Our caption asks, is the Emira probably the most full Lotus sports activities automotive ever? The brief reply is sure, however that’s not the total story. Right here’s a recap of what the Emira is, why it’s not ‘the standard Lotus’ – even when taking into consideration Hethel’s earlier efforts at a ‘GT’ – and why it’s such a unique beast from a Porsche Cayman. Heaps to reply, so let’s go.
Revealed in July 2021, the primary deliveries of the Emira began in late-2022, and we confirmed you the manufacturing First Version intimately in March, when Lotus Vehicles Malaysia introduced in an attractive crimson instance. Previous to that, we detailed a pre-production unit, the precise automotive pushed by ex-F1 champion Jenson Button at Laguna Seca for press supplies.
The Emira is mid-engined rear-wheel-drive sports activities automotive that replaces all the Elise, Exige and Evora in Lotus’ line-up. It’s the ultimate Lotus sports activities automotive to be powered by an inner combustion engine, and the final one to come back with a handbook gearbox. Lotus is altering together with the automotive world, and the Emira is the automotive that may drive Lotus – as we all know it – into the sundown. Ultimate hurrah, final name – this automotive is all of that.
The Emira is particular not simply because it’s the ‘final Lotus’, however as a result of it’s made totally different. We’ve heard the ‘comfy, usable, extra luxurious’ trope earlier than with the Europa S and Evora, however in contrast to Hethel’s earlier efforts at a ‘GT’, the Emira is considerably extra comfy, usable and splendid than its predecessors. As you’ll discover out from Hafriz Shah within the video above, the Emira may be simply day by day pushed.
He’s not a hardcore man and neither am I, however we will say, hand on coronary heart, that the Emira is ‘dailiable’. Contributing to that verdict is far simpler entry and exit, good ergonomics, a throughly fashionable and well-trimmed cockpit, the character of the facility supply, and journey consolation that’s merely astonishing. All is defined within the video.
Can day by day, when you can handbook. Behind the Emira’s cabin is a 3.5 litre V6 engine with an Edelbrock 1740 supercharger. The Toyota 2GR-FE is a motor that Hethel may be very aware of, and right here, it makes 405 PS (400 hp) and 420 Nm with a six-speed handbook gearbox, as specified right here. There’s a six-speed torque converter automated choice with an additional 10 Nm, however you gained’t need that, proper? Proper? Insert Anakin-Padme meme.
Each Aisin transmissions will take the Emira to 290 km/h, however the auto is a tenth faster within the 0-100 km/h dash (4.2 seconds) than the DIY gearbox (4.3 seconds). The auto comes with shift paddles, and the handbook comes with Lotus’ uncovered gearshift mechanism, though it’s coated with mesh grilles right here and is due to this fact nowhere as spectacular as the unique thought. Ultimately, there will probably be a 2.0L AMG turbo-four with a DCT, however it gained’t come so quickly.
With the Emira, Lotus guarantees a ‘paradigm shift in ranges of practicality, consolation, performance and expertise’ and that shift is instantly obvious within the cabin and gear checklist – this Lotus is kitted like a premium exec. On the surface, entrance and rear LED lights, automated lights with LED daytime operating lights and welcome house lighting are customary, together with titanium exhaust finishers, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors.
The First Version is totally loaded with 4 choice packs, and one in every of it’s the Decrease Black Pack, which suggests the entrance bumper air blades, entrance splitter, facet sills and rear diffuser are all in gloss black.
The Emira’s cockpit continues to be minimalist in design, however is way from spartan. Forward of the flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel (clean leather-based or Alcantara, your selection) is a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, and to its left is a ten.25-inch central touchscreen. It helps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there’s Bluetooth and USB/12V sockets for charging.
The ten-channel 340W sound system was developed with revered British audio model KEF, and the audio system are the latter’s signature Uni-Q models.
