The Lotus Emira Is an Amazing Return for Lotus
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Lotus Emira review! The 2023 Lotus Emira is a special car - and it’s the return of Lotus after aging Evora sales slowed to a trickle. Today I’m reviewing the Emira and I’ll show you all of its quirks and features. I’m also going to drive the Lotus Emira and review the driving experience.
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If I were spending $100k on a pure sports car, this would be on a very short list. Amazing car.
I think I'd go c8 or Atom before this
This needs more power. Perhaps they'll release a gt or updated version of this in a year or two
Why do you think it's ok to fund China, against the West?
Are you even aware that they are using that brand to push EVs on everyone...Chinese EVs that is.
@@kameronkingsbury9386 Chinese 'Lotus' will not be selling any internal combustion engine cars at all by 2028.
Definitely, lotus have always put out insanely well handling sports cars! This one looks amazing 😮
That’s it! I want a video where dozens of sets of wiper and turn signal stalks are all presented on a table, and Doug has to identify the make of each set. And bonus points for adding which brands they’re shared with.
Maserati and Dodge is my favorite. 100k for a car with the same switchgear as a fucking Dart lmao.
hahahah it's actually surprisingly hard, despite how much time I spend in cars. Usually I see a shared piece of switchgear and I think "I know those from somewhere but I can't quite place it..."
Thats actually a great idea he should dedicate a sunday video doing that😂
It's Chinese, owned by the CCP.
@@DougDeMuro Pls do car spotting again.
Lotus has always been underrated in my opinion. Their designs have always been subtle & yet eye catching.
One made me look twice today. Their designs have always been incredible and simple
They’re under rated because they’re always under powered.
@@jimsteinway695 Exactly and you can get them for cheap when used. Probably have more fun driving a performance Benz, BMW, Audi
now its a chinese company.
This is overated if you ask me 400 hp and 310 torque for 96k? There's over 20 cars i can think of that are cheaper, more powerful and more luxurious this is crap
Volvo interior + Toyota powertrain + Ferrari looks + Lotus tuning? YES PLEASE 😍 Add that one to the list!
I actually think the Toyota v6 is the best part about this car. You get reliability on top of everything else in a sports car. Great choice
Yep. Dont forget Elise 111S and Elise 135.
I wish they would emphasize the Lotus tuning. For me, it is less exciting to have a Toyota motor even if it is better.
@@777jones on the flip side, guys who actually track this car are exited for the Camry engine. Grenade a motor on track and it’s not a big deal. Grenade a Cayman motor… that’s a 20k mistake
What about the i6 from the new supra. :p
@@heh2k thats a bmw engine lol
So excited for this one. The Emira looks incredible.
Im guessing u saw lotus in the title and instantly clicked
Problem is… they look amazing and you love the idea of this tight sports car, but I could never trust it won’t fall apart. Plus it would be a nightmare to daily drive I suspect.
Well...the one with the Toyota power train should be as reliable, if not more, than a Porsche, but with super car handling and looks! Pretty compelling idea!
🐚 shell
I'll admit... One of your videos was also in my feed, but I clicked this one first. 😅
This is not a return for Lotus; it's a farewell. Say goodbye to the last of the real cars.
I passed this on the motorway yesterday…looked like a spaceship from behind, really cool stance on the road, nothing like any other Lotus I have ever seen.
I'm surprised none of the reviews have mentioned the cool visible throttle control that you can see through the rear view mirror. ESPECIALLY Doug since he's all about car's interesting quirks and features
Was wondering what that was!
It's the supercharger relief Valve ...
Glad someone else saw it! I zoomed it like…wtf is that a little wiper?
he ddnt even mention the hydrallic steering that gives much more feeling of ho much grip the wheels have, etc. he didn ention how muchhe can feel the rear of the car get towardits grip limit,. few car people have much experince , or they only focus on stuff they are paid to focus on . eole who do alk about the whol drving expernce, all say otus evora (which this car is mostly jut a repackagd evora) and other tus cars ave been much better in giving a feel o what car is doing. savagese is one of those reviewrs i think
@@robnorth-1372 hmm interesting. I thought it wasn’t lining up properly to the throttle input the throttle control was the only thing I could think of. Thanks for the heads up
I really love the Emira, I think they've knocked it out of the park with this one
It's literally what the Alfa Romeo 4C should've been, also imagine if Toyota swapped the supercharged V6 to the Camry TRD
Hmmmm Toyota V6 Manual or Mercedes Electro Clutch Time-bomb??
