27-2005, 10:06 AM

Make the rear of the redesigned 07 Elise look like the rear of the circuit car

bfm01 · 08-27-2005, 05:09 PM

***I'm really hoping Lotus pays attention as these suggestions are from real Elise owners/users...who would be the ones to know.
-I am horrified at the number of damaged Elises out there. Low speed, front and rear areas especially. It is so not necessary for this kind of damage. Can't Lotus make the front and rear ends soft so they would deform and pop back into shape? Like most of the other makes out there do these days?
-An integrated fob/key/security thingy
-Less cheep looking dashboard finish, leather?
-Smaller interior mirror
-Sun visors mounted at the rear edge of the windshield frame...then they would actually be usable.
-Couldn't the radiator be mounted vertically and still vented at the top...thereby making room for some front storage?
-Easier to read, brighter (daytime) gauges
-better and louder horn(s), one that actually sounds serious
-The standard stereo and speakers are embarassing, I changed them out immediately
-Lumbar that actually stays inflated
-Metal LOTUS letters on the back of the car
-Easier and quicker on-off for the hard top
-Lockable interior storage bin
-A non-molded-in front license mount area
-Dealer oil changes that don't break the bank
I know some of these have been mentioned, but these are MY suggestions.
Otherwise the car is perfect and a total joy!

andykeck · 08-27-2005, 05:25 PM

Here's my request for Lotus. There are a great many requests in this thread for things that individually seem reasonable enough, but if taken in sum make it seem that we're asking for a larger, plusher more tricked-out car. If that's where the market takes the mid-level car and the Esprit replacement, fine by me. If Lotus offers some of those options for the Elise, again, fine. But I'd like for there always to be available the bare-bones, spartan, no-nonsense Elise that I love. I have little interest high-quality materials or more comfort, I want low mass, simplest solution stuff. Like the recent review of the S2 Exige said, "Small, tight and angry". Indeed! Give me that.

ct_mazi · 08-27-2005, 05:29 PM

Quote:

=....-Metal LOTUS letters on the back of the car
....!

You can get these at http://www.eliseusa.com/

Vantage · 08-27-2005, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andykeck

Here's my request for Lotus. There are a great many requests in this thread for things that individually seem reasonable enough, but if taken in sum make it seem that we're asking for a larger, plusher more tricked-out car. If that's where the market takes the mid-level car and the Esprit replacement, fine by me. If Lotus offers some of those options for the Elise, again, fine. But I'd like for there always to be available the bare-bones, spartan, no-nonsense Elise that I love. I have little interest high-quality materials or more comfort, I want low mass, simplest solution stuff. Like the recent review of the S2 Exige said, "Small, tight and angry". Indeed! Give me that.

6200rpm · 08-28-2005, 06:31 PM

How 'bout optional recaros and more importantly a better air compressor?

MotorCade · 08-28-2005, 09:36 PM

What Andykeck said. Don't screw up this car with committees. Committees and focus groups just slowly strangle good ideas. Keep it light, keep it simple, keep the fluff out of it. It's a sportscar dedicated to one pure thought: speed. Let's keep it that way. I don't need cupholders, or accessory jacks, or anything but the drive. Focus on build quality and dealer network. Leave the car how it is.

Cade

HexAngel · 08-29-2005, 02:25 PM

More like... this:

"I want a horn here, here, and here.
You can never find a horn when you're mad.
And they should all play `La Cucaracha'."

"All my life, I have searched for a car that feels a certain way.
Powerful like a gorilla, yet soft and yielding like a Nerf ball.
Now, at last, I have found it."

vidoprof · 08-30-2005, 08:46 AM

How about a passenger seat that moves. Or tilts back a little that can't be too hard. Some people like to recline a little.

I also like ALL of the suggestions:

Glove box a must as I will drive it with the top off ALL the time and hate having to carry a bag to take my stuff with me

AC is a MUST IN FL. I need that option BAD

Seems everything else is in the works... Can't wait to actually OWN mine.

Ryan

Icedog_16 · 08-30-2005, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliseowner2b

I took some pieces of velcro (the sharper side) and stuck it to my soft top bag. This stops it from sliding around. Let the glue setup for a little while before going for a g-forced drive.

