JD,
I am new to Pistonheads but will be a regular contributor concentrating on the US market. The focus of my material will be on Lotus. I can't say a whole lot about the car other than what I wrote. I should be attending the media launch later this month and will have much more in the way of firm details then. I'd rather give you the honest answer than a bunch of guesses and unconfirmed facts (like some other magazines which recently published).
You need to remember that the production cars will not roll off the line until spring so my impressions, as well as those of the other writers are entirely based on mules. Most of these cars are mixes of european and proposed federal specifications and finishes so you need to be careful. The shift is not rubbery but is actually somewhat notchy but not necessarily in a bad way. Actually it is not unlike the S2 S111. The production model should be a bit more massaged and fluid. Regardless, when you're in gear, you know it.
As far as options, I know a lot and again will only tell you what I know won't bite me in the rear. As far as paint, the announced colors are final. The optional colors are under discussion. It's important to note that worldwide, the colors ave recently changed for the car and colors like Lazer Blue are technically discontinued. Gunmetal is a very nice color but might be too close to Titanium for Lotus to list as a option. But don't take that as gospel. Arnie is working overtime to make as many of us happy as possible.
As an aside, when you read the articles and reviews of the car from Pistonheads or elsewhere, understand that many of the specifications and final settings for the car are still being fine tuned. Are they close? Very. But still not final. Statements regarding "programs" and specific costs are preliminary and should not be taken to the bank quite yet. To mention them in an attempt to be the first on the scope, also brings the danger of being made a fool and in the future and unrespected in the automotive community. Sometimes getting it almost right can be worse than not saying anything at all. A perfect example with the Elise was Top Gear about 18 months ago pronouncing that the Elise would have a Toyota 6 from the Camry. Why? Because a spy picture had shown dual exhaust from the center of the rear diffuser. Everybody got all excited about a 6 cylinder Elise and the chat boards went nuts. As we know now, they were close but far enough off that now in hind sight that they look like schmucks now. I will be writing a follow up report come early January which will be armed with the facts from the Lotus directly and officially. In the mean time take solace that what you have read about the car's abilities is true of the prototypes and the production cars will be even better. As far as programs and options, again Lotus Cars USA and Lotus Cars are working overtime to offer the buyers an array of opportunities some of which haven't even been hinted at yet. Relax, wait for things to be official. Remember, all good things..............