It's Chinese, owned by the CCP.
@@fresatx I'd go AMG - too bad its not a manual though.
So.... soulless Toyota it is.
@@jc_47 Without Alfa's goofy nachos grill.
That is one absolutely gorgeous car! Love the design! One of the all-time best designs. Well done, Lotus designers!
no, it isnt. looks generic. No one looks twice.
@@Rockwyn That's not true. Someone in my apartment complex has one, and the first time I saw it getting in our parking, I looked for a good 30 seconds because the car was so beautiful!
@@Rockwyn Safe to assume you live in some luxurious neighborhood or city where you've been desensitized to incredible looking cars. Most of the world doesn't have anything remotely similar to this driving around town. Expand your seemingly shallow perspective instead of coming off as some edgy contrarian.
Why does every "supercar" that came out last couple of years look the same? Take the badge off and you couldn't tell if it's mclaren, ferrari, chevrolet or whatever generic brand nowdays.
I think it looks great in British racing green, quite a dark shade, a bit menacing. @@AkhileshBhaugeerutty
As someone with 981 GT4, and a paid deposit on this vehicle... AND who has ACTUALLY test driven this car, I'm surprised that Doug didn't mention the sounds that this car makes, and the emotion this car creates. It's absolutely an exhilarating experience and will leave the driver with an ear to ear smile. I cannot wait to receive mine!
How’d it compare to GT4 for you? Especially steering/handling?
The sounds it makes? Do you mean like at 14:00?
@@boogeyratt yes, precisely. He doesn't talk about it, the sound it makes in the cabin, the sportiness etc. It is sublime!
@@rckrckrckrck great question! The GT4 is stiffer overall, especially the chasis. It feels more subdued (especially w the mid range flat spot), while the Emira sounds more raw. Truth be told, I didn't get much seat time in the Emira, but the sound and feel immediately left an impression on me. More the track, the GT4 is definitely my choice, but for dailying and B-roads, Emira w Touring is the way.
@@tribe_called_oh if you don’t mind me asking , What do you do for a living?
I've been a Lotus fan all my life, despite not being able to fit into many of them, and this is easily one of the most beautiful cars they've ever made. I'd be all over this thing if I could afford to have a "weekend car".
Thanks for the review. I always look forward to your reviews, but especially this one.
You don't care that the company is Chinese? And that CCP/Geely plans to use Lotus to sell only Chinese EVs from 2028 onwards?
Me too a fan of those Lotus cars.
My 2005 Lotus has been nothing but reliable and many other Lotus owners have had great experiences with theirs as well. The "Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious" refers to older Lotus with rover engines.
Ditching Rover engines for Toyota engines was a good decision for Lotus. Shows that your sports car doesn't have to be unreliable. In fact, reliability is a major factor if you really want to enjoy your sports car.
those rover engine elises were a ticking bomb, I haven't had the pleasure of owning one, but I have owned the 1.8 rover K series in MGs and they are quite fun to drive, and nowadays not that expensive to rebuild so I'd have one to be honest
Yeah I may not have bought an Elise if it had a rover engine in it. But being a Toyota engine gives me all the confidence I need
@Lotusoup Thank Clarkson for that one 🤦♂️
How’s that dash and headliner treating ya?
As a German, this is for me the perfect sporty car, with a little bit of comfort👌🏼
One thing he didn’t touch on is the visibility. I was shocked at how good it was for the size of the vehicle. I’ve often felt very cramped in cars this size mostly due to poor visibility. The mirrors are huge, the side windows are huge, and the rear is surprisingly large as well. I cannot wait for mine to show up!
What color options did you o with? I build mine weekly with different colors lol one day I'll pull the trigger
I'm like 6'5ish.. u think I'll fit?
Hope you let me drive it!
Seems like what the new NSX was expected to be.
A V6 powered livable sports car with a reasonable MSRP and a manual gearbox.
Too bad this will never sell for MSRP because it seems fantastic.
Its more like the SUPRA we were expecting but didnt get
@@fernandor3854 ...a mid-engine sports car? Supra? Really?
@@fernandor3854 It's not like a Supra in the slightest, more like an MR2 if anything.
@@fernandor3854 💀💀💀
IMO the Lotus Evora GT is what the new NSX should have been., I have both.
