Emira Road Tests & Reviews

[Jack Stone]

Thanks @JimH

How does manual shifting performance  compare between I4 and V6 auto?

[JimH]

For a true comparison someone would need to run a back to back test of Emira v6 Auto and i4 I guess. No one’s reviewed the V6 auto yet, as far as I can see, but it does have the identical ‘electric shift joystick switch’ and no actual owner seems to have even mentioned the sideways manual shift on the V6 auto…..

[Bibs]

#Paddles. 

If you're in manual mode, I can't imagine a scenario where you'd not want to use the paddles. 

[Jack Stone]

I was meaning more how the manual shifting compares between the two Emira models using paddles (ie is the DCT faster/smoother, even given the road testers' comments)

[exeterjeep]

It may be that each dealer will have the same question posed to them, think Exeter will have an i4 demo to run alongside their V6 auto and V6 manual demos, so see no reason why someone could not test the 2 auto cars on the same day to make a comparison.

[Jack Stone]

To be fair, PH says “By Lotus standards the dual-clutch is a fabulous auto.”

And I thought the Evora 400 auto shift was ok...

[Cooper]

Harry M mentions the screen lag - by the time you see the shift lights its in the limiter.  I've just automatically adjusted in my V6 to shift at the first flicker; this must be why.  If there is paddle to shift lag in the I4 as well as tacho display lag that could be really frustrating. 

I'm going to try and get hold of an I4 for a review as there is a bit of variation in opinion.  A 4.5 star car in Evo, yet the HG review that I would suggest is not a 4.5,  and Autocar gave it a 3.5 (here) echoing the gearbox concerns.  Hopefully software to the rescue!  

At least the Emira is back in the media.  I think the V6 has had a tough time, and sometimes passed over by the motoring media (the V6 notably absent from some 'group tests'), not to mention the almost toxic levels of grumbling about Lotus CS.  Lotus have brought some of this on themselves for sure, but they also built a stunning car in the V6 Emira, and as an owner with the keys in my hand and the car in my drive, I couldn't be happier.  

 

[Bibs]

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/review/twin-test-lotus-emira-i4-vs-mercedes-amg-a45-s

[JimH]

2 hours ago, Bibs said:

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/review/twin-test-lotus-emira-i4-vs-mercedes-amg-a45-s

 

[TdM]

6 hours ago, Bibs said:

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/review/twin-test-lotus-emira-i4-vs-mercedes-amg-a45-s

Lack of steering feel Vs AMG is a bit of a shocker. I find it hard to believe anything from Lotus that has hydraulic steering would not be a great steer.

[Bibs]

It does make you wonder if the reviewer actually drive the car, the steering has tonnes of feel! 

[Bibs]

 

[jonwat]

Top Gear review 

[Jack Stone]

Topped out at 280 klicks (just!)

 

Edited August 29, 2023 by Jack Stone

[Denno]

Why the lack of i4 reviews on YouTube ? There was a couple including Harry’s one some weeks ago but nothing since, was expected plenty after the first ones landed.

[LotusLeftLotusRight]

Interesting to see on that American video of the V6 auto posted on Monday, that it was still holding 2nd gear right up until an indicated 70mph. I couldn’t imagine driving along a road like that at those sort of speeds in 2nd gear. I wonder what mpg he was getting!

[Bibs]

 

[JimH]

 

 

[Jon Fuller]

 

[Jon Fuller]

 

[JimH]

 

[au-yt]

https://youtu.be/lh00rcvcUTA?si=m2-98LWM8Zfgm7qx

[Nexus]

 

[Jon Fuller]

He seemed desperate to not like it.

[LotusLeftLotusRight]

It seems that everyone is a TV journalist nowadays. Gone are the days of manufacturers wondering whether their new car will be selected for a test drive by Top Gear, which might be broadcast 6 months later.