[RS777]

Just wondered what everyone thought about the new Lotus Emira?
I see you can get it in 3.5 v6 and 2.0 turbo courtesy of ANG. It appears that the AMG engine is downgraded to 360hp due to heat issues for being mid engine.

If I were to choose I’d pick the 3.5 V6 manual version with 400hp. On all accounts it is supposed to be a great handling car but I feel let down by a 0-60 of 4.3 if you are lucky.

I recently drove an F-Type R AWD 575 which was pretty impressive although slower than my RS3 at 3.5 0-60. It did sound amazing but not as pretty as the Emira. Pity they couldn’t fit the Jag 5.0 V8 and AWD in it.

[flybynite]

Wow I didn't think anyone was on here any more, when I seen the "Intentional Closure" notice instead of the RSOC web site last week I thought it was gone for good and some on ASN seemed to think it might be true also.

 

Glad it is still going! 

 

Anyway, Lotus Emira, had a few lotus in the past, 0-60 is missing the point with them, it is the way they go round corners that sets them apart, something an Audi can only dream about. I drove the Exige quite a bit but have not driven an Emira.

 

Build quality and backup were always a problem and although we might gripe about things on the RS3, the build quality is something the Lotus can only dream about. The new Chinese Lotus are better but many of the problems are still there.

 

I still have the workshop manuals for my Esprit Turbo SE, 5 Deep A4 ring binders of wipe-clean plasticised tech drawings and instructions. Work of art but you needed them for an 80s Lotus. 

[RS777]

Well I drove a Cayman GT4 which was better than the GTS for driver feedback but to be honest still hindered by the electronics and fully electric steering. No different to the RS3 but this is the modern way forward along with more and more electric cars.
I drove a Lotus Emira V6 manual since my last post and was blown away by the handling. I was leaning towards a GT4 because handling was similar by not as engaging. My RS3 after the mods can corner as good as a Cayman but not being mid engined it didn’t feel like it could. It is really odd driving them back to back because the RS3 with the K3s and Verkline chassis didn’t have the original understeer but I can only describe the difference as it felt more like playing on my play station where it did the job but without as much feedback.

The RS3 is obviously quicker 0-60 with launch control etc, but once going the Emira is capable and especially with the confidence it gives when cornering.

I nearly bought a new Evora 10 years ago but the pedals were too close together for my size 11 X wide feet lol. Just as well because the interior was definitely not up to Audi standard. The Emira I pedals are still close on the LHD version but fine on the RWD version which is odd but good for me. The interior is way better and on par with most mainstream brands.

You by now probably won’t be surprised to know I ended up buying one. It’s 8 months old with 2k miles which was a saving of £20k on a brand new one.  IMG_5310.jpeg   37.95K   3 downloads

There was no hope of me going down to a 4 pot so I opted for the V6 manual. Pity I couldn’t keep the RS3 as well but as we have 2 other cars as well as the RS3 I had to make the difficult choice.

[RS777]

Firstly I would like to say I am pleased the forum is still going and I loved being part of it for 6 years. I have to say I love the changes made to the new model and would consider having one again as my daily.

I’m now 10 months into my Emira ownership and can conclude it is different but and not overall better. It is more connected to the road and definitely a drivers car but I miss the Quattro 4wd. This definitely hones your driving skills if your are in the wet which isn’t the case with the RS3 which is planted all the time. I did look at an a Exige GT but we were spoiled with the Audi interior and only the Emira is on that level.

For anyone who knows me from you know I can’t resist modifying my cars but this time the only performance mod I’ve done is the exhaust. I think a set of lightweight wheels and cup 2 tyres is a standard upgrade though so had to be done. 😁

 IMG_6366.jpeg   41.44K   0 downloads

Hopefully I may see some of you again in a new RS3 or at an event.👍🏻