Lotus Emira: the Sub-$100k Sports Car We've Been Waiting For? - TheSmokingTire

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The new Lotus Emira is a beautifully restyled, analog driving machine that takes the best of what we liked from the last-generation Evora and improves on it, with new body work, a new, polished interior, and increased comfort and usability. The powertrain, however, mostly carries over from the previous eleven years of Evora. Does the new car really feel "new?" is it enough of an update to pull customers away from Caymans and Corvettes? Is it the best drivers car you can get for under $100k? These questions and more answered in today's video!
Lotus Cars, NA provided the vehicle, insurance, and a tank of fuel for this review.
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Suspension update: Before we filmed this we asked if there was a difference in hardware between the Sport and Touring trims. We were m told there was not; it was just alignment and tires, which is why we said as such.
We have found out that information was incorrect. The springs on sport are stiffer (than Touring) and the shocks have more compression, along with the alignment and tire choice.
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Is the New Lotus Emira the Sub-$100k Sports Car We've Been Waiting For? - TheSmokingTire
#lotusemira
#emira

[@TheSmokingTire]

Suspension update: Before we filmed this we asked if there was a difference in hardware between the Sport and Touring trims. We were told there was not; it was just alignment and tires, which is why we said as such. We have found out that information was incorrect. The springs on sport are stiffer (than Touring) and the shocks have more compression, along with the alignment and tire choice.

[@IanCharlesPearce]

Doh!

[@garyhawkins9246]

Harry Metcalfe did a great video at the factory that shows the different springs and shocks, but your driving videos rock guys, your enthusiasm is infectious

[@indianapwn3s]

This is what Lotus told you? Probably the same person that gave out so many incorrect facts to reviewers about the Evora as well. With how important this car is to Lotus, a car that they have to get the release right, you would think their press car point of contact would have a clue. Lotus, fire them. I'll do the job. Let's see what kind of shape the Emira press cars are in at the end of the cycle, will they have dead AC, out of adjustment parking brakes, bad alignments like the Evoras? They need to have someone scrutanize these cars before and after press uses them. I am a huge fan of Lotus cars, I love my Evora, but the company has to get their head out of their ass and take care of some of these low hanging fruit to improve brand image.

[@SS-fv9sz]

Harry's Garage & Shmee150 did factory tours where they showed the different hardware between the two setups.

[@obfuscator]

I was thinking of Harry's comment as well, trying to make sure he puts springs back in the parts bin they belong 😂

[@Royahmar]

All these new format videos are fantastic. You can appreciate the extra work that goes in editing and filming.

[@JohnJDurkin]

Agreed - top quality. Very strong

[@porscheguy5848]

Ya, wasn’t a fan of the one takes as much as these videos

[@eskamobob8662]

100% agree. Id love it if we still get one takes for classic stuff, but for new cars the new format is exceptional

[@cavemandan543210]

Yo the transition from Zack’s VO to the in car at 5:50 was top gear level stuff love it guys

[@jakemoore1973]

@@cavemandan543210 I loved that too

[@thegearknobs1058]

I don't think there's any upcoming car I'm more excited about right now.

[@chriscampbell867]

Really? Spotty build quality and crappy dealers that barely sell any and the techs don’t know how to work on them. Plus doesn’t it have a Toyota V6? How’s the resale or depreciation on these gems?

[@philipparana9225]

​@@chriscampbell867it's pretty much the old one

[@beerwolf2836]

It’s actually very good build quality. Quite different from previous models. I’ve owned mine for a month - the detail and quality are a real positive - really outstanding (and I’m a Porsche owner)

[@ajcball]

I have done the factory tour... It's nothing like old lotus, but it's still not like a Porsche factory. Parked my 997.1 next to one and it made the pork look v ordinary. This or a Cayman? I think I'd go this. More original, looks better (imo). I need the 4 seats tho...

[@kimjongun5021]

@@chriscampbell867 If you don't see the Toyota V6 as a plus then you must not be very informed about cars.

[@fluffychicken383]

Fantastic production value TST! Love the new style, and having Zach present too!

[@ruscaryt4480]

It's not really a "new" style. This channel used it on older videos and they brought it back, but a little simpler.

[@titusbyzantine4949]

Loads of bots saying this...

[@beno.9952]

This has everything I loved about the two takes but a much higher production value! So good. This car is incredible.

[@s8aan]

I've had an Emira for the last 5 months. It's great. The Sport and Touring are more than just tyres and geo though, they are different springs. Also the 'frunk' as you called it does open, easily, but not for storage, it's where the cooling fans go. If anyone has any questions please shout, happy to advise as to life with one of these is like etc.

[@abh2188]

Nice! How did you get a delivery so soon? Are you in the UK or the US? Are dealers charging above msrp for these?

[@gerbel01]

I'm curious as I have one on order

[@s8aan]

@@gerbel01 In short, you won't regret it, they are so much fun. There are faster cars out there, but the smile factor is insane in this.

