Driven: Lotus Emira

WORDS Brent vd Schyff PHOTOS Simon Luckhoff

From the get-go, laying eyes on the Emira, knowing the Lotus history, you’re struck by its awe. A brand that has taken the fight to the greats in motorsport. One of the true ‘Garagista’ shed builders of British Motoring, as Enzo Ferrari used to term them, is still flying the flag today (Garagista in Italian meaning “man who works in a small garage”).

It carries the brand’s design language with honour. There are apparent lines taken from the Elise and Exige, but the Emira’s design stamps its authority down as a stand-alone entity in a more modern time—a time under new stewardship through its Chinese owner, Geely. I’m told by John Whittle, the brand’s local PR, that Geely is a brand itself that has left the team behind Lotus to have creative license in the development process rather than micromanage and interfere. You only have to look at Lotus’ sister company, Volvo, as an example. Both brands continue to keep their spirit. That’s an important thing in this changing world.

Back to the Emira standing before me on a fresh Cape Town morning with rain threatening. Oh, the anguish. Why is it that the heavens open every time I get a performance car? Lotus has brought out two engine options: a six-speed manual attached to the supercharged V6 or the turbocharged 2-litre sourced from Mercedes’ A-class that comes with the dual-clutch automatic transmission. I have been handed the key to the supercharged version. A key that has “For the drivers” engraved on its side. Nice touch.

So what’s the interior like, and can you live with it as a “daily”?

From the moment you climb in, from opening the door handle to sliding inside, you’re engaging in a well-thought-out process. The weighting of the door handle feels premium, the seat and the touch points all through the cabin…all rather plush. It has a greater sense of premium than compared to what you might be used to from Lotus. The Evora set the departure from the sizeist characteristics of the Exige and the Elise, but the Emira redefines the offering altogether. The wide sill of the Exige is long gone, and there is extra room for a tall driver like myself (6ft3) who has no issue getting in and out. Even with that, the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. This is still feeling very “Lotus”.

But it’s the unique touches that set it that extra bit apart. The aluminium shifter and typeface with the exposed engineering shifting links protected by some fish-netted material is contemporary automobile art. Its presence embeds the fact that you’re in a mechanical machine. Let’s never forget that. The seats hug you with a trade-off between ensuring you don’t fall out and enough comfort for everyday usage. The steering wheel is a unique feature. Apart from the compact design and shape, you can feel the connection to the front wheels. Of rarity is the mechanical steering, whereas others have gone with electric. You genuinely get more feel through the inputs and feedback that remind you of a bygone driving age. If only they could stick around for a bit longer. If only.

The exposed supercharger actuator, a functional piece of equipment, occupies a part of the rearview real estate, but the rest of the mirror offers the old-school view of what’s behind you. Not that you'd care too much with all the drama that awaits you out front. Another bit of detail that reaffirms the well-curated experience Lotus has ensured. Don’t say I never told you this earlier.

Yes, there’s been a parts-shopping exercise in the Geely group where Lotus borrowed switches from Volvo but with a unique Lotus spin. A ‘driver-with-helmet’ line drawing on a few switches and dials offers a playful feel. A reminder that you’re in a driver’s car that hasn’t grown up too much. There’s a life lesson there in itself for all you serious minded people.

In the past, you’d need to specify certain things in the purchase price that did not come standard. Things like an additional cup holder, air conditioning and…rrrr….a passenger sun visor. All this comes standard in the new Lotus Emira and an infotainment touchscreen system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Who would have thought this day would arrive? And as for whether you could use this as “The Daily Driver”? I’d need more time to conclude, but the hints indicate we could do just that.

Now for the real juicy part…So what’s the drive like?

We’re in the 3.5-litre supercharged V6. Say that again. A supercharged V6! The clutch feels soft for what it needs to manage, and the pedal feel is close enough to heel and toe—no automatic rev-matching. You’ll have to do it like they used to. But sadly, there won’t be any of that today. The track is off-limits thanks to limitations on the insurance contract with this car, and the roads are wet. Incredibly wet. Perhaps a blessing in disguise.

With supercharged cars, the trump card is that whine…that buzz…those blades that cause a vortex of air. I’ve always been drawn to it as a more authentic form of boosting over turbocharging, and the Emira has it oozing along with some clever tech that will disengage the supercharger at low revs, allowing for more economical fuel figures. The point of view from the cockpit is wide, and thanks to the lowered dashboard, you get this more connected feel to the road—a master class in the design intentions and execution from the Lotus team.

*Setting the mood - As far as gamily gatherings, this one takes first place. The generational DNA in literal comparison is evident. Cape Town’s weather system…just as evident.*

The suspension fitted on this model is the touring option, the softer of the two options. It is relatively compliant over the terrible roads I felt when navigating through Cape Town’s harbour, whose battered tarmac is caused by heavy container trucks. The Emira’s static front end gets over speed bumps without scraping. Living with it more may tell a different story, but for now, the question of the Emira being an everyday companion is making a compelling argument. Over the second option of suspension being more track-focused, this would be the one you’d want if you’re vying for everyday use. Personally, I’ve luckily still got a good back and a penchant for torture, so I’d naturally sway for the stiffer option. Easy there, boys.

Our route was limited owing to time constraints, so driving impressions needed to be absorbed quickly, but just like speed dating in the human world, if you like the person, you get down to business quickly. You don’t need a hell of a lot to start making your mind up.

Of all the slight gripes I have, the feel of the throw from first to second gear could be shorter to allow for better snap shifting, but if you’re going to be spending time on the track or mountain pass, that doesn’t matter, where second is the lowest you’ll engage on a slow hairpin. Regardless of that, the 0-100 time comes rather quickly. 4.3 seconds is the claimed number. Judging by the feel, we could have been close to that.

Again, as our time was limited and the roads damp, I wanted to extract the true nature of the handling characteristics. I know there’s more lurking underneath, and the anguish of not exploring comes with remorse. But from what I know and have tasted, the chassis is stiff, and those 370mm AP racing callipers stop the car. If only I had track time with it.

In Summary…

Can you live with this on the day-to-day? To be honest, I’m not sure I’d want to and for a romantic reason. It’s one of those cars I’d find a reason to build an enclosed part in my lounge and look at with infatuating glances, over a scotch while playing Led Zeppelin’s “Tea for One”. On vinyl, of course, reminiscing over the times when motoring was simple—a time when people enjoyed the pleasure of driving. The Emira captures that spirit, despite the price tag. Cheers. A glass raised to that and Lotus keeping it “For the Drivers”. Here’s to hoping for a second date.

Lotus Emira Specifications -

Engine: Engine: 3.5litre Supercharged V6 from Toyota
0-100km/h: 4.3 seconds
Weight: 1450kg
Brakes: Front Discs - 370mm x 32 mm, AP Racing 4-Pot with Braided Hoses
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power: 298kW 420 NM
Top Speed: 290km/h