If they made them an option on their cars, i believe so many people would buy them.

Its not like it takes away from the cars image.

If you would be willing to buy a Gullwing hardtop if they came as a factory option from lotus, please reply. Even if you wouldn't, if you support the option, please say so.

i mean....LOOK HOW AWESOME!!!
View attachment 151409

Didn't you already start a thread asking about this? Apparently you didn't get the responses you wanted.

GTFO Troll.

But yes, they look good.

 

GTFO Troll.

.

 

It looks like a bug with two antenna sticking out of its head.

 

Why? See post #22 http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f92/updated-pics-gullwing-8727/

If they had come from the factory as shown in post 22, then yes I'd take them, however, the option that is available overhangs the window too much for my liking.

 

As noted above, Lotus showed the original conceot of the S2 with a gullwing hard top that was a lot better designed than the aftermarket version that was later produced. I'm not sure why they chose not to make them, but I don't see much of a reason for it. Seems like an extra step or two to get in, a bunch of extra steps to change over to the soft top, and a lot of extra weight right on top all for extra space that I personally don't see any need for.

 

It's not for everyone.....

a. Not needed directly from Lotus Corp., i.e. cost, time, wight, one more thing to break and to consider for insurance purposes.

b. It's GREAT that an after market company DID make it for those who want it. Sad they stopped.


It's a win win situation, if you can find one for sale and it's not being used for ransom. :evil:

Look at it this way, ... where do they stop? They had to stop someplace,
or the Lotus would up being another MR2.

Peace!

 

Because Lotus makes the lightest convertible top in the world that opens wider than gull wing tops and weighs less.

 

I'm of the opinion that the Lotus is enough of a head turner without adding things like gull wing tops. Actually, I'm of that opinion for pretty much all exotics. I don't understand how anyone could look at an Elise and say, "Nice... but it needs MORE." I'm a fan of a good old fashioned door... one that is hinged to the side of the car and opens outward. They look good and work better! That's why every car has them!

 

this has nothing to do with doors, this is about gullwing roofs

see, the picture?

the door is the same, the roof just opens so you can get in and out much easier.

 

I think these "gullwinngs" look seriously stupid. Unless your 6 foot 5, and cant get in, and out of the elise, these are a absurd waste of weight.

If you have to get cheesy, then go all out, and get a lambo door conversion kit. At least THAT would look cool.

 

The lotus hard top looks cool too but it's equally useless for me too.

If you can't a hard top in the boot or behind seats if you take it off during a drive. If the gull wing tops actually fit in the boot then i'd argue it's a step up from hard top primarily for allowing a hard top look with some more portability of convertible experience. Still it's going to take more space than the existing soft top.

For getting in and out of the car, i think most people are going to look at you and think your car is dumb if you have to open 2 different things just to get in and out. Teenage boys might think it's super cool though. But i wouldn't mention that they open for the purpose of entry and exit to the average joe or jane.

 

Teenage boys might think it's super cool though.

Well that would fit the OP.

 

Melkus actually turned the whole doors into gullwings
http://www.google.de/images?hl=de&r...hl=de&rlz=1T4SKPB_deDE363DE382&q=melkus car&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi

That solution both looks cool and avoids that you kick you head in the roof when getting in. That also means you will never drive cabrio.

I agree with the others: gullwing are only intersting if you can store them in the car so you don´t have to sacrifice the cabrio drives.

If Lotus didn´t make them, that´s probably because it was too much trouble or costs (or both).

 

Whatsa matter with youz guys? Gullwing tops are available directly from Lotus. They've been an option since fall of '07. Just request the "Rice-a-roni" package; which includes: 1. Seat back TVs. 2. Rear deck sub-bazooka. 3. Video wing.-- The huge wing that's actually a hi-def ultra wide screen TV. 5. Gold plated curb feelers. 6. Gullwing tops. 7. In-dash condom/cologne dispenser.

 

Isn't there some Lotus history on this subject? I thought one of Collin Chapman's disagreements with John DeLorean on the DMC was the gull wing door. How do you get out in a roll-over accident?

 

If they made them an option on their cars, i believe so many people would buy them.