The Emira looks like a baby supercar imo. Very very beautiful car
Not even so baby. The Exige was the baby supercar...
This, is more like a teenage supercar or something!
@@bliglum Evora and Elise 190 and 1996 Lotus Elise also.
Emira design have a lot of simillarities with their EV supercar, Evija, so it is understandable that it feels that way.
So excited for your reviewing this. I placed a deposit and can hardly wait for this car! Top work as always Doug!
The fact that this comes in a manual with these specs is amazing.
Love lotus. They really do it right. Make one model for every generation, for mass production. Then put absolutely everything into making it a masterpiece.
Lotus always done these right the same way like Evora and 1996 Elise.
Never clicked so fast
Same!
Us
Thanks for aways being so excited and upbeat Doug. I got hit by a crazy depressive funk earlier this week, and it hasn't worn off yet. You're helping to pull me through.
This car is awesome for the price point. It looks super exotic for a base price of under $80k
Lotus knocked it out of the park. Gorgeous car. I’d 100% take this over a Cayman.
As a miata guy, the Emira seems like a miata in its ultimate final form
More like the real SUPRA, at least better than toyota's
Nah it's more like an MR2 for the new age. A sign of things to come maybe?
@@fernandor3854 this car shares no parallels to the Supra. MR2 is a better comparison.
Except miata is not mid-engine, so not really a good comparison, like the other guy said, more like an MR2...it has a toyota powerplant too
The new Miata RF is already that imo.
Fantastic video Doug, I've always loved Lotus. It's kinda the underdog and that just makes it cool.
Love the car also Love how you held the cover for the stop start button with your finger
Absolutely love this! Supercar looks, but sports car size - exactly what a lot of people will want! Plus on top you’ve got an engine with Toyota reliability.
Yeah, seems to be a good deal.
Hot hatch performance, lotus build quality
Really mind blowing to me that lotus could decide to go away from the Toyota engine and switch to a Mercedes in the four-cylinder. They switched to the reliability of the Toyota for a reason.
@@maddog1011 Lotus Emira also has
@@maddog1011 the Emira has V6 Hybrid imo.
I think it's just more beautiful than other sports cars in its class. I also feel that the second hand market will be amazing for this. If you can pick this up for sub-$60k, its an absolute deal and a gorgeous weekend car. Definitely looks special.
Well in 5+ years when you can pick it up for sub-60k go nuts!
I think the same, but I worry that even though it’s a lotus (depreciating king) the fact that it’s the last combustion engine might make it a collectible. Hopefully I’m wrong! I want a yellow one!
Look at that front. Awful. Like a crashed car that needs a hood repair.
@@Jakepianos agree, Jake.
@@Jakepianosdepreciating Lotus?! where do you live?!
Love seeing the throttle moving around in the background while Doug was speaking.
I love the Emira, it's absolutely gorgeous. It's about 1500lbs too heavy, but it's one of about 2 production cars for sale today that I'd actually consider buying.
1500 lbs ???
Lotus are experts at car handling. So it's still more exciting to drive than many lighter cars. The heavy Toyota engine is most of it. But worth it for that engine brings.
The S1 Elise was around 1600lbs. I've driven one, and it's my benchmark for how cars should handle.
@@JimPekarek I owned the first Elise S1 for ten years so I know it very well . The Emira and the Elise are not at all in the same segment , comparing apples to oranges.
All cars are much heavier then they used to name the standards have changed
I'm a Porsche owner and fanatic - but this is a fantastic looking car and I would have no trouble owning one. Would love to see one in a targa style with a removable roof panel - that would be so cool.
That would look great
Doug I just wanted to say thank you for everything you are doing, I watch all of your videos when I am at work on my lunch break and when I think how much I hate my job, I check out your video and I know everything is alright with the world
BEEN WAITING THANX DOUG!!!!!!!
I love how you can see analog throttle work on the engine in the back!
Thanks Doug, I've been waiting for the Emira for a couple years now; and with the production delays, your review was a welcomed update and good bit of intel. I wanted to add a thought about who this car is for. This car is for those who know what Lotus is and stands for and who doesn't want another mass produced weekend driver.
Does Lotus stand for a 3200 lb car?
@@johnlagerquist8227 They (or the parent company) are clearly trying to please the mass(es) xD
This is a great looking car, and I love that it comes in a manual transmission. I still wish GM offered a three-pedal version on the new C8 Corvette.