I've done something similar with a couple of things in my truck. Commercial-strength velcro does a great job.

SpaceM · 08-30-2005, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andykeck

Here's my request for Lotus. There are a great many requests in this thread for things that individually seem reasonable enough, but if taken in sum make it seem that we're asking for a larger, plusher more tricked-out car. If that's where the market takes the mid-level car and the Esprit replacement, fine by me. If Lotus offers some of those options for the Elise, again, fine. But I'd like for there always to be available the bare-bones, spartan, no-nonsense Elise that I love. I have little interest high-quality materials or more comfort, I want low mass, simplest solution stuff. Like the recent review of the S2 Exige said, "Small, tight and angry". Indeed! Give me that.

I'd second that Andy!

Lotus, go for better quality (I want the new plastic body) keep the current theme (pure,exotic design, simple,handles like no other but faster) and don't go soft!!!

Elysium · 08-30-2005, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andykeck

Here's my request for Lotus. There are a great many requests in this thread for things that individually seem reasonable enough, but if taken in sum make it seem that we're asking for a larger, plusher more tricked-out car. If that's where the market takes the mid-level car and the Esprit replacement, fine by me. If Lotus offers some of those options for the Elise, again, fine. But I'd like for there always to be available the bare-bones, spartan, no-nonsense Elise that I love. I have little interest high-quality materials or more comfort, I want low mass, simplest solution stuff. Like the recent review of the S2 Exige said, "Small, tight and angry". Indeed! Give me that.

I'm 100% in agreement. While Lotus would be well advised to broaden their appeal to a greater number of buyers with upmarket offerings and different models, it is essential that they continue to offer an elemental, absolutely no frills sportscar. Lotus occupy a unique position in the market. My only gripe is that they haven't adequately promoted their product. Perhaps that'd be like preaching to the converted though. To soften the Elise excessively (whatever that means) would be to move closer to the mainstream market, and that could be very dangerous. Remember the 90's Elan? The fact is that the sportscar market is becoming overpopulated, what with the Boxster, Z4, TT, S2k, Miata, SLK, Vette and the upcoming Solstice and Sky. Going for a piece of that pie could prove very tough.

ChrisB · 08-30-2005, 04:24 PM

I'm also with 100% Andy on this one. After adding everybody's little favorite "convenience" item, you risk ending up with a Boxster...a nice car, but not the raw, pure sports car that the Elise is.

Raindem · 08-30-2005, 05:24 PM

I have only one request - hinged clams.

Oh, and make the alarm and A/C delete options.

08-26-2005, 03:05 PM	#45 (permalink)
TimMullen Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 10,688 Images: 19	A rather simple request. The passenger seat belt has a "child safety seat mode" - pull the seat belt all the way out, and it engages a ratchet. As the seat belt is released, it is pulled back into it's reel, and will not come out (until all the way back in). Basically it turns off the inertial reel portion of the belt and makes it a locking belt - pull it snug, and it stays snug. Add this to the driver side. It would be wonderful in an autocross, and even for driving on the twisties... __________________ Tim Mullen --- There is no such thing as Touring suspension or Touring wheels. I love being married. It's so great to find that one person that you want to annoy for the rest of your life. - Rita Rudner Chantilly, VA http://members.cox.net/elans4/ 05 Lotus Elise - Chrome Orange - No Touring - No LSS - No Hardtop - Lotus Driving Lights - Lotus "Chin Guards" - plain and simple. 94 Miata R Package - Black 72 Lotus Elan Sprint - Colorado Orange/Cirrus White

08-27-2005, 05:09 PM	#48 (permalink)
bfm01 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Diego, Little Italy Posts: 168	***I'm really hoping Lotus pays attention as these suggestions are from real Elise owners/users...who would be the ones to know. -I am horrified at the number of damaged Elises out there. Low speed, front and rear areas especially. It is so not necessary for this kind of damage. Can't Lotus make the front and rear ends soft so they would deform and pop back into shape? Like most of the other makes out there do these days? -An integrated fob/key/security thingy -Less cheep looking dashboard finish, leather? -Smaller interior mirror -Sun visors mounted at the rear edge of the windshield frame...then they would actually be usable. -Couldn't the radiator be mounted vertically and still vented at the top...thereby making room for some front storage? -Easier to read, brighter (daytime) gauges -better and louder horn(s), one that actually sounds serious -The standard stereo and speakers are embarassing, I changed them out immediately -Lumbar that actually stays inflated -Metal LOTUS letters on the back of the car -Easier and quicker on-off for the hard top -Lockable interior storage bin -A non-molded-in front license mount area -Dealer oil changes that don't break the bank I know some of these have been mentioned, but these are MY suggestions. Otherwise the car is perfect and a total joy! __________________ Boomerang

