Dan,

Not yet hitting $50K out the door. Well, some dealers are still getting $5K over MSRP, but they're becoming fewer and fewer. Mine, out the door, title, taxes, tags, destination, with the touring package (leather seats, insulated top, power windows, yes...upgraded stereo) I'm getting for $45K. But this car qualified for the pre January $2K price increase.

A fully loaded, with sport suspension (needed only if one is seriously going to track the car, hard top, star shield, touring, destination, and stage II exhaust is $49K with the price increase.

Now, that IS in my opinion right at the threshhold of its value. But as with any other toy that is irrational, there are still guys who say they'd pay $55 or $60K for the car.

The car still has a 12 to 18 month waiting list, but that will change and the car will soon be readily available to anybody at MSRP with minimal wait. Why? Largely because of things you point out.

It is NOT for everyone. Lots of folks put down a deposit and got in line. They figured that at $39.9K (original msrp), to get a brand new sports car with the Lotus name, mystique, and racing history, AND one that has been hailed across Europe since 97 as the best handling car on the road, what a deal. Add to that Toyota reliability, and you have a nice package.

But again, when people actually see it for the first time, climb into it, see the spartan interior, see the trunk roughly the size of a bread box, and they are opting out. They're comparing to what they're used to in 350Z's, BMW Z3 and 4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, and frankly in terms of performance, they compare it to what is closest to it...the Subaru WRX Sti and the Mitsu Evo. Climbing in and out of it with the top on is one of the least graceful things you can attempt.

You're right, it's not for everyone, and for most people it isn't an everyday car. Heck, I didn't see the Crossfire as an everyday car when I had it. But it's certainly better suited than the Elise for that puprose. I probably won't take the car to work in downtown Baltimore ever. May take it to other offices on the outside of town on occasion.

Ironically, there are already more performance aftermarket items available or in the works for the Elise than are available for the Crossfire. 2 different stages of aftermarket exhaust, suspension upgrades, upgraded wheels are already available. Both superchargers and turbochargers will be available soon. When selecting this engine, Lotus engineers planned on aftermarket mods safely taking it to 300 hp.

For the Elise it is power to weight that is the performance advantage. The Crossfire made waves at first because is was considered light at 3060 lbs. That's downright porky next to the Elise, at 1985 lbs.

So, it isn't for everyone. Never was meant to be. Lotus was never a mass manufacturer. There are already far more Crossfires on the road than Esprits Lotus sent to the US in that model's entire 27 year run.

I'm serious, for you guys in the area, I'll be happy to meet up come spring at Summit Point or Virginia International for track days. Or would love to hook up for a Dragon Tail run.

All enthusiast cars are good. Take a ride in an Elise...you may not want to own it, or live with it...but I guarantee you that you'll still think it's a great ride.