I do too but even with the duel clutch automatic the C8 is 100 more HP and a much better car for the same price.
@@craigthescott5074For less if your willing to wait i myself have been waiting for a little over 4 months now getting the base model 1LT C8. I considered getting an emira it’s starting price was similar to the C8 but just a little over a year later and the Emira is hovering just below 100k. I do wish to own an emira someday though
@@craigthescott5074 It’s objectively a better car if we’re talking performance wise. I’ve heard the base C8 gets very understeer-y. So it may whoop supercar for half the price, but it’s also a worse driver’s car than the Porsche and the Lotus. Not saying you can’t enjoy it. I’m just saying its competitors in its price bracket are probably more fun. But I guess fun is subjective
@@mrsoisauce9017 I’ve never experienced any under steer with my C8 HTC Z51. And considering the HP difference the C8 is a much better car for the money. Also try finding a Lotus dealership to service the car. My first service on my C8 with oil change and trans fluid and filter change was $400. The Lotus and Porsche would be three times that.
@@craigthescott5074 While it's less of a case with the C8 than previous generations, there is a certain... stereotype that follows around Corvette owners. All cars have this of course (e.g. Altima drivers are Karens, BMW drivers don't know how to use turn signals, Subaru drivers are either lesbians or tree-huggers, etc), but it's something to consider.
That sound blew me away!!!
Best V6 sound possibly ever??
Didn’t expect to be so taken by this review!
The design of the in-vehicle UI is super well-executed, and everything else seems surprisingly well put together as a luxury-ish package (I’m thinking of how spartan the Elise is).
For the price, why would anyone have a Cayman or an F-Type over this? I’d think it would be because of the reputation of Lotus making uncomfortable cars that taller people can’t fit in (not true here) or unreliable vehicles (hasn’t been true since the 90s, but LOTUS = Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious)
As soon as I saw the first picture of this car a while ago for some reason I couldn't wait to see what would become of it. A fantastically unique enthusiast car, can't get enough of it
The Emira and the Evora are possibly the best cars a car guy could get. Ever since I saw the Lotus Type 118 (aka the M250 or the Emas) as a kid, I wanted something like it and was ecstatic when the Evora was announced for sale in America. The original 2010 Evora is still one of my dream cars and I really hope to have one some day.
Dont forget 1996 Elise and 1999 Lotus Elise 190.
Flogged it down the motorway and loved it! I'm 6'7" and I fit just fine.
So excited to get my hands on this!!!! Been waiting years
I can't express how excited I am for this car! Love it so much!
It's a shame it'll be their last gas-powered car, but hopefully it has a long lifecycle. I love the Cayman, but the Emira just feels more special. Surprised to hear that the gearbox isn't as good as the Cayman. But man, what a car. Looks like fun!
I've driven the Emira on track, and I think the gearbox is quite good. It has a bolt-action feel that's very satisfying (and that Lotus people will be very familiar with). It's not as smooth or buttery as something like the Porsche or a Miata but the extra heft to it creates a connection to the machine that feels very rewarding.
@@getawaydriving7611 well, I'm envious! Sounds like a blast! Thank you for the description. I do like a little bit of extra heft. I like to feel like I'm working for each gear, so it sounds like it's something I'd be into. Fingers crossed I'll drive one someday. Thanks again!
Not a shame at all, electric is the future for a reason, lucky we're even getting this!
@@cenciende9401 I get that it's the future, and I'm not knocking electric, but Lotus is about driver connectivity and you lose quite a bit of that and quite a bit of character with EVs. I'm interested to see how the Evija and Eletre do, but still sad to see the end of Lotus ICE.
@@GearboxCarReviews Lotus Emira imo has an exact same handling capability as TommyKaira ZZ-S. So nimble.
This has somehow become my favorite car. I really like the way it looks. Whether it’s generic or not, doesn’t bother me. And the fact that you get a Toyota Camry engine, just tells me these cars are gonna be on the road with 200k miles. 😂 if I ever have the money to buy a car like this, the cayman or the c8 corvette. I’m going lotus emira.
Great insight as always!
The Emira is a stunningly beautiful car with a fantastic interior and great overall packaging as well!
great review. I currently own a 2023 C8 and the only car i would even consider replacing it with would be this because of the smaller size, manual gearbox, and gorgeous exotic design.
