The Lotus Emira: A Last Hurrah for Combustion Power
The Lotus Emira is the British automaker’s final tribute to combustion power before transitioning to electric vehicles. Designed with driver involvement in mind, this sports car embodies the essence of Lotus’s heritage while introducing a new level of luxury and refinement.
One of the standout features of the Emira is its striking design, reminiscent of a junior exotic car. With a chassis that upholds Hethel’s legacy of handling greatness, this newcomer promises an exhilarating driving experience. The interior is a departure from traditional Lotus models, offering unprecedented levels of luxury and quality, complete with the latest technological advancements.
Despite its newfound practicality, with improved accessibility and storage space, the Emira does come with a trade-off. Weighing in at 1440kg, it is heavier than expected for a Lotus, comparable even to the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. This weight affects the performance of the supercharged Toyota 3.5-litre V6 engine, paired with a slightly sluggish six-speed manual gearbox. Nevertheless, the Emira still accelerates from 0-62mph in a respectable 4.3 seconds.
Where the Emira truly shines is in the corners, embodying the agile and responsive handling that Lotus is known for. Despite the added mass, the Emira remains balanced and composed, effortlessly navigating twists and turns with precision. The steering is quick and communicative, enhancing the car’s agility and boosting the driver’s confidence on challenging roads.
Overall, the Lotus Emira is a fitting swan song for combustion power at Lotus. With its blend of performance, luxury, and handling prowess, it embodies the essence of a true sports car. While it may not be as lightweight as its predecessors, the Emira’s driving dynamics and overall experience make it a worthy contender in the sports car market.