The seats are 12-way electrical adjustable, with four-way lumbar and two reminiscence presets for the driving force which can be linked to the door mirrors, that are auto dimming (rear view mirror too). Go searching and also you’ll additionally discover auto local weather management, cruise management, keyless begin (underneath a crimson hood for some Lambo-style drama) and selectable drive modes. Ambient lighting in white, too.
Consumers can select from seven inside colors at no additional value – Nappa leather-based in crimson, black, gray or tan; or black Alcantara with crimson, yellow or gray stitching. Satin chrome trim finishers and Lotus-branded sill kick plates full the look, which is moderately posh for a Lotus.
By the way in which, Lotus is now owned by Geely, and there are some inside components that Proton X50 homeowners could be aware of – search for the display, AC controls and lightweight/wiper stalks within the gallery beneath.
As talked about, the First Version comes with all choice packs, and the Design Pack provides on privateness glass, sports activities pedals, black Alcantara headlining and color choices for the brake calipers (black, crimson, silver or this automotive’s yellow). Lotus-branded footwell mats are additionally included. The Comfort Pack provides entrance parking sensors, reverse digicam, auto wipers with aero blades, auto-dimming mirrors and a rear baggage storage internet. There’s First Version badging on the surface and on the sprint too, after all.
Final however undoubtedly not least for a Lotus is the Drivers Pack, which supplies prospects the selection of Tour or Sport. The extra comfy Tour suspension is paired with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres, whereas the Sport suspension is matched with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. Our Seneca Blue tester sits on Tour suspension, which is greater than succesful sufficient for highway driving, whereas offering journey consolation that beats most ‘regular’ European automobiles.
There’s extra. Bear in mind the paradigm shift declare? The Emira is a Lotus with ADAS, and the driving force help suite consists of adaptive cruise management, anti-collision system, fatigue alert, highway signal info, car velocity limiter, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and lane change help.
There isn’t a lot left to choice, however First Version patrons can add on the automated gearbox (RM15k), a Black Pack (RM8k to black out the roof, cantrails, mirror caps, rear Lotus badge and exhaust finishers – as seen right here) and a Scorpion car tracker system for RM5,800. The Emira First Version has a RM1,205,800 sticker worth, which could shock a number of, however keep in mind that that is no toy automotive; as an alternative it’s a fully-loaded rival to the Porsche Cayman GT4, which begins from RM1.06 million.
An enormous chunk of the RRP is taxes, because the duty-free worth is simply RM478,800 (UK worth of £77,795 interprets to RM458k with our present weak ringgit). A technique across the tax hurdle is to maintain the Emira in Langkawi for a 12 months or two (discover our tester’s KV plates?), after which carry it house for a considerably cheaper price than the Peninsular Malaysia worth. The method is detailed right here, and if you wish to know extra about logistics and storage in Langkawi, simply ask Lotus Vehicles Malaysia.
Wait a minute, how concerning the drive? The Emira could also be comfy and usable, however it’s nonetheless a uncooked piece of sashimi bursting with pure flavour subsequent to Porsche’s aburi – you hear a number of supercharger noises from the engine behind your head, after which there’s the DIY gearbox. Additionally, effort is required to squeeze out the efficiency from the V6 – some scorching hatches really feel quicker, to be trustworthy. Not probably the most easy then, however ‘For The Drivers’, that’s an excellent factor. Full rationalization within the video.
If the drive expertise feels totally different from just about all the things on sale in the present day, the Emira additionally appears to be like like nothing else on the highway. The drama – with all these scoops and vents – and proportions are of a scaled-down supercar, and this Lotus calls for consideration in all places it goes. Seen from above, the pinched waist is horny, and the sight of these rear haunches within the wing mirrors provides to the sense of event. In the meantime, the Cayman appears to be like like a Porsche.
The Emira is a excessive level and a landmark, for each Lotus and people who wish to drive.
GALLERY: 2023 Lotus Emira V6 First Version