I have a c8 as well and i would traded in if i get a chance
You guys are nuts the C8 is a much better car with 100 more HP. And I think the C8 looks better. The hood on this lotus is ugly.
@@craigthescott5074 So is the new GT3 RS, but it's function over form. You will change your mind when you see it in person
@@agooberss I doubt it I own a C8 HTC Z51 car and for performance there no comparison to the Lotus. Not even close the C8 rules.
@@craigthescott5074 agreed, at the current price the 2LZ C8 is offered it is literally the cream of the crop when it comes to all things speed, comfort, handling, and sound. I specd mine out to $108k Canadian dollars and it has everything I could ever want from a car.
Thank you for making one of the few videos that focuses on the interior where people will spend time instead of just going around corners.
I think Lotus hit a home run with this car. Great styling with more than enough power for its weight.
Wow, mesmerizing! Would have never considered a Lotus before but this one is unique. I think I’m in Love❤
Damn that Camry engine sounds LEGIT, love it! Also, you can see it move behind you while you drive, amazing 🤩
i like how you can see the intake thingy (i think its the intake) moving in the back as doug drives the car
The fact that Doug takes time to properly reply to your messages below is testament to how amazing he is, how much he loves cars and how caring he is about his fan base
I like Doug but not enough for him to massage by belows 😂😂😂
This car honestly seems just about perfect to me as a drivers car. Reliable toyota power plant, supercharged, manual, the proportions and the stance and the design overall. I want one.
That's Chinese engineering for you.
@@StuninRub Toyota is not Chinese. They simply bought the company.
@@ph8632 They only use the Toyota engine block, everything about that engine is tuned, designed, and engineered with Chinese engineering.
@@StuninRub Sure little one...... sure
@@StuninRub Mini is owned by Germans... They're still made in Oxford...
Great balanced review. Got a ride once in the Elise, which also had a Toyota engine. Great driving dynamics and that motor also offered a lot of low end grunt. Definitely more exotic than a mundane M3/M4/Cayman. The combination of Volvo and Toyota sourced parts makes it more enticing in my opinion.
Hey doug, love your reviews! Could you also do a review on the longest model run of mercedes benz ever? The 107SL? I really love the 280SL as it reps higher than the 8cyl.✌️
Great car, had mine for 4 months now and I absolutely love it - Hethel Yellow, Sports chassis, V6 manual. So nice to drive, and very planted. Featured recently on JayEmmOnCars channel, and plenty vids on mine. First ever Hethel collection car too :) If your thinking about getting one - do it.
Question no one will ever mention.. how’s the sound system? Compared to the m4 or other cars?
@@THExKINGxKINGx It's ok. But only ok. Similar to the HK in my M4 I'd say. No where near as good as the Bose in my Porsche, lacking bass.
@@s8aan Have you ever adjusted the equalizer in the Harmon kardon? I had an f30 with the same system and it was absolutely terrible without adjusting the equalizer.. once I did it was better than probably 6 other cars in the same price range I was looking at
@@THExKINGxKINGx Yup I've got the B&O extra equalizer options coded in, and spent a while tuning it. It's good! But still the Bose in a Porsche is better. And the Emira is I'd say on par with the HK, perhaps not quite as loud, but it's got quality. Just lacking the bass - all IMO of course. I'm sure others might disagree :) But I'm 3000 miles and 5 months in, and still own the M4 and the Porsche so can directly compare !
@@s8aan Oh you sold the emira! So you prefer the m4 over it? I’m looking at going m3 or supra next… which Porsche do you have? I love bass heavy sound systems for sure.. definitely just want it sounding right from the factory and not having to tear the car apart for sure
I think of it as a less embarrassing to drive “baby 458”. Its an exotic you can daily drive and not feel guilty doing so. I have one on order. I saw an example in Hethel Yellow, and it’s quite stunning in that color.
The 2GR 3.5 V6 from Toyota is the reason this car is worth it. It’s an amazing powertrain very reliable and they do sound great. One of the best engines out there especially V6s (as well as the Nissan VQ and Honda J-Series)
The 2GR is the best part of this car and it's used in many Toyotas and Lexus. I guess Doug just wants it to sound more dramatic by referring to it as a "Toyota Camry Engine" rather than say a Lexus RX.
Yeah. The 2GR-FE is a very solid motor. Many SW20 MR2 owners are going with a 2GR swap nowadays, as an alternative to a Honda K Series or 3SGTE swap.
