Driver's Car - Page 2 - LotusTalk

mrcarcrazy · 10-15-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GR82DRV

Most cars seem to be designed for the "optimal" or "average" sized driver, and cater more to the short end of the driver spectrum across all buyer demographics (5',9" and shorter). Lets face it, most performance sports car owners are men, and on average men tend to be taller than women.

I love the seat position on the Lotus, but there is just barely enough leg room for a person of 6', 2" like myself. A little more seat travel would be great. It would also be very nice if the steering wheel would either be set slightly longer or offer a simple and light weight telescope feature for a taller person.

Ehh don't worry about tall people. You can't trust them anyway.

I'm 5'9'' and my mom says I'm perfect.

GR82DRV · 10-15-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcarcrazy

Ehh don't worry about tall people. You can't trust them anyway.

I'm 5'9'' and my mom says I'm perfect.

I'm thinking maybe they should make the 'Lotus" for folks like me, and the "Lotus Jr." for folks like you...

GR82DRV · 10-15-2009, 01:05 PM

Hey, I did a little search and found they do make the "Lotus Jr."!

milehitom · 10-15-2009, 01:13 PM

A lot of us think "track" or "spirited driving" when we read "driver's car." With that in mind, the cockpit must be communicative. It can't muffle the noises of the engine, the movement of the suspension and the feel of the road so much that you're cocooned.

The shifter should be a tad notchy, with a short throw and a firm feel.

The pedals should be easily adjustable for heel and toe positioning, since no two drivers have the same foot size and body mechanics.

The dash must be matte to prevent glare.

The proper gauges should be included (oil temp, etc). If they're digital, they should be easily readable in bright light conditions.

The cabin materials should be easily cleanable, sturdy and simple. And the exposed edges of the panels should be eased (sanded or polished so that they're not like razors-that's one thing I don't find endearing about our Lotus).

Best of luck! We'd like nothing more than to see more driver's cars on the road!

Tom

alil'britdifferent · 10-15-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milehitom

A lot of us think "track" or "spirited driving" when we read "driver's car."

Totally agree. Would be helpful to clarify that point.

Around where I live people think a Ford F150 is a drivers car!!!

roffle waffle · 10-15-2009, 01:52 PM

the speedo should be visible for a 6' tall driver when they adjust the steering wheel to be in the lowest position.

seats should be lightweight, with very good lumbar and lateral support. I've sat in my sparco torino's for 20 hours before with no discomfort.

clutch should be fairly stiff and short. like in a BMW, not like in a honda/acura

as few buttons as possible.

hide-away navigation system

mrcarcrazy · 10-15-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GR82DRV

I'm thinking maybe they should make the 'Lotus" for folks like me, and the "Lotus Jr." for folks like you...

Or, from the "normal perspective" Lotus for me (and my other normal brethren). and then Lotus USA, or Lotus XL for the "larger than life" variant.

def · 10-15-2009, 02:33 PM

Lots of alcantara
No chrome or anything too shiney in front of the driver

My civic hybrids speedo has a teeny chrome lip going around it, if the sun hits it i get glare

tvacc · 10-15-2009, 02:56 PM

Drive a Caterham. You want to feel like you are connected to the car. Form fitting seats. Shifter right to hand. Small steering wheel.

spectre · 10-15-2009, 02:56 PM

The car needs to feel real and needs to instill high quality. Everything you see, touch, hear or experience with the car needs to exude it.

So what do you get...the perfect drivers car from Powell Motors...

Gimme · 10-15-2009, 04:12 PM

Aesthetically the view down the hood from the driver's seat is important to me. Either it makes you feel like your driving a sports car, or it doesn't.

stearnsn · 10-15-2009, 04:15 PM

It may be too British but I prefer the horn on the turn signal stalk. You always know where it is no matter where the wheel is turned and you can usually hit it without removing your hands from 9-3.

VERY communicative steering.

Ruthless weight cutting--Ok to cut cost here too.

Adjustable suspension height.

+1 for Hans compatible

xtn · 10-16-2009, 07:53 AM

Oh it should have a push-to-start button AND a key. Because mutually useless things should always be paired.

xtn

SweetDaddyD · 10-16-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtn

Oh it should have a push-to-start button AND a key. Because mutually useless things should always be paired.

xtn

If you do a traditional key, at least make the key and the alarm fob all one unit. Not a second ultra ghey dangly piece like my 05. (actually 2 pieces now since the rubber connector in the middle broke) I know they improved it later but they super lame key has always been a disappointment. Whereas the cool automatic switchblade key on my VW was a really neat little feature.

