[MattG]

A local dealer (SVAG, in CA) had their leather supplier make up a sample of a leather covered center console. He used different colors and types of leather to show what sort of possibilities there are, here are some pics:

As you can see, different colors are an option, as is perforated leather. The design uses the stock shifter boot. They'll be adding some thin foam under the leather on future ones to better hide the seams (note they slightly bulge right now). The "cupholder" is unchanged.

It's similar to the one talked about in this thread, but with a little more interesting design.

They're still working out pricing with their supplier, but to get the cost down, they're hoping to be able to arrange a group buy. My hope is that we could get them down to $300, but it'd probably end up being more like $400. I don't know for sure at this point, we need an idea of how many people would be interested.

(disclaimer - I have no affiliation with the dealer, I just want to get a good deal on this for my own car)

 

[zvezdah1]

Seems a bit overdone to me, I kind of like the simplicity of bare or painted, but maybe that's because I just popped for painting.
Chris

 

[The Stig]

I don't think this is what Mr. Colin Chapman had in mind... but hey, what ever floats your boat...

Neil

 

[LarryB]

Looks like someone had it done along with door panels at a local shop for around $350:

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7521

If they could get it to around $300, might be interested. Then again still got to visit my local body shop to figure out what it'll cost to get it painted (along with a few other items).

 

[TimMullen]

I don't think this is what Mr. Colin Chapman had in mind... but hey, what ever floats your boat...

Yea, what Neil said.

My center console will remain just as it left the factory. I like the "aluminum" look. It goes with the rest of the car.

You could get the price down to $0, and mine would stay original...

 

[Lotus F1]

I don't think this is what Mr. Colin Chapman had in mind... but hey, what ever floats your boat...

Neil

Damn, what the hell is that leather doing on my seats then? :huh:

Well at least Colin Chapman had an MP3 radio in mind.

 

[TimMullen]

Well at least Colin Chapman had an MP3 radio in mind.

Nah... Colin didn't even put a radio in my '72 Elan...
But I did...:no:

 

[The Stig]

Damn, what the hell is that leather doing on my seats then? :huh:

Well at least Colin Chapman had an MP3 radio in mind.

I am guessing you got the touring package, power windows and all...

I wasn't trying to be insulting, it just wasn't to my taste... bling, bling and a diamond ring... What's next... cup holders.

Neil

 

[smoseley]

I don't think this is what Mr. Colin Chapman had in mind.

With all due respect, Mr. Colin Chapman won't be driving my car.

 

[The Stig]

With all due respect, Mr. Colin Chapman won't be driving my car.

I see your point, but you know what I meant... (I hope...) if not nevermind.

Neil

 

[Vantage]

I suppose you have the right to say that if you go the perry route and take out the radio, A/C, etc...but we'll see what you do Neil.

I think Lotus should have offered that dark saddle tan from the start instead of biscuit. You listening Clyde?

 

[Lotus F1]

.

 

[Lotus F1]

I am guessing you got the touring package, power windows and all...
Neil

Yes or the other wise known as Anti-Chapman package

 

[smoseley]

I see your point, but you know what I meant...

Of course. Just makin trouble as usual.

 

[smoseley]

Speaking of the Chapman philosophy...

Lotus should make a car that is nothing but frame, suspension, and drivetrain. No doors, no shell, nothing but what's needed to move it. No seats, even... you can sit on the floorpans, damnit!

The can call it the Chap-Stick

 

[MattG]

What's next... cup holders.

Actually, yes, that's on my to-do list too.

The center console is an eyesore. If I can make it better-integrated (visually) with the rest of the interior, I see nothing bad about that. The weight increase of this added leather is really minimal. Merely HAVING that center console cover is pointless and already adds unnecessary weight to the car.

 

[TimMullen]

Merely HAVING that center console cover is pointless and already adds unnecessary weight to the car.

I don't know about that. The console provides a way to "snake" the wiring through the car, and it protects the shift and parking brake linkages from fingers, dirt and grime.

 

[Ancient Wedgie]

As you can see, different colors are an option

Whoa, you caught my interest there for a moment. :clap: However. that white on the left of your last photo is due to color-shifting of the image. Darn it all.

I'd been hoping for an off-white interior for my LB all along, but bisquet was the closest Lotus would offer, and it's just inadequate. May have to go to a BMW after-marketeer to get what I precisely want.

 

[Allan Gibbs]

Speaking of the Chapman philosophy...

Lotus should make a car that is nothing but frame, suspension, and drivetrain. No doors, no shell, nothing but what's needed to move it. No seats, even... you can sit on the floorpans, damnit!

Actually, they did. But if people thought the Elise was too spartan....

Source: http://www.340r.net/

 

[MattG]

Re: Re: leather covered center console?

Whoa, you caught my interest there for a moment. :clap: However. that white on the left of your last photo is due to color-shifting of the image. Darn it all.

Yes, it's a color-shift, but they CAN make this out of any color leather.