I'll go counter to the trend, here (as per my usual)
Wait for the car.
If you are buying in cash, put it in the market for a year. If you are financing, use the year to save and decrease your $'s financed
Everyone is talking about price hikes, but I feel that if Lotus raises the price significantly, the market for the car will be too small. The current MSRP was chosen for a reason. Lotus raises the price at their own peril. I feel the car is marginally overpriced as is, but will buy it 'cause I am able and want it. I think that most people who are buying this car see it as a toy. And there are a lot of other toys out there.
Finally, given that cars are available 'off the list' at near MSRP now -- when demand is supposedly 'high' and lists are long -- one has to think that cars will soon be available below MSRP. If you think about it, there is only one explanation for this: The lists are artificially long -- due to the presence of multiple deposits from those of us who are a bit greedy (sorry, but that's how I see it), and due to dealer inflated lists
Consider that on this (enthusiast) forum, we are getting very skewed opinions RE the car, vis a vis the typical potential buyer.
It is a great car, but for a small audience. Don't get caught up in an artificial frenzy -- you will probably get the car sooner than you think. I was told three months ago that it would be 'at least 18-24 months' until my car arrives. Now it is expected in three.