Dan...please, revisit your middle school grammar and diagramming of sentences...you're very hard to understand.

If I understand correctly, you simply want an outdated technological platform that looks swell, performance, pedigree, or real quality be damned. That's ok. You don't have to feel bad about that.

You don't like the Lotus. That's fine. It really isn't for you. It's a driver's car. That's ok. A true performance car is not something you can relate to (check any current R & T road test table, a current NSX, and you owned a dinosaur NSX, at twice the price cannot keep up with an Elise.

For some strange reason you think the plastic body and Toyota drivetrain are negatives. Actually, they're positives. That's ok, really. It's far more reliable than the antiquated Crossfire drivetrain, more efficient, and far faster. But that's ok. Half the Crossfire (the rear half) looks good. The interior, directly out of the last generation SLK, is nice considering how much of the hated plastic is there. That silver painted plastic console is a quality item in a $35 K poser car, for sure.

$45 K for a Lotus? Yeah, an absolute bargain. Just ride in one. Become informed. You'll make much less of an **** of yourself. Believe me, you won't be able to wipe the grin off your face. Your Crossfire will feel like a '68 Fury 9 passenger station wagon after riding in/driving the Elise. That's ok. Manyh people have experienced the transformation. It won't hurt you. I'm not blowing smoke. Go visit Elisetalk forum. Lots of guys who've owned S2000 Hondas, BMW Z3 and Z4's, 350 Z's, Boxsters, SLK's etc feel like, after driving an Elise, they're climbing into a mini van when getting into their old 'sports' cars.

$35 K for the last generation SLK with a cramped body and a shifter still popping out of 1st gear? Shameful.

$50K for an SRT with an antique steering system? Pathetic.