In our monthly blog series, we evaluate a featured car’s performance, design, and overall appeal before bestowing it with the prestigious “Car of the Month” badge. After careful evaluation, the Lotus Emira has captured the top spot, garnering fervent support from a diverse and passionate audience and solidifying its position as the undisputed leader in its category.
The 2024 Lotus Emira V-6 represents a significant step forward for the brand, offering a driving experience that enthusiasts and casual drivers will appreciate. This model is noted for its exceptional handling and nostalgically effective hydraulic steering, evoking fond memories of classic sports cars.
Moreover, the Emira V-6 boasts improved comfort and a more luxurious interior than its predecessors, making it a more appealing option for those seeking performance and refinement.
However, challenges remain for the Emira, such as its somewhat cumbersome shifter, which can hinder quick gear changes and a narrow pedal box that complicates the proper pedal operation.
Furthermore, the build quality has drawn comments typical of British automobiles, leaving room for improvement. Despite these drawbacks, the anticipation surrounding the 2024 Lotus Emira highlights its potential as a standout in the sports car market.
Emira Malfunctions—And Then Stops
The journey to the testing grounds went without any incidents until the brake evaluation began. During the initial test of the Lotus Emira, the vehicle performed well until it came to a sudden halt. After applying the brakes firmly, the performance took an unexpected turn. The shift lever became unresponsive when the driver attempted to shift back into first gear for a subsequent run.
The gearbox unexpectedly remained stuck in fourth gear, presenting a significant issue. Upon inspecting the shift linkage, a loose cable was visible, dangling beneath the mechanical components. This malfunction rendered the Emira unsuitable for further acceleration tests. Given the circumstances, contacting Lotus for assistance became necessary.
A few days later, the vehicle returned, with the issue traced back to a loose nut in the shift linkage. This was a minor fix compared to typical issues reported, such as those associated with driver inputs. The incident highlighted the importance of thorough inspections and maintenance, particularly for critical components like the clutch and shift mechanism, to ensure optimal performance during testing.
Lotus Goes Bust
The Emira’s testing resumed after previous repairs. Combining acceleration with brake assessments was essential, as increasing speed also required efficient deceleration. Initial launches at 3,500 and 4,000 rpm revealed issues with the engine bogging down. A launch at 5,000 rpm showed potential, though a miscalculated shift from third to fourth gear disrupted the quarter-mile run.
The Emira features a gratifying mechanical shifter, yet its long throws and closely spaced gates can lead to shifting errors during rapid transitions. In pursuit of a better run, the team decided to push the launch to 5,500 rpm. As they engaged the clutch, a startling pop echoed—a sound no driver wishes to hear from a manual transmission, particularly during acceleration.
Following this incident, another call to Lotus resulted in a flatbed recovery. The diagnosis was an axle failure. While specifics weren’t detailed, it’s likely that a half-shaft malfunction was responsible.
This performance hiccup underscores the challenges faced by any high-performance vehicle, especially those utilizing a mid-engine layout, as the design often emphasizes responsiveness but can introduce unique mechanical vulnerabilities.
Exploring Alternatives
Instead of fixing the previous car and sending it back to California, Lotus provided another Emira to their Michigan office for further evaluation. This fresh model finally completed the testing process without any major mechanical failures. The performance metrics raised curiosity about how this upgraded version would compare to its predecessors.
Acceleration remains a key feature of the Emira. Conscious of past experiences with high revs, the team adjusted their launch RPM to stay between 4,500 and 4,700. Challenges arose again with the rev limiter and a delay on the tachometer reading. Despite the engine’s capability of reaching 6,800 RPM, the limiter continually engaged at about 6,000 RPM, hindering seamless gear shifts.
Once the team adjusted their strategy, the 400-horsepower Emira demonstrated impressive numbers, achieving 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds. The quarter-mile was completed in 12.6 seconds at a speed of 109.7 mph. While these figures lagged slightly behind the previous Evora GT model, which boasted 416 horsepower and ran to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, they closely matched the 400-hp Evora 400 from 2017, indicating consistency in Lotus’s engineering prowess.
