The Emira is everything a Lotus sportscar should be. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

In future years, the Emira might well be remembered as the last true Lotus sports car. Much is different here thanks to new brand owners Geely. But thankfully, much about this car's driver-orientated design is also familiar too. If you're looking for the last gasp of addictive Lotus tyre smoke before the EV era finally dawns upon us, you'll find it here.

Background

There will never be another Lotus like this. Like so many others, the marque is heading into an all-electric future, but just before it does, here is the final sign-off; a proper classic sports car in the finest Lotus traditions, the Emira. Think of it as a successor to the brand's old Evora and you won't be far out. Much of the underlying structure is shared with that car and, as with the Evora, you can also get a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 plumbed-in out back, here supercharged and sounding even better. But the Emira is a much more advanced piece of design, not just to look at but inside (much more day-to-day usable) and technologically (thanks to parts supplied by new Chinese owners Geely). A much more credible competitor then, to the two targeted rivals, Porsche's 718 Cayman and the Alpine A110. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Lotus cars have traditionally been created around a lightweight mantra that persisted all the way through the brand's history right up to the point where the Evora was introduced in 2009. That car couldn't be especially lightweight as its power came from a rather substantial Toyota 3.5-litre V6 and the Emira is equally far away from the current class lightweight champion (the Alpine A110) because it uses basically that same Toyota engine. This features here in supercharged form putting out 400bhp (and 420Nm of torque), which means it's good for 62mph in 4.2s en route to 180mph. There's a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox (borrowed from the Evora and the Exige) or a 6-speed paddleshift auto transmission. The alternative to that unit is another borrowed engine, this 2.0-litre four cylinder unit sourced from Mercedes-AMG (specifically the A 45 S hot hatch), this powerplant here putting out 400bhp (with 480Nm of torque) and only offered with 8-speed dual clutch auto transmission. Performance of this Turbo SE version is quoted at 62mph dispatched in 4.0s en route to 180mph. Either engine is screwed into a typical Lotus extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and there are three driving modes - 'Tour', 'Sport' and 'Track'. Neither of these affects steering (still of the old-tech hydraulic kind) or the suspension (the brand offers a choice of road-orientated 'Touring' suspension or a much firmer track-orientated 'Sports' set-up). Either way, traction through the turns should be awesome - Lotus claims the Emira can corner at up to 1.2g. A V6 GT4 version is offered for track series use.

Design and Build

We wish this is what the old Evora had looked like. The Emira is gorgeous, no question. If you choose it over its two main rivals, it'll be because you think it looks more exotic than a Porsche 718 Cayman (true) and more aggressive than an Alpine A110 (also true). You might even, like us, see shades of Ferrari 458 Italia here. And all those ducts and scoops are absolutely functional. Yet the lottery-level looks haven't come at the expense of practicality. On the contrary, this is the easiest Lotus sports car in history to get in and out of, though the wide door sills mean that access and exit still aren't as straightforward as they would be in an Alpine or a Cayman. Once at the wheel, you sit low in front of an octagonally-shaped wheel decorated with buttons that are all too easy to inadvertently knock as you turn it. For the first time in a Lotus, you start the car with a button, this one embellished with a red flap. And the column stalks are borrowed from fellow Geely brand Volvo. Ahead of you are two digital screens, one 12.3-inch display for the instruments, the other 10.25-inch monitor in the centre of the dash for infotainment; graphics are minimalist and climate functions are separated out into proper buttons. Unlike in the old Evora, there are no tiny 911-style rear seats; so you can squash luggage in the 208-litre space behind the front chairs as well as in the compact 151-litre boot. Unlike in a Cayman, there's no extra 'frunk' beneath the bonnet; that's due to crash structure demands.