@@artistnyc123 yeah for sure. It’s in a lot of cars and it’s a great reliable engine. I think it sounds great too.
@@mk2mister2 yeah I have heard about 2GR MR2 swaps
I love this car, I still haven’t seen one on the streets here in Colorado. Lotus is pretty darn good at tweaking Toyota engines for more power, yet keeping the reliability. I have had several.
Probably one of the nicest looking cars I've ever seen. I can't fault the outside of it.
My Lotus Emira got delivered last week. A lot more beautiful in person. This is my first and only sports car, a childhood dream come true and I could not be happier
Ah, congrats, hope you enjoy! I always think about the lucky excited customers as they're coming off the line, what colour did you go for?
@@Gadgit83Thx I could only enjoy it more when I am done with the first 1500km to then really rev that engine up (which sounds absolutely amazing for a V6 on low revs already). 🫠🫠 ❤️❤️
Specs:
-Dark Verdant Green
-Black package (black roof, Lotus sign and exhaust)
-Alcantare interior with yellow stiches (think most went with the tan leather combo but I love Alcantara)
- Diamond cut wheels
- Touring suspension with Goodyear tires (In swiss there not really much tracks but lots of mountain passages so this made more sense to me)
I also had it covered with Xpel protection from a partner garage, where I had to already order new parts because they crashed my emira into a Porsche GT3, all before I even sat in my car once 😵💫.... long story but the Lotus painters did great to visibly fix the damage so I can drive it till the new parts arrive. Maybe now I am one of the first customers who already needs new parts 😅
@@swiss_crypto6596 that sounds like a great spec, definitely the right choice of suspension and tyres too. I'm not a fan of the tan interior so with you there! Sorry to hear about the damage, hope you can get the parts you need soon! It will be worth the run in to then really be able to open it up! Am so pleased that the car got a good reception, and is finally getting out there to customers!
@@Gadgit83 Thank youuu!
I am so honored to be one of the first ones here in Switzerland but I heard that many can expect theirs soon as well now
By the way Doug, I have had a deposit for once since July '21. Lotus has given us 4 delivery dates so far over the last year. I will believe I own the car when it actually shows up.
I had a 2019 Avalon XSE and For 301 HP it felt quick! I’ve owned fast german vehicles in the past. Great exhaust note.
This Emira 2023 model is an amazing car! Thanks, Doug Demuro san!
The version with the Toyota V6 is the one to get! Why? @ 13:58 this is why!
The 1360 kg Cayman is the 4 cylinder one. The 4.0 six cylinder one is 1405 kg unladen, which is the same as what Lotus states for the 6 cylinder Emira.
Yes, it's really a nice car, but surprisingly heavy! Guess you still have to go for an Alpine if you want a lightweight car.
Watching the throttle control move behind you while you talk was epic! I hope others noticed!
Doug, great job on this review of the Lotus Emira! I loved how you pointed out the unique quirks of this car, like the cool digital gauge cluster and the hidden cup holders. And of course, the performance specs on this car are truly impressive. Thanks for sharing your insights on this amazing car!
To be honest I think the performance specs are the cars shortcomings, it's power to weight is pretty tame BUT that's not what this car is about, it's not about getting sub-10 drag times, it undoubtedly about how it makes you feel, how much you enjoy just driving the thing, sadly I've not had the chance to drive one but imo it's got to be the best sports car you can buy for the price!
The Lotus Exige (Scura edition, specifically) has been my dream car for years now, but realistically I'd "settle" for a new Lotus like this - if I can ever afford it, anyway. 😅
Looks gorgeous! And when you said it looks similar to cars double its price (McLaren/Ferrari), I see that as a compliment to the car
It costs one third of a Mclaren/Ferrari and will be more reliable and much much cheaper to maintain with much less depreciation.
Doug! We would love to see you review the Opel/Vauxhall Lotus Carlton!
Haven't done any car spotting for quite some time since I last saw a Huracan and to my surprise, what appeared on a back road with farm tractors was none other than a new Lotus. It's nice to have driveability options in the engine lineup between the stock 6 cylinder front loader and the 4 cylinder rear loader track version where gear heads are more likely to have a go at grenading the engine. Turbo lag always seems to suggest a track car that won't wash out in the twisties due to a generous amount of ham fisted foolishness so as to be practically idiot proof from the factory before any modifications
Doug's the first guy I looked up for this car , took him longer than I figured it would lol 😅
Always appreciate the review and honesty from Doug just a little taken back by the lower "Doug Score" specifically on handling. If there's one thing Lotus cars do more than ANY other brand out there, it's the handling.