[@gerbel01]

@@s8aan I've tracked an Evora gt so I know approximately what I'm getting into. It's just a waiting game in the US right now bc of EPA reasons but it's getting sorted while they make cars for other countries

[@maximborodyuk3773]

Did you drive Cayman (GT4 especially) and how will you compare Emira with it? This guys marked Cayman as flawless car, so they clearly don't have a clue, interesting to hear other opinions.

[@BenchRacerRC]

The production values in this are unreal, another level. Brilliantly shot, written and presented. Great job guys.

[@nicholassmith7048]

I believe the spring rates are different between the touring and sport suspensions.

[@darren4747]

Yep. There is a factory tour video that shows 2 x bins of suspension bits one labelled sport and the other touring

[@Average_Enthusiast_]

The transitions between voiceover and in car dialogue were flawless in this. It really reminded me of OG top gear.

[@ryanehoward]

I am loving the higher production values you guys are putting in. Hopefully you guys are seeing good numbers for the increased effort you are putting in.

[@TheSmokingTire]

We aren't yet but we're proud of the product.

[@ryanehoward]

@@TheSmokingTire That pride is clearly showing.

[@caseyyoung5111]

Also, adding the car name to the title would help.

[@MickOpalak]

Funny how Matt says the Cayman has no flaws, forgetting about the gearing problem, yet fixed the gearing on his own Boxster.

[@ronincamera1328]

Insta 360 'like having a drone, that Zack can't crash' 😂😂😂😂 had me lol'ing for a good 2 minutes

[@patrickadsuar8710]

Was really looking forward to this one, and didn't disappoint. Makes the wait for mine feel that much longer....

[@JohnJDurkin]

What spec did you go for? Congrats btw

[@patrickadsuar8710]

@@JohnJDurkin FE - Dark Verdant, Tan interior, Manual V6, Touring spec, diamond cut wheels, yellow calipers. Pretty British 😀

[@beerwolf2836]

Thats exactly my spec except for the diamond cut wheels. Pics on Emiraforum. You’re going to be very happy 😊

[@Xolition]

​@@patrickadsuar8710 YAAAAAS

[@Milkman69ner]

Mines due this month, I can’t wait! It’s been 21 months!

[@JohnJDurkin]

Awesome - what spec? Got mine in January, loving it

[@Milkman69ner]

@@JohnJDurkin nice! I went Seneca manual V6. How’s your time with yours? Any issues or all good?

[@IS300Spartan]

The extra work put into these new videos really shows.

[@joeyallen1609]

I haven't watched a TST video in awhile. Coming back and seeing the insanely good production quality on this video is refreshing. I look forward to watching more videos like this.

[@Dave-bx5fo]

When I was looking to buy my Evora GT410S 2 years ago, I enjoyed your previous videos made on the Evora and I took the plunge and I have been rewarded with two fantastic years of ownership, multiple track days and interstate driving adventures with mates all over Australia. I'm excited to see what Lotus has produced with the Emira, I have friends that are waiting on there deliveries and I'm sure many more viewers will be inspired to possibly buy the new Emira. I'm waiting for Lotus to release a more track focused version ( GT4 style) before changing out from the Evora. As always I enjoy your work.

[@hughmann1908]

Best show yet! Correct reporting, personal experience, and valid comparison! Well done guys!

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great review. Same day I watch Tim Burton aka Shmee150 take us out for 3 laps in his car on the ring. He had fun and almost kept up with the GT4s. But what was shocking was he had also just done some laps in his big old GT500. That big monster went way faster and was way more settled in the corners. Who says American muscle is only straight line.

[@maximborodyuk3773]

you know that GT500 is capable of 991.2 GT3RS pace on track, right? It's not like fresh news, and the only american "muscle" is challenger; camaro and mustang are proper sportcars for a long time already.

[@PeakVT]

Are the US suspension options different from the UK options? IIRC, Harry Metcalfe said there were different spring rates and that the Sport option was too much for the street. He speced his with the Touring suspension.

[@N0SK1LLS]

Not entirely sure for this specific car but manufacturers commonly do that!

[@Dman_12]

Oh man that opening side profile shot is beautiful, just great visuals overall. I feel like I've run into the "steering wheel blocks the speedometer" thing way too many times in newer vehicles over the past couple years

[@justaddafan]

Nice format. I have seen in other videos that Lotus has specified there is a physical difference between the spring rates and damping of the sport and touring suspensions. In fact, I believe when Harry Metcalf went to pick up his Emira he showed the separate bins of shocks that were separately marked for sport and touring.

[@zackklapman3569]

We were told they are the same but we will check again. Maybe different for US?

[@nahknahk]

@@zackklapman3569 If you watch Harry or Shmee's video of the factory you can see the physical differences in springs. They store them in separate bins even. Maybe that's a regional thing.

[@ElyciusM]

LOVED the format for this video. And the emira was the biggest video I was looking forward to. Absolutely knocked it out of the park. The questions in the studio thing was PERFECT. Highly recommend continuing that, it's perfect. Surprised no one else has done that before.

