James A said:
I am surprised Lotus doesn't have a system like BMW, BMW will paint your car any color you want for an additional (I think) $800. If you order your car built you can send a color sample or request a known color and they will paint your car that color.
OK, I know this is a digression, but I have to respond! BMW's "Individual" program is for whatever reason barely acknowledged by BMWNA, and with lots of pleading and begging they will (on occasion) grant permission to supply colors from the "Individual" choices (at an outrageous premium- several thousand dollars minimum), but in Europe (and elsewhere outside the US?) the program is far more extensive- there are special interiors (wood, alcantera, etc.) that we don't get, period, short of privately importing parts from Europe.
I tried for a frigging YEAR (2001-2002) to get cloth seats on a 5-series BMW, and BMWNA wouldn't touch it; I think they just don't want to deal with the extra paperwork. (I finally did get a commitment to get cloth seats if I paid the upcharge for leather, but they refused to even negotiate on doing so associated with european delivery)
I'm very much in favor of programs like BMW's "Individual", but it boggles my mind that such a great program is completely ignored by BMWNA- for all intents and purposes, we really don't have access to it unless the buyer has really good connections- "you'll take it the way we want to sell it to you."
I have heard it something to do with the American legal system- the buyer can back out, potentially leaving BMWNA in possession of a very difficult car to sell. (Some of the possible color choices are pretty heinous!) And then Bangle came along, intent on making BMWs funny looking regardless of what color you choose, but I digress further...
(rant off)
Having said all that, I think Lotus _is_ offering a pretty decent choice of colors, especially considering the size of the production run. (small) I'm very curious to see what the rotating lifestyle colors are by the time my order rolls around late next fall!
Ice Blue could be a fun color...
-Knute