Handling and styling both feel underrated here. I've driven this thing on track and it's sublime. Also I can't remember the last time a car was so universally praised for its good looks.
Very tempted to sell my Esprit and a few other toys to buy one. Love what they did here!
Good camera work. Nice steady panning.
Anyone remember those house videos Doug did a while ago
Lol those are absolute gems
And hotels. I miss them
@@Jon3800 Same lol remember that medicine themed $100,000 hotel...good times
With its beautiful styling and sonorous V6 this to me seems like it has the spirit of the Dino 246 ( I know, completely different brands) I hope it is successful
Fun fact, the Dino was a key piece of inspiration for the Elise. This car certainly has some of that Elise DNA, so your read makes a lot of sense.
@@getawaydriving7611 thanks for the info, I didnt know that.,
I love watching the throttle behind your head,
8:07 The powered window mechanism, first introduced in the Elise, was lighter than the mechanical mechanism. So it actually added lightness, in line with the company ethos.
wait that's actually they're ethos? i thought that was a flub made by Doug! a... a minute later. gonna go check that
hmm. well, i went a looked online. couldn't easily find the quote on their official website, or wikipedia page. (i did not look very hard). but: do believe you and Doug that it is their moto. "adding lightness" or "we add lightness" is *such* a car brand motto.
@@strider_hiryu850 if you search for "colin chapman quote add lightness" you'll find the "Simply, then add lightness" quote. The first hit that comes up for me is for a Road & Track article, which says:
"Lotus founder Colin Chapman's most famous quote is "simplify, then add lightness." It's the motto that the company has lived by since it was founded, and it's why it's produced so many lightweight cars through the years.
@@strider_hiryu850 I found it straight away by typing in Colin Chapman as well. His F1 cars were awesome but he also said they should break as soon as they crossed the finish line 😊
@@moonshine3333 no way 🤣🤣🤣that's funny as fuck!!
Dream car! Great review as always. Doug is the kind of guy who doesn't ask you to smash the like button and subscribe
To me a Chinese car, and a brand which has the goal of killing off all internal combustion engines by 2028 is a nightmare, not a dream.
He does ask you to visit CARS AND BIDSSS though…
Doug is the kind of guy to give the Chinese Communist Party car a score of "7" on cool factor...
I think your end comments are reminiscent of Lotus before Geely in terms of support and quality. Geely has now pumped money into this and I'm excited for the future of Lotus to do what Lotus does best. Wishing the best for the last ICE Lotus!!
Love Lotus - great engineering, always superlight, great handling steering. Just great sports cars.
Great review
The question of support down the road was probably asked back in 2005 by Elise buyers as well, and Lotus is still around and used Elise prices are higher now than they were 10 years ago. That tells you a lot.
You reaffirmed my same concerns. I put a deposit down since its reveal (7/2021) low enough on the list to guarantee a First Edition. But I switched that to a C8 deposit because of questionable parts availability and limited dealer network (I'm in SD like you). Not many car reviewers or would be buyers of the C8 or Emira forums are considering these things but you nailed it.
Also Emira's driving dynamics (engine power, steering, suspension, chassis, etc.) are more tuned for and better to be partaken on UK roads. Likewise for the C8 on American roads.
Value per dollar is another factor. Each car is significantly cheaper than the other in their respective home country but overpriced in non-domestic markets. So C8 is cheaper than Emira in the US while Emira is cheaper than C8 in the UK. It's not enticing to pay the Emira premium if it also comes with all the added concerns listed above.
Well said. I couldn't agree more. I own a C8 and was going to put a deposit on the Emira, but decided against it, for all your points listed.
A C8 is common, a Cayman is common . A Lotus Emira is not. Have you driven one ? The ride and handling is superb. The fit and finish better than a C8, and at least on a par with a Cayman.The price in the US is very reasonable for a sports car with such pedigree. Remember the FE is a fully specced version, later cars will be cheaper. Lotus has the same parent company as Volvo, so parts will be available . As for the dealer network, they will improve it, but it is not as good as it should be.