Its not like it takes away from the cars image.

If you would be willing to buy a Gullwing hardtop if they came as a factory option from lotus, please reply. Even if you wouldn't, if you support the option, please say so.

i mean....LOOK HOW AWESOME!!!
View attachment 151409

Nope, not for me.

Ans: Low connect rate to the total available market of Elise'. Can't make any money offering it unless you charge a very high price for it.

Adds complexity to an already simple canvas roof solution that comes as standard.

It's really not a gull wing door, more of a hatch cover.

IMO, kinda looks like a kit dune buggy from the late 60s.

 

Useless, weighty, potentially leaky idea. Does not fit in boot as far as I have seen. You gonna drive down the road with that up? Give it up, it was a silly Huntingridge mod that sunk like a brick.:thwack:

 

As an owner of a Gull-Winged Lotus (Came with the car), I would not recommend it . . . It leaks when it rains and I would prefer the open air to the having the T-Bar in the Center. Weight is not an issue really and the two pieces do fit nicely in the trunk, though they take up almost all the space, but in reality I wish I had a hardtop that I could attach permanently instead of this silly thing . . .

 

It is to be able to get in easier, which it would do, that was the point of my argument.

There is no reason lotus couldn't offer it. It might open their sales to new people if the consumer finds out that there is no difficulty in getting into the car anymore, which everyone knows as hard to do and which is one of the only reasons someone couldn't like this car if they really wanted a sports car.

 

superfluous, adds weight, and looks awkward...also adds unnecessary cost

 

This just leaked by email: Lotus will debut the new gull-wing T-top Evora at the Paris Auto Show!

 

2 choices to solve the entry/exit problem. 1. lose wt 2. exercise and get flexible

 

How about we put a screamin' chicken on the hood to go with those 70's t-Tops!!

 

lol

Credit goes to Moto44 http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f68/have-you-ever-owned-trans-am-56965/

I actually kind of like it :shrug:

 

if it had been raining or snowing wouldnt the interior get wet when you opened the door with the gullwing?

also in england a pontiac mustang or corvette would be clased as an exotic car

 

I have it. It leaks pretty bad when washing the car. I have to put towels on the seats, and behind them. However it makes life much easier getting in and out of the car. I am almost 6'3 and about as limber as a step ladder.

 

Really ,the answer is a pneumatic cushion that inflates 6 inches or so or a seat that did the same thing it would benefit tall and short people. If I had the resources I would build one.

 

Really ,the answer is a pneumatic cushion that inflates 6 inches or so or a seat that did the same thing ...

-eek-

No, seriously... the answer is an M3.

 

You all should watch the Elise Story video. It explains the original design of the car alot. One thing to remember... there weren't going to be doors, or a roof! It only only because they decided drivers might get caught in rain, and might want to drive when it is chilly out, along with letting their skirted passengers have easy access that the car was redesigned a little. So adding more complexity with flip up doors and a gull-wing hard top is hard to understand. I am 6'2" tall and with the roof on, I can get in and out of the car, even when my back and neck are stiff. I gotta say, I think most of these solutions look awful.

 

Yep. The video is exelent and can be found here:
Lotus Elise Inside Story

As you say the initial idea was to skip doors. However, when they decided to add them to obey car regulations they also explored more sofisticated door concepts but they were scraped for weight/complexity issues.

Simplify and add lightness.

 

what a great video....thanks for the link.

 

My immediate response simply reiterates several previous replies;
Adds weight
Adds complexity
Adds cost

Colin would cringe. In addition, they look horrible. Gimmicky. Adding them alters your image from a driving enthusiast to a poser. If you want a flash cruiser, buy a Corvette and throw the Tupperware catalog at it. If you want a hardtop with head room, buy an SUV (I hear Porsche makes 'em now. That should sufficiently stroke the ego). If you want one of the best 'no holds barred', 'no compromises' driving machines ever made, buy a Lotus. If you don't fit, lose weight and take up yoga.

The Lotus isn't for everyone. The compromises that one has to make in order to indulge in the experience is part of the charm of Lotus ownership. Fitting gimmicks such as gullwings is for those who just don't get it.