In terms of design, the Emira is a stylish coupe that combines sporty aesthetics with rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Its performance does not compromise fuel economy, offering a balance enthusiasts can appreciate. The vehicle also comes with a competitive warranty, reflecting Lotus’s confidence in its durability.
Consistent Performance
The performance of the Emira’s V-6 engine showcases a blend of engineering excellence and exhilarating driving experience. The supercharged V-6 engine delivers impressive horsepower and torque, allowing for rapid acceleration. From a standstill, it can achieve 0-60 mph in minimal time, a noteworthy feat in its class.
Braking dynamics present a unique challenge due to the compact design of the pedal box. The accelerator and brake pedals are closely spaced, which can lead to mistakes, especially during emergency stops. While this required precision can be tricky, the braking performance improves significantly once the tires are warmed up. The Emira recorded the best stopping distance from 60 mph of 100 feet, outperforming the 2017 Evora 400 by 4 feet, yet slightly longer than the 2021 Evora GT by 1 foot.
When it comes to handling, the Emira truly shines on curvy roads. It achieved an impressive 1.06 g of lateral grip on the skidpad, placing it firmly in the realm of supercars. This grip level is notably higher than that of the Evora GT, at 1.04 g , and significantly surpasses that of the Evora 400, which registered 0.97 g.
Ultimately, the combination of its supercharged V-6 output and strong handling characteristics positions the Emira as a formidable contender in the sports car segment. With these metrics, it offers a consistently engaging driving experience that aligns with the brand’s legacy of performance and precision. The acceleration and g-forces displayed here reinforce the dynamic capabilities inherent in Lotus vehicles.
Improved Shifting Experience
The handling of the Emira is evaluated through a figure-eight course, measuring grip, responsiveness, and speed. It completed the lap in 24.0 seconds at an average of 0.84 g, slightly slower than the 2021 Evora GT, which clocked in at 23.6 seconds.
This performance places the Emira in a competitive bracket alongside earlier models of the Aston Martin Vantage and BMW M2 CS—positions that are appealing to discerning car enthusiasts.
Despite these impressive handling metrics, the driving experience could be enhanced with a better shifting mechanism. Feedback from drivers indicates that the shifter experience detracts from the overall enjoyment.
They described it as a challenging interaction, citing high effort levels and long throws that could impede swift gear changes. The six-speed manual gearbox is particularly noted for its mechanical nature, which, while authentic, can feel cumbersome. An improved shift linkage or a more responsive dual-clutch transmission option could potentially address these concerns, leading to a more engaging and fluid driving experience.
Beyond the Numbers, the Emira is Impressive
The Lotus Emira’s true essence reveals itself beyond mere statistics. Its hydraulically assisted steering offers a distinct experience that distinguishes it from modern electric systems, fostering rich communication and feedback between the driver and the vehicle.
This design choice enhances the driving experience, allowing for precise handling and an immersive connection.
Its mid-engine layout is at the heart of the Emira, which significantly contributes to its remarkable chassis balance. This configuration helps the driver navigate the delicate line between understeer and oversteer, enabling smooth transitions and confident corrections. Such agility makes the Emira a joy to drive, whether on the track or winding roads.
Inside, the Emira marks a notable improvement over its predecessor, the Evora. It combines sportiness with a more refined and spacious environment, catering to those seeking quality and performance.
The modern infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that drivers remain connected while on the move. The centrally located touchscreen interface is designed for ease of use, providing quick access to essential features.
Despite its strengths, some concerns linger regarding build quality. While Lotus cars are often subject to rigorous testing that exposes weaknesses, the Emira’s issues have proven to be more frequent than expected. While priced around £81,000, the Emira impresses with its capabilities, yet it still leaves room for improvement in long-term reliability.
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