Market and Model

At the time of this Review, Lotus was asking around £90,000 for this Emira in its four cylinder 2.0-litre i4 Turbo SE form (with an 8-speed auto) - which is what we tried. Or from £92,500 in 3.5-litre V6 Supercharged guise - that's with manual transmission; it's £1,800 more for an auto gearbox. The Emira Turbo SE comes with the Lotus Drivers Pack as standard including Sports suspension settings, uprated cross drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs and launch control as standard. In addition to performance enhancements the Emira Turbo SE also features a variety of core design features. These include newly finished 20-inch V-spoke forged Satin Grey wheels as standard as well as Zinc Grey paint, Alcantara headliner, red brake callipers, new 'Emira Turbo SE' badging, new black Lotus branding and black Lotus badging and tailpipes. The Emira V6 includes performance features like cross drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres, the Touring suspension and a limited slip differential (LSD) for manual models. Also, the Emira V6 hosts a number of design features like headlining, A-Pillars and Cantrail in black technical fabric and new model branding.

Cost of Ownership

You can't expect the kind of fuel consumption figures we used to see from previous era lightweight Lotus sports cars. This one tips the scales at 1,440kg - compare that to the 1,105kg of a rival Alpine A110. The result of that shows up in the efficiency stats of course. In 3.5-litre V6 form, the Emira manages 25.2mpg on the combined cycle and 258g/km of CO2. Don't expect too much better than that if you opt for the alternative 'I4' four cylinder 2.0-litre turbo version; Lotus quotes 25mpg and a 208g/km CO2 figure. Either way of course, you'll need to budget generously for tyres and brake pads if, as you should, you regularly take your Emira on track days. A five year warranty is standard in the UK. Lotus offers roadside assistance across Europe for five years after vehicle purchase.

Summary

The Emira, in so many ways, is the car its predecessor the Evora should have been, in terms of styling, cabin quality, technology and day-to-day usability. It is at last a Lotus you don't have to be a died-in-the-wool brand loyalist to consider - and we've been waiting for one of those ever since the marque was formed by Colin Chapman back in 1948. Chapman didn't much care if those outside the track day set didn't want his cars, but current day new-era owner Geely does. That Chinese conglomerate has no intention of allowing Lotus to produce models like the Emira in the future, but we can at least be thankful that it has permitted the company one last chance to get a classic sports car right; right in the sense that it's accessible to a wide audience, not just a few. The Emira is and it's a mark of its success that it will appeal to customers as diverse someone used to the old track-ready Exige, as well as someone swapping out of a 718 Cayman. So the best was indeed saved until last. It isn't as light as an A110 or as relatively practical as that Porsche. But it's a proper Lotus, a future collector's item and a car that gets that final ringing endorsement: Colin Chapman would have liked it.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Variable front intermittent wipers

Front electric windows

Rear window heating

Brakes

Traction control

Electronic parking brake

EBA

Two piece high performance brake discs

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Hill holder

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

Power assisted brakes

Branded brake calipers

Carpets/Rugs

Textile floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Anti-roll bars

Communication

Voice control system

Apple car play/Android Auto

eCall emergency call system

Hands free bluetooth system

Driver Aids

Cruise control

Hydraulic PAS

Engine start button

Speed limiter

Front parking sensor

Drive mode selector

Rear parking sensors

Rear park assist camera

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Travel data recorder

Steering wheel with cruise control operation

Driver Information

Trip computer

Rev counter

Service interval indicator

On board diagnostics

Exterior temperature display

12.3" TFT supervision cluster display

Embedded navigation system

10.25" touchscreen MMI

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Door mirror memory

Electric adjustable door mirrors

Power folding and heated door mirrors

Door mirror indicators lights

Embellishment Trims

Alcantara interior trim

Leather interior door trim

Metal finish dash trim

Metal gear selector trim

Entertainment

Steering wheel audio controls

DAB Digital radio

USB port

Auxiliary input socket

Centre console media control knob

KEF premium branded 10 channel audo (560w)

iPod interface

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

First Edition badges

Rear boot

Initial anti-corrosion treatment

Tailgate demist function

Emira branded sill kickplates

Door sill protection

NOx storage catalytic converter

Exterior Lights

Rear LED lights

LED daytime running lights

Automatic headlight levelling

LED fog lights

LED indicator lights

Automatic lights

LED headlamps

LED 3rd brake light

Welcome home lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Cabin air filter

