A few years ago, I attempted to buy a Saleen 1. The company in California told me one would be available in 6 months when they passed the rules in California to sell the street version of the car. It didn't take me long to realize that this was NEVER going to happen. I also test drove an Emira and put a deposit down. Long story short, I now am totally happy with my Lotus Evora GT that's modified and dyno tuned to 504bhp / 405 lbft. This car blows them both away when it comes to driving performance.
I saw a Saleen 1 pace car at Sonoma raceway and was like "what is this?" as I hadn't been following them. Nice looking car but yeah I think it's mostly vaporware. Design has some Evora elements I thought.
Despite my dealership keeping my car indoors from mid December till I took delivery in mid March, sitting outside in Baltimore for a month or two is likely why my Emira has aluminum oxidation/corrosion on the engine casting. Disappointing and frustrating to take delivery of a new $100K car with corrosion.
@@AtypicalDriver , I watched a lot of reviews. It is good, very visceral, the sound of the super charger is great. Bounces like a low rider. I hear a lot of folks criticize for going away from Lotus’s core principles, but honestly don’t know how much more harsh they want it to be. I’ve had many cars, and tracked most of them. So I know a good one when I drive it.
@@AtypicalDriver My only 2 gripes, are the pedal closeness, I have to wear certain shoes to effectively drive, then may have to change them when I get somewhere. And the shift throws aren’t as precise as I thought they’d be. I met an owner who’s already began modding his; and he told me about a short throw shifter he got that is for a GR Corolla that mounts right in for $75 bucks that I will probably get…, other than that. I like it.
@@AtypicalDriver the little things, like having to reconnect your phone sometimes, or the trunk closing issues aren’t tremendously bothering. My main daily driver is a 2001 E55, so my phone doesn’t even connect to it… Really glad I decided to keep that car though, the Emira makes it feel like a Bentley, lol.
@@revelersridge136 also with the shifters -- on the Elises and Exiges...there seemed to always be a lot of variation from car to car but i'm not sure why. Some shifters feel great and some terrible. I've driven a handful of them and lots of variability in the shifter. Shame they didn't get that sorted out to make it more consistent with the Emira, but maybe it's just an adjustment needed on the cables.
It’s all California’s fault
We have been waiting for more than a year (about 15 months) in Korea market as well.
Are you seeing more of them on the road in Korea now?
These are basically neutered detuned cars
A few years ago, I attempted to buy a Saleen 1. The company in California told me one would be available in 6 months when they passed the rules in California to sell the street version of the car. It didn't take me long to realize that this was NEVER going to happen. I also test drove an Emira and put a deposit down. Long story short, I now am totally happy with my Lotus Evora GT that's modified and dyno tuned to 504bhp / 405 lbft. This car blows them both away when it comes to driving performance.
I saw a Saleen 1 pace car at Sonoma raceway and was like "what is this?" as I hadn't been following them. Nice looking car but yeah I think it's mostly vaporware. Design has some Evora elements I thought.
@@AtypicalDriver Cool! I think they made 20 racing versions, but never a street legal one.
Despite my dealership keeping my car indoors from mid December till I took delivery in mid March, sitting outside in Baltimore for a month or two is likely why my Emira has aluminum oxidation/corrosion on the engine casting. Disappointing and frustrating to take delivery of a new $100K car with corrosion.
Oh wow. On the chassis or suspension parts?
@@AtypicalDriver so far I’ve only seen it on the engine casting. May need to look closer at the suspension. Thanks!
Lots of speculations here. Some accurate bits but mostly incorrect.
Anything you can add to help set the record straight? Would love to know more!
Mee too!
Great info
🙏 appreciate the feedback
just don't sell to california. solved
🤦 but yes
There may have been a 4th scenario. My non-CARB dealer said my car was being held indoors at Lotus USA HQ in Detroit.
Oh interesting! Is your dealership near there by any chance?
@@AtypicalDriver it’s about 300 miles away, so relatively yes
Great summary... Thanks for putting this together.👍
Thanks Sherman, glad you liked it!
very informative thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
California right? I’ve had mine about a month; despite ordering it nearly 3 years ago.
Is it as awesome as you'd hoped? I know 3 years is a lot of anticipation so I'd imagine your expectations were high.
@@AtypicalDriver , I watched a lot of reviews. It is good, very visceral, the sound of the super charger is great. Bounces like a low rider. I hear a lot of folks criticize for going away from Lotus’s core principles, but honestly don’t know how much more harsh they want it to be. I’ve had many cars, and tracked most of them. So I know a good one when I drive it.
@@AtypicalDriver My only 2 gripes, are the pedal closeness, I have to wear certain shoes to effectively drive, then may have to change them when I get somewhere. And the shift throws aren’t as precise as I thought they’d be. I met an owner who’s already began modding his; and he told me about a short throw shifter he got that is for a GR Corolla that mounts right in for $75 bucks that I will probably get…, other than that. I like it.
@@AtypicalDriver the little things, like having to reconnect your phone sometimes, or the trunk closing issues aren’t tremendously bothering. My main daily driver is a 2001 E55, so my phone doesn’t even connect to it… Really glad I decided to keep that car though, the Emira makes it feel like a Bentley, lol.
@@revelersridge136 also with the shifters -- on the Elises and Exiges...there seemed to always be a lot of variation from car to car but i'm not sure why. Some shifters feel great and some terrible. I've driven a handful of them and lots of variability in the shifter. Shame they didn't get that sorted out to make it more consistent with the Emira, but maybe it's just an adjustment needed on the cables.
SUPER Lotus Emira!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for watching!