Seb · 10-17-2009, 10:47 AM

Or copy Nissan with their key. Walk in and start with the key in your pocket.

mx1 · 10-18-2009, 08:13 PM

The Lotus is great, but better fit and finish would be nice. Most have been addressed here, reduce squeaks and rattles. A bigger, more refined, better sounding engine would be nice. Of course with more torque. Reliable, with less wrenching required, overall.

Formulabob · 10-18-2009, 09:39 PM

Driver's Car

Precise communicative steering.

Adjustable ride (from potholes to freeway cruise to track).

Svelte vehicle -- accelerates quickly (sub 13 sec 1/4 mile), outstanding, non-fading brakes, cornering on street tires over 1.0 g.

Sufficient storage room (trunk) to accept golf clubs.

Interior

Seating comfortable for long stretches of time and supportive under high G driving. Seats that can acommodate HANS and racing harness -- air conditioning and heating options for the seats.

Configurable instrumentation for display of information appropriate to usage, e.g., track info, or a breakfast back road cruise. Data recording/lap timing option for configurable instrumentation.

Best controls possible for best gearbox -- probably DSG technology with paddle or sequential manual shifter.

Steering column adjustable for rake and reach.

Simple climate and audio controls. Highly effective systems for both.

Effective visual aids -- mirrors, back-up camera, blind spot warning.

Seats that can acommodate HANS and racing harness -- air conditioning and heating options.

*************************

Kudos to you for doing some non-traditional market research.

10-15-2009, 01:05 PM	#23 (permalink)
GR82DRV Et tu Lotus? Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 197	Hey, I did a little search and found they do make the "Lotus Jr."! Attached Images

10-15-2009, 01:52 PM	#26 (permalink)
roffle waffle Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 32	the speedo should be visible for a 6' tall driver when they adjust the steering wheel to be in the lowest position. seats should be lightweight, with very good lumbar and lateral support. I've sat in my sparco torino's for 20 hours before with no discomfort. clutch should be fairly stiff and short. like in a BMW, not like in a honda/acura as few buttons as possible. hide-away navigation system __________________ http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/6859/siggreybz8.jpg

10-15-2009, 02:33 PM	#28 (permalink)
def ...ault Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mountain View, CA Posts: 2,609	Lots of alcantara No chrome or anything too shiney in front of the driver My civic hybrids speedo has a teeny chrome lip going around it, if the sun hits it i get glare __________________ //kevin - 05 Graphite Gray - Red Touring / LSS / Starshield / Stage 2 + more SOLD

10-15-2009, 02:56 PM	#29 (permalink)
tvacc Head LOONY Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 2,223	Drive a Caterham. You want to feel like you are connected to the car. Form fitting seats. Shifter right to hand. Small steering wheel. __________________ Tony Vaccaro 2005 Ardent Red, Katana Supercharger, Touring, Hardtop, Driving Lights, HIDs, Rear Window Shield, Red Mounts, Laser Shifters, V1, LETSLA Shifter, www.lotusowners.com LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York) and the Church of the HolyLotus Supplier of Polycarbonate Shield for Rear Window IN STOCK , Drive Fast Take Chances

10-15-2009, 02:56 PM	#30 (permalink)
spectre the designer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 767	The car needs to feel real and needs to instill high quality. Everything you see, touch, hear or experience with the car needs to exude it. So what do you get...the perfect drivers car from Powell Motors... Attached Images __________________ 2008 Exige S 240 For Sale: 2005 stock shifter console and change holder. PM if your interested.

10-15-2009, 01:13 PM	#24 (permalink)
milehitom Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 3,143	A lot of us think "track" or "spirited driving" when we read "driver's car." With that in mind, the cockpit must be communicative. It can't muffle the noises of the engine, the movement of the suspension and the feel of the road so much that you're cocooned. The shifter should be a tad notchy, with a short throw and a firm feel. The pedals should be easily adjustable for heel and toe positioning, since no two drivers have the same foot size and body mechanics. The dash must be matte to prevent glare. The proper gauges should be included (oil temp, etc). If they're digital, they should be easily readable in bright light conditions. The cabin materials should be easily cleanable, sturdy and simple. And the exposed edges of the panels should be eased (sanded or polished so that they're not like razors-that's one thing I don't find endearing about our Lotus). Best of luck! We'd like nothing more than to see more driver's cars on the road! Tom