Single zone climate control air conditioning

Interior Features

Coat hooks

Height/reach adjustable steering column

12V Accessory socket

Cargo net

Cup holders

Alloy pedals

Centre console armrest

Premium black Lotus branded driver and passenger footwell over mats

Open gear change mechanism with mesh grille

Satin chrome interior trim finishers

Stowage - door bin, glovebox, centre console

Central multimedia display

Multifunction sport steering wheel

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment light

White ambient lighting

Timed interior light

Packs

Lower black pack - Emira

Lotus drivers pack - Emira

Convenience pack - Emira

Safety

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Front side airbags

3 point seatbelts

Passenger airbag deactivate switch

Full size driver and passenger airbags

Curtain Airbag

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Emergency door unlock

Height adjustable front seat belts (4 levels)

Seats

Heated seats

Front head restraints

Front sports seats

Driver/passenger electric lumbar adjustment

12 way electrically adjustable front seats with driver's memory function

Single front passenger seat

Driver seat base with adjustable inclination

Front passenger seat backrest adjust

Security

Alarm

Immobiliser

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Central locking

Keyless Start

Vehicle tracking system preparation

Service/Warranty

Warranty - 3 Years/Unlimited Mileage

Transmission

Limited slip differential

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated passenger vanity mirror

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 391

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 259

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 221

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 240

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 258

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 391

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 391

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 259

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 259

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 221

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 221

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 240

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 240

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 258

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 258

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 94

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 83

CC: 3456

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: V6

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: SUPERCHARGER

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: MID ENGINE TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.8:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Engine Code: 2GR-FE

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 16.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 24.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 29.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 26.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 25

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 16.5

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 16.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 24.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 24.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 29.1

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 29.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 26.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 26.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 25

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 25

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 17.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 11.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 9.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 10.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 11.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 17.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 17.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 11.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 11.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 9.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 9.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 10.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 10.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 11.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 11.3

General

Coin Series: First Edition

Coin Description: V6

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 8

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: N

Service Interval Mileage: 9000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 400

Badge Engine CC: 3.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.2

Top Speed: 180

Engine Power - BHP: 400

Engine Power - PS: 0

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Engine Power - KW: 298

Engine Power - RPM: 6800

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310

Engine Torque - NM: 420

Engine Torque - RPM: 2700

Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/35 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 295/30 R20

Tyre Size Spare: N

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: V-SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4413

Width: 1895

Wheelbase: 2575

Width (including mirrors): 2092

Height: 1226

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1458

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 60

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): N

No. of Seats: 2

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 359

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.9

Body Glass

Delete privacy glass

Brakes

Red brake calipers

Yellow brake calipers

Silver brake calipers

Chassis/Suspension

Tour suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport

Sport suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport

Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2

Driver Convenience

Homelink

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Interior Features

Alcantara/leather upholstery

Black alcantara steering wheel

Packs

Black pack - Emira

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Meridian blue

Metallic - Atlantis blue

Metallic - Seneca blue

Metallic - Dark verdant

Metallic - Hethel yellow

Metallic - Osmium silver

Metallic - Shadow grey

Metallic - Cosmos black

Metallic - Nimbus grey

Metallic - Magma red

Paint - Solid

Solid - Vivid red

Solid - Zinc Grey

Solid - Mist white

Security

Scorpion S5 vehicle tracker system

Trim - Leather

Nappa Leather - Tan

Nappa Leather - Red

Nappa leather - Grey

Nappa leather - Black

Trim - Part Leather

Alcantara/leather - Black with red stitching

Alcantara/leather - Black with yellow stitching

Alcantara/leather - Black with grey stitching

Wheels - Alloy

20" ultra-lightweight V spoke forged alloy in silver

20" ultra-lightweight V spoke forged alloy in gloss black