@@susheelsurpal646 I'm aware the Emira is less common. That's one reason I committed a deposit on one on 7/2021 and not the C8 despite following it since 2019. I've been active in both online communities, sometimes posting breaking info or my own photoshops that journalists would find and publish in automotive articles that would eventually pop up on my Google feed. And I know its handling is superb. But that will go to waste where I mostly drive on straight, wide roads. And its rarity is still not enough to sway me from its drawbacks. An extended dealer network isn't guaranteed. It's possible, but I don't want to gamble $100k banking on hopes and dreams. Also C8 has had 4 model years to iron out early production issues. Emira issues so far: window/door seal and rear hatch fitment, seatbelts jam, wipers malfunction, infotainment freezes, speaker stickers fall off, brake pads fracture, steering pump fails, gearbox leaks.
@@switchlanez in your case your choice but your listing issues that are rare niggles and nothing like the issues the C8 had on release . Have you even test driven the car ? The feedback from owners is actually very good they come back saying they love it. Which is the best testimony imho.
@@susheelsurpal646 I haven't driven the car but I've had an Edelbrock supercharged BRZ with full TRD bracing/suspension that felt more visceral than the Cayman 987/981 base/S cars I test drove. Also had an MR2 MkIII Spyder and MkII Turbo bought from an Elise owner. I'm versed in the general Lotus ethos as a fanatic by proxy for years so you don't need to preach to the choir. Ironically I switched to a Mustang and my current taste is leaning away from that Lotus ethos. After having 5 consecutive sports cars that were all 2200-2800 lbs, these bigger, more powerful American sports cars are such new and different beasts. I find them better suited for my local roads. I'm not hurting to go back to the type of cars I've had for most of my adult life. Time to explore a world of cars different enough from my last decade.
I also know issues aren't super common but the fact they exist combined with a limited dealer network/parts availability and overseas transport deters me. Even if the C8 has a rare issue, at least the wait/serviceability isn't one. With Emira I have to drive multiple hours for service at my nearest Lotus dealer. An absolute no-go.
Your goals are different from my goals. Trying to impose your goals on me is futile.
Camry V6 is 2GR FKS, Lotus engine is 2 GR FE supercharged which are having different compression ratios. 2 GR FKS is designed for low gas milage while 2GR FE is a low compression ratio engine which is available for high boost.
What Doug is looking for at 18:00 is a Honda S2000 gearbox. Totally love that this is a Toyota platform but likewise what concerns me is the service. I go to any local auto parts store and they have just about everything I need for my S2000. Oil, brakes, fluids, gaskets and even door lock actuators. I don’t feel like hunting down Lotus parts. And im sure they will be priced at a nice premium.
15:23 at this price range, the fact that it could reasonably be assumed at a glance to be a McLaren/Ferrari is a gigantic selling point for most.
Lotus is probably the most European sports car brand on the market focusing on handling, weight saving, and aerodynamics rather than horsepower and displacement. I do find their cars interesting even though I prefer American muscle cars
Most European? They're literally a Chinese car company! Lotus is owned by Geely, which in turn is totally controlled by the Chinese government. As for weight saving and purity, they've already announced long ago that they'll only be selling EVs by 2028.
@@pistonburner6448 also the Emira weights nearly 3,100 pounds which is only 200 pounds lighter than a base C8.
Throttle House did such an attractive and charming job of reviewing this car that I looked up more reviews .
D.D. just reminded me why I asked TH-cam to stop suggesting his channel. He really makes Screech look and sound like George Clooney.
You can see the supercharger valve actuation in the back to deliver boost as you drive!
Best Lotus since the Esprit. Guaranteed future classic.
If this is the swan song for petrol Lotuses, I think it's the best they could do. The shared interior components obviously don't matter since Evora had ancient Ford parts instead, the interior seems great, the outside looks fantastic like a baby Evija, multiple engine and gearbox choices incl. a 6-speed manual with a (presumably) reliable Toyota engine that sounds great... It could theoretically be lighter, but keep in mind it's also much newer (and thus stricter with safety = heavier) than the current 718 and it's by no means ungainly. Really, I'm glad for the Geely ownership that they let Lotus be Lotus with their sports models, while having them develop money maker models (Eletre) to help keep the brand afloat.
Love how the sat nav said Southampton - East Cowes. Southampton is the UK sea port this would most likely have shipped over from. Cowes is on the nearby Isle of Wight the ship would have passed =)
It being the Camry / Sienna V6 makes it even better.