10-15-2009, 04:12 PM	#31 (permalink)
Gimme Pretty Irresponsible Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Gilroy CA Posts: 69	Aesthetically the view down the hood from the driver's seat is important to me. Either it makes you feel like your driving a sports car, or it doesn't. __________________ "The engine buzz is unpleasant" Consumer Reports review of the Lotus Elise

10-15-2009, 04:15 PM	#32 (permalink)
stearnsn Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 20	It may be too British but I prefer the horn on the turn signal stalk. You always know where it is no matter where the wheel is turned and you can usually hit it without removing your hands from 9-3. VERY communicative steering. Ruthless weight cutting--Ok to cut cost here too. Adjustable suspension height. +1 for Hans compatible __________________ 05 Elise - Storm Titanium, Red interior. LSS, TP, HT, Starshield. Mods: Katana SC, Morosso Oil Pan, De-Snorkeled, Green Filter, billet oil cap, RTD brace, tinted windows, stainless brake lines, Cobalt Friction pads, FIAMM horns, Sector111 bootie.

10-16-2009, 07:53 AM	#33 (permalink)
xtn McLareghini Bugatterrari Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 6,845	Oh it should have a push-to-start button AND a key. Because mutually useless things should always be paired. xtn __________________ 2006 McLareghini Bugatterrari, Storm Titanium... <mods> installed: air horn, Scroth 4-point ASM harnesses, Sector111 halon extinguisher and mounting bracket, Von Hep exhaust and rear panel delete, Pagid brake pads, red Volks CE28n wheels, Toyo RA-1 tires, Nitron SA coilovers, Sector111 (WorksBell) quick-disconnect steering wheel kit. awaiting installation: Scroth "pull-up" lap belts, Sector111 RTD Brace, Tony's heater bypass mod, and dropped steering rack mounting plates. </mods>

10-17-2009, 10:47 AM	#35 (permalink)
Seb <3 QR25DE Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 750	Or copy Nissan with their key. Walk in and start with the key in your pocket.

10-18-2009, 08:13 PM	#36 (permalink)
mx1 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fort Walton Beach FL Posts: 74	The Lotus is great, but better fit and finish would be nice. Most have been addressed here, reduce squeaks and rattles. A bigger, more refined, better sounding engine would be nice. Of course with more torque. Reliable, with less wrenching required, overall. __________________ Previous--66 Austin Healey 3000; 79 Alfa Spyder; 72 BMW 2002; 85 944; 86 MR2; 89 944S2; 89 944S2 w M030; Current--01 Audi S4, modded twin turbo;07 Lotus Exige S Lucky enough to have driven the autobahn for 5 years

10-18-2009, 09:39 PM	#37 (permalink)
Formulabob Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Michigan and Florida Posts: 17	My Interior Wants Driver's Car Precise communicative steering. Adjustable ride (from potholes to freeway cruise to track). Svelte vehicle -- accelerates quickly (sub 13 sec 1/4 mile), outstanding, non-fading brakes, cornering on street tires over 1.0 g. Sufficient storage room (trunk) to accept golf clubs. Interior Seating comfortable for long stretches of time and supportive under high G driving. Seats that can acommodate HANS and racing harness -- air conditioning and heating options for the seats. Configurable instrumentation for display of information appropriate to usage, e.g., track info, or a breakfast back road cruise. Data recording/lap timing option for configurable instrumentation. Best controls possible for best gearbox -- probably DSG technology with paddle or sequential manual shifter. Steering column adjustable for rake and reach. Simple climate and audio controls. Highly effective systems for both. Effective visual aids -- mirrors, back-up camera, blind spot warning. Seats that can acommodate HANS and racing harness -- air conditioning and heating options. *********************** Kudos to you for doing some non-traditional market research. __________________ 2008 Solar Yellow Exige S with Touring and Track Packs, Manly engine mount inserts, intercooler scoop and shifter mods, RLS tubes, Cup air filter, Cup wheels, and some unique body paint accents -- many more mods to be added over time. 1991 Elan M100 stock except for a roll bar and Wilwood brakes. 2008 Lincoln MKZ** for rain, or rush hour traffic, or trips with luggage, or big/non-limber passengers .

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