Specific details?
Let's see-
the official unveiling of the car at the LA auto show was only a couple of weeks ago, at which time they were STILL fiddling with interior trim decisions and various bits and pieces to finalize the car before production.
The status of the LSD inclusion remains to be seen, and if the early comments come to fruition, we'll see that appear on the option list later this year.
My point?
With such limited specifics in terms of nailing the remaining details of the CURRENT car, it's a little early to be guessing at what's around the corner.
Having said that, the federal waivers (that are supposed to be approved "any day now") will temporarily exempt the 2005 models from some of the bumper and headlight requirements, so it's pretty much a given that the 2006 will be redesigned to comply with more stringent bumper and headlight requirements. Best guess is that the headlights on the 2006 will be mounted higher, and 2.5 mph bumpers will certainly add weight and visible bulk to the design of the car.
But, who knows? I haven't heard any rumors about a specific proposed design for the 2006, and I guarantee that the folks at Hethel are still scrambling with all available resources to ensure that the Federal Elise (2005 model) will start shipping on time, and with a minimum of glitches- the 2005 model is what they are focusing on right now, and when that's under control and up to speed, then we may start hearing rumors about where the 2006 model is headed.
But, then again, Lotus has a reputation for being somewhat tightlipped about upcoming models, perhaps in part to reduce the "Osborne effect".
I'm curious too, but looking forward to owning a 2005!
-Knute