08-29-2005, 02:25 PM	#54 (permalink)
HexAngel Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 207	More like... this: "I want a horn here, here, and here. You can never find a horn when you're mad. And they should all play `La Cucaracha'." "All my life, I have searched for a car that feels a certain way. Powerful like a gorilla, yet soft and yielding like a Nerf ball. Now, at last, I have found it." Last edited by HexAngel : 08-29-2005 at 02:27 PM.

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08-26-2005, 01:25 PM	#43 (permalink)
Allan Gibbs Evora Waiter (2010/2011) Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Glendale, CA (formerly Gilbert, AZ) Posts: 5,064	Retrofitable factory supercharger, please.

08-26-2005, 01:36 PM	#44 (permalink)
Vantage Weekend Warrior Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Diego / Los Angeles Posts: 4,033	- Slightly higher effort, lower travel brake pedal. Not necessarily to improve braking, but just for driving enjoyment - Engine mods to produce some more torque - Lotus Sport Parts readily available here in the U.S. Lotus is losing a lot of potential market share to aftermarket companies. Given a choice, I'd almost always take the Lotus designed performance part with warranty over something else. I understand some or all of these are being addressed, so it's just a matter of waiting. No car is perfect! - J

08-27-2005, 10:06 AM	#47 (permalink)
xxxotic Dude, There's My Car Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Posts: 1,918	Make the rear of the redesigned 07 Elise look like the rear of the circuit car

08-27-2005, 05:25 PM	#49 (permalink)
andykeck Detective Join Date: May 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 4,731 Images: 1	Here's my request for Lotus. There are a great many requests in this thread for things that individually seem reasonable enough, but if taken in sum make it seem that we're asking for a larger, plusher more tricked-out car. If that's where the market takes the mid-level car and the Esprit replacement, fine by me. If Lotus offers some of those options for the Elise, again, fine. But I'd like for there always to be available the bare-bones, spartan, no-nonsense Elise that I love. I have little interest high-quality materials or more comfort, I want low mass, simplest solution stuff. Like the recent review of the S2 Exige said, "Small, tight and angry". Indeed! Give me that.

08-28-2005, 06:31 PM	#52 (permalink)
6200rpm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 10	How 'bout optional recaros and more importantly a better air compressor?

08-28-2005, 09:36 PM	#53 (permalink)
MotorCade Will race for sushi Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 2,340	What Andykeck said. Don't screw up this car with committees. Committees and focus groups just slowly strangle good ideas. Keep it light, keep it simple, keep the fluff out of it. It's a sportscar dedicated to one pure thought: speed. Let's keep it that way. I don't need cupholders, or accessory jacks, or anything but the drive. Focus on build quality and dealer network. Leave the car how it is. Cade

08-30-2005, 08:46 AM	#55 (permalink)
vidoprof Patiently awaiting my car Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 594	How about a passenger seat that moves. Or tilts back a little that can't be too hard. Some people like to recline a little. I also like ALL of the suggestions: Glove box a must as I will drive it with the top off ALL the time and hate having to carry a bag to take my stuff with me AC is a MUST IN FL. I need that option BAD Seems everything else is in the works... Can't wait to actually OWN mine. Ryan

08-30-2005, 04:24 PM	#59 (permalink)
ChrisB I'm Lovin' It! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 3,756 Images: 1	I'm also with 100% Andy on this one. After adding everybody's little favorite "convenience" item, you risk ending up with a Boxster...a nice car, but not the raw, pure sports car that the Elise is.

08-30-2005, 05:24 PM	#60 (permalink)
Raindem Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 494	I have only one request - hinged clams. Oh, and make the alarm and A/C delete options.

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