Since the mid-Twentieth Century when the legend that is Colin Chapman first founded Lotus cars and through good times and some difficult times, the Lotus Car company has always delivered the goods when it comes to driving experiences. Recently, the British brand has fully recovered its equilibrium to produce some splendid new sports cars including this one: The Emira, possibly the most accomplished Lotus yet.
Seen here in our images with a choice of three colours, the Emira is an all-new mid-engined premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus: Striking design, thrilling dynamic performance that, we learn, delivers a best-in-class ride and handling experience thanks to outstanding aerodynamics. This is truly a driver’s car.
On The Outside
Obviously a Lotus, the lineage is clear thanks to the prominent leading edge of the bonnet and a cocoon-like cabin that’s tapered to the rear. Sculpted doors and vents cut into the muscular rear haunches. The unique-in-class exit vents, integrated into the bonnet guide airflow over the car and optimise aerodynamics.
Vertical all-LED headlamps are standard across the range, with a wing-inspired twin blade design. The bonnet houses the current iteration of the iconic Lotus roundel, its first appearance on a new Lotus sports car and slightly larger than on previous models. In profile, the sculpted section cut into the door leads air flow towards the intake ahead of the rear wheel. This serves a dual purpose, providing air for the engine but also to cool it. The Emira name badge is visible from the side, integrated into the C-pillar. All wheels are 20 inches in diameter; as standard they will be fitted with a Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyre, while a Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a cost option available in conjunction with the Lotus Drivers Pack. Interestingly, both tyres have been specially developed for the Emira by their manufacturer.
At the rear, the word Lotus dominates the integrated bumper and at each end is an exit vent for air from the wheel arch. Each corner has a flat C-shaped LED light cluster linked by a slimline high-level brake light. Below is a black section housing twin exhaust pipes either side of the number plate and with an air diffuser underneath to aid downforce. In short, after all that, this car is just about as perfect as sports car design can get at what is a fairly reasonable price.
On The Inside
Lotus describe this car as an ‘every day’ sports car that delivers a usability and practicality to support that, with levels of comfort and desirability for total comfort over long-distance cruising. Tall or short, it suits all sizes and there is more space between the occupants as well. The glass area has been designed to provide good all-round visibility for daily use. Acknowledging that some owners will drive their Emira in, how can we put this, let’s say a spirited way, the view out supports highly accurate placement of the car through corners.
Access to the car’s infotainment system is via a 10.25 inch centrally mounted touch-screen, with an additional 12.3inch TFT driver’s display behind the steering wheel. All content is exclusive to Lotus and has been designed and developed by an in-house team. As ever, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are integrated as standard.
Also exclusive to Lotus is the availability of a 10-channel premium sound system from highly respected British brand KEF which offers a unique configuration which dispenses with separated tweeter and mid-range, instead combining both into an acoustically idealised single unit. Finished with a distinctive bespoke speaker fret design, the Uni-Q system covers the entire mid and high-frequency sound spectrum from a single point in space, delivering a more coherent, hyper-realistic sound experience. Heavy metal at warp speed anyone?
Storage is vital in sports car and the Emira’s cabin has clearly been exceptionally well thought out. It has twin central cup holders with a phone storage slot between them, and door bins that can accommodate a 500ml bottle. Practicality also comes from the glovebox, trinket tray ahead of the gearstick, armrest between the seats with USB and 12v ports, plus a console net for bottles or documents.
Luggage or other large items can be stored behind the two seats (208 litres) or in the boot to the rear of the engine. This space (151 litres) will take a standard-sized flight case or a set of golf clubs.
On The Road
Efficient aerodynamics have always been at the heart of the Lotus philosophy inextricably linked to delivering outstanding performance whether a car is on the road or race track. Simplicity is at the core of the Emira; there are no active aerodynamics as clever engineering means they’re not needed. We are given to understand it is the only model in its class to create passive downforce that’s precisely balanced between the front and rear axles at all speeds, perfectly tuned to the weight distribution and suspension geometry of the car. It means as downforce increases with speed, generating exceptional grip through corners, the handling characteristics remain constant, precise and predictable. A proper Lotus in other words.
Starting at a UK price point of under £60,000, this great sports car offers real value for money. Powered by either a 2.0 litre inline four-cylinder unit or a 3.5 litre V6 depending upon specification, buyers can opt for either a good, crisp manual gearbox with perfect gear lever placement or an automatic box. We would say that the two litre will deliver real cruising ability and economy which makes sense in the modern world but, it goes without saying that drivers are going to love the V6 with suitable aural accompaniment.
For those who love a true two-seat pure sports car for driving pleasure and the call of the road, it’s hard to think past this good value car. Find out how to import a version from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere by contacting MHH for more information about our comprehensive service.
