Gullwing Option on New Lotus Elise...Can this work?

["Kevin Abato" <delorean@xxxx>]

I know this is slightly off subject, but I am sure there are DMC owners
who can shed some technical light on the subject.
A friend of mine recently put a deposit on the new Lotus Elise car that
is set to ship to the US in spring of 2004. While drooling over the
thought of his future car, he started to research hard top options for
the car. As it turns out, there is a company in britan who is offering
an aftermarket "Gullwing" option for the car.

After viewing pictures, I am wondering how this can possibly
work...maybe someone on this board can shed some light on the subject
either by mechanical knowledge or maybe you have seen this design
before.

First:
- Pictures: http://www.autostyle-solutions.com/
<http://www.autostyle-solutions.com/gallery/solutions/t_bar/pages/soluti
ons_t_bar_011.html> <http://www.autostyle-solutions.com/> 
- Write Up: http://www.autostyle-solutions.com/news/index.html

Second: Note that this is not a TRUE gullwing design. Only the roof
panels are lifted.

OK...Here is what is getting me stumped: Notice how the lift pistons
are positioned in the CENTER of the roof panels? How could it possibly
close down all the way if the pistons are mounted there? My guess is
that perhaps the top part (skinnier insert) of the piston is somehow
mounted to the roof panel in a fashon so that it slide to the center of
the T-Panel as it closes. Even more strange is that this whole setup is
made to be taken off the car when you want so that it can be driven as a
T-Top. Wouldnt this require some tools to undo all the hardware in a
clean looking fashion?

Anyone know or have any ideas exactly how the strut could possibly be in
the middle like that and still function?


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