We have to go “into town” for Amazon returns that require a UPS store and not just a drop off. On the way I saw this parked outside of our local Infiniti dealership. While leaving the UPS store I decided to look it up on the website. link for those interested. I decided to stop by and see it in the flesh, we don’t get many exotics down here in Corpus Christi. As I walk over to it a salesman greets me. I tell him I saw it from the road and I was just dreaming. He said him too, they had it on the showroom at the Mercedes dealership but the sales manager drove it over. He proceeded to pull on the handle.
Locked.
He says he will go get the keys. I look over the cool carbon bits and take note of the pilot sport cup 2 tires. He comes back.
Unlock.
Locked.
Lock, unlock.
Locked.
He sticks the key in the door, unlock, opens door.
Alarm!
More button mashing alarm stops.
Starts again then stops.
He gets in the passenger seat.
Alarm!
I get in the drivers seat, shut the door.
Alarm!
He suggested trying to start it but the immobilizer keeps it from starting. Finally he hits some button and the mirrors unfold.
Good sign.
He tells me “let’s hear it start up”.
Vroom.
I let it idle as we look around the cockpit, pointing out how great of a place it is to be. Everything is where you need it for driving. The fake suede is a nice touch and the openness of the center console/dash give a sense of space that isn’t there. The rear seats are ridiculously small. Half the size of my 911’s.
So I tell him “I know this is $106,000 which it too rich for my blood but we got the keys and it’s warmed up. Mind if I take it for a spin?”
He says “Absolutely I’ve never been in a Lotus”
I pull the lockout ring on the manual 6-speed to throw it in reverse. Look behind me only to realize that window is worthless and the backup camera is invaluable in this car. I take it along some roads, some underpass turnarounds and I happen upon and empty access road. I mention, I won’t get too wild but I’d like to get on it after this turnaround. He says “no problem” and hits the Sport button. I straighten the wheels and punch it through 2nd and 3rd. It is quick and makes really good sounds knowing it’s a “Toyota” V6. He is excited, he mentions how fast it is and how it must handle well. I say “I can show you how it handles if you want”. He said seven words he might now regret.
“Have as much fun as you want…”
Hmmm. Ok. I am here to tell you, the air was coldish @ 51F and the tires were not properly up to temperature. It was easy to get it sideways through 1st, into 2nd and on the way to 3rd. Traction control stepped in with a slight nudge:
“Hey you want me to get this for you?” We got back to the dealership with the passenger all grins. I thank him for trusting me with the keys. I asked him if I should leave the keys in it so he can take it for a spin and he says this. “No I just started, I don’t want to get fired” 
The sales manager comes out and asked how I liked it. I tell him the truth that I’m not in the market for that type of car, just stopped by to appreciate it. He says he knows, Jerry explained you just liked cars. He said he was taking it to Cars & Coffee tomorrow morning to see if he could get anyone interested in the purchase before they sell it to a dealership in San Antonio. Two very down to earth people who genuinely appreciate the car for what it is.
Did I take advantage of the situation? Maybe but if they are willing, I’m not going to pass up an opportunity to drive a great machine.
