Lotus Emira

[Fined]

Seems like it will be a great car. Lotus cars are known for their steering and this should be no exception. That's one thing it'll have over almost every other sports car released for 202x.

[Darth One]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Yup, that's another pt. I love what Lotus stands for: small/simplified cars, add lightness (Exige was my dream car back then) but the business model didn't work, there simply weren't enough enthusiasts willing to part w their $$$ and that's why Lotus almost went bankrupt and had to be rescued by Geely. The Eliges didn't make it to N Amer and the Evora was too compromised (sporty and capable but not compared to the Eliges being heavier and it was kinda laughable they thought it could compete w Porsche in the sport/luxury segment...the luxury simply wasn't there and there was no DCT option iirc).

Emira presents a fresh start and it looks promising for Lotus. Enthusiasts only have themselves to blame (since they didn't buy enough Loti) if they think it's a step in the wrong direction but I think it's a sign of the times and ppl need to face reality.

Yeah now that you mention it, the US didn't get the Exige because there's no way it would've passed crash testing. So that's a sign that any attempt to build a new ultra lightweight car would be DOA.

I am really excited to see/drive this car. If nothing else, Lotus has gotten our attention. It really emphasizes how important it can be to make sure your product simply looks fucking awesome.

I'm right in the middle of their target demo as a multi-Cayman owner, and I've never considered cross shopping them with a Lotus. I'm considering it now, though.

[Red Bread]

QUOTE=Darth One;27789231]Yeah now that you mention it, the US didn't get the Exige because there's no way it would've passed crash testing. So that's a sign that any attempt to build a new ultra lightweight car would be DOA.[/QUOTE]

Uh, we got the Exige.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Uh, we got the Exige.

Not their latest gens. Ofc you can buy an older used one.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Darth One

I'm right in the middle of their target demo as a multi-Cayman owner, and I've never considered cross shopping them with a Lotus. I'm considering it now, though.

You'd be the perfect person to ask after test driving. Would be good to know how it'll compare.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Not their latest gens. Ofc you can buy an older used one.

Right, but the statement was that they'd never pass crash testing, which clearly they did.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Right, but the statement was that they'd never pass crash testing, which clearly they did.

I'm pretty sure he (or she?) and I were talking about the latest gens (I was anyway). I assume many know that the earlier gens were for sale here in N Amer.

[Darth One]

Ok, I'm sorry that my language is imprecise - I thought they only passed certification because they were granted certain low-volume manufacturer exemptions. So yes, technically they passed crash testing despite actually being non compliant. But now either that exemption has lapsed or there are new standards that came into effect, I don't know. But Lotus has decided not to bother with the US market anymore for the Exige.

So back to the original point - because of the regulatory environment, it's probably not feasible to make a "new Exige".

I'm happy to be corrected if I'm wrong on any of this - I'm not a Lotus enthusiast and not as well informed as some of you might be.

[Red Bread]

I think the exception was only related to the headlights, which didn't comply with our crash testing. But ultimately, it doesn't matter, it's been gone for ages.

[maddmatth]

The auto that the V6 gets, is it any good? Is it the same trans as the Camry?

Think I'd lean towards tho one with the 2L turbo and DCT. Sure the sound might not be great but that must be a blast on a track. I'd love that for a track toy. Maybe I should forget about a Porsche and look at this as my future car...

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by maddmatth

The auto that the V6 gets, is it any good? Is it the same trans as the Camry?

Think I'd lean towards tho one with the 2L turbo and DCT. Sure the sound might not be great but that must be a blast on a track. I'd love that for a track toy. Maybe I should forget about a Porsche and look at this as my future car...

6-Speed Auto is an Aisin unit, so probably a Toyota transmission, although I'm sure Lotus has fine tuned it. That being said, if going with auto for this car, the AMG M139 + DCT is likely the better powertrain.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

6-Speed Auto is an Aisin unit, so probably a Toyota transmission, although I'm sure Lotus has fine tuned it. That being said, if going with auto for this car, the AMG M139 + DCT is likely the better powertrain.

Yup, if going for a sports/sporty car, why would anyone want a sluggish AT? Yes, supposedly some newer ATs are extremely fast-shifting but they all still have that power-sucking torque converter, right? DCT or MT is preferable imo.

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Yup, if going for a sports/sporty car, why would anyone want a sluggish AT? Yes, supposedly some newer ATs are extremely fast-shifting but they all still have that power-sucking torque converter, right? DCT or MT is preferable imo.

And considering Lotus.....
AT's are heavy (most DCT's also though)
A manual transmission is considerably lighter (up to 70lbs or so...)

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

And considering Lotus.....
AT's are heavy (most DCT's also though)
A manual transmission is considerably lighter (up to 70lbs or so...)

Ya, would be interesting to know for sure how much each of those 3 trannies weigh, just like every wheel selection. Manufacturers should provide more info everywhere.

[dvq]

I put a deposit on one yesterday, I'll be replacing my M4 ZCP with the Emira. It really does check all the boxes for me, wasn't expecting something new to come out that would interest me like this car does.

[AlmondJayRoM3]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

I think the exception was only related to the headlights, which didn't comply with our crash testing. But ultimately, it doesn't matter, it's been gone for ages.

Exemption for the Elise and Exige was for multi-stage smart airbags and expired in August 2011. Also the same time when Toyota stopped making the 2ZZ-GE 4 cylinder used in these cars.

[maddmatth]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Yup, if going for a sports/sporty car, why would anyone want a sluggish AT? Yes, supposedly some newer ATs are extremely fast-shifting but they all still have that power-sucking torque converter, right? DCT or MT is preferable imo.

In modern ATs the torque converter is only used for pulling off from standstill, it is using a clutch once it gets moving. So if they have a good fast shifting auto I wouldn't totally disregard it.

Edit: Searched up some reviews from the Evora, since it'll probably the the same Toyota transmission.
Eg:

Sounds ok but not great for a sports car. So I think I'd definitely want the DCT.

[speedmaster20d]

beautiful car, def. nicer looks than either vette , 918 or the m4 IMO. this a Ferrari face.

[Almuliman]

Jenson Button sure likes it (and is trying to sell it, of course). Nice little run up and down the hillclimb at Goodwood:

.

[gatorfast]

That guys lisp is brutal

But the Emira sounds fantastic. Very angry sounding engine/exhaust.

[Red Bread]

Someone have a pic of the manual? I heard it's like the Singer Williams cars with the mechanism exposed, but I can't find a pic.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Someone have a pic of the manual? I heard it's like the Singer Williams cars with the mechanism exposed, but I can't find a pic.

Found these online.