[@andrewsimms3426]

Love this new format. Matt and Zack seem to have really found their groove. Also it's great to see some propper old school objective and honest journalism. Their are too many influencers around who just feed at the hype trough, to the point that their content is really just a thinly vailed ad. Thanks Matt and Zack for keeping it real.

[@Sheepleton]

That car could have a lot of faults and still be worth it to me. It's gorgeous.

[@craigthescott5074]

Hood looks like somebody wrecked it.

[@MrJohnnyC]

Matt and Zack: You guys are knocking it out of the park with your content. A beautiful product on another beautiful product. Congratulations.

[@888mattd]

7:15 that’s not true regarding the suspension. Springs are definitely different from Tour to Sport

[@Vonstroke]

This.

[@The_Stanman]

Was gonna say...that's the first time I've heard any journalist suggest that.

[@Rex_Racer]

Correct. There IS a different alignment between Sports suspension with the Goodyears, and Sports suspension and the Cup 2s. But the Sport suspension and Tour suspension have different springs and dampers from one another.

[@nfollin]

the setup of them is, the springs themselves i do not believe are different.

[@Rex_Racer]

@@nfollin The spring rates are within 5% of each other (sport to tour), but they are different. The dampers are different as well.

[@randumbuller]

I don't always make it to the end, but I really dig the podcast closing formula with the tough questions. Love the extra technical bits and insight with a debate involved. I hope the retention follows suit so this keeps happening!

[@michaelrohr9773]

I really love what you guys are doing with all the latest reviews - such awesome content. I get really psyched every time a new one is released.

[@RomainSandt]

The quality of the videos is getting better. Closer than what others (that have been guest on the podcast) are doing. Glad to see storytelling and good cinematography back on this channel.

[@mnmotorsports4527]

As I watch the video I'm falling in love with the design of the car. Beautiful

[@Petrospect]

There’s no other car I’d wanna order new if I had the money more badly. Feels like the return of the Esprit for me! Now, if only they made a GTS, targa version… 😅 When the music kicked in, the video changed gears quick in a way I kind of wish it had earlier, definitely got better as it went on; can’t argue with Cayman>Emira though. But what a pretty car. Great vid!

[@indianapwn3s]

You can definitely argue Emira vs Cayman. Cayman is not an automatic winner. The Emira is Cayman GTS level of performance, so I don't know what you are getting at by wanting a "GTS version" of the Emira. I'll take the Emira.

[@JohnJDurkin]

Both amazing cars. I had a GTS 4.0 order in and changed it to an Emira, but can’t lose either way

[@Petrospect]

@@indianapwn3s I was thinking of Matt’s 328 GTS, a targa version of the Emira is my thought. Definitely relayed it poorly, edited! Agreed though, Emira is a heck of a contender and I’d go that way too.

[@TerribleUsernameAmirite]

Been waiting for this one for a long time now. Glad to finally hear your thoughts about how this car drives on the canyons

[@bcbw07]

I really enjoy the throwback to the old format but with more Zack! I hope this updated format shows promise

[@sebastiankaiser5165]

This is fantastic. To quote Matt, this is the new gold standard for automotive journalism on KZbin. I hope this pays HUGE dividends for you guys, because this is so cool. I also really like Henry Catchpole, but he sometimes overdoes it with the ambient music and old Top Gear style moody action shots and Harry Metcalfe’s style is more of a relaxed chat than an in-depth review. This was perfect from start to finish, content, pacing, production. Thank you TST! 👍

[@drivingpsyche]

Great review! Love the new format, and thx to the sponsor for providing new gear for more cool angles. And knowing how Lotus enhanced the Evora over the years, makes me look forward to development of new Emira.

[@haphmiler]

Been enjoying the new (old) longer format! Also killer sweater Matt!

[@baddriversofcolga]

Great looking car! I love the fact that it rides and handles so well with its "basic" suspension and that it still has manual.

[@jcreeker5581]

Manual transmission! Fantastic. Finally someone understands that there are some people who want to still drive their cars. .

[@samargre3494]

Videos are great, appreciate your time and effort!

[@engineero67]

Great video Matt and Zack. I love the new format. Also, love the Starsky throwback jumper (sorry, sweater). I have an Emira on order but latest from the dealer is that I wont take delivery until early 2024...V6 manual of course.

[@marcust510]

Body lines are crazy 🔥 I usually don’t like the sounds of modern V6s but Lotus always seems to make the Toyota V6 sound delicious. & I’m so glad you can still get one with three pedals 🙌🏽 I’d get one

[@AliOfBaba]

This video and format in general is top notch.

[@Deadwelcomer.]

Been eagerly awaiting TST coverage on the Emira! Love this car so much

[@Wilkwayadventures]

Lotus will ride us into the sunset of small somewhat analog sports cars.

[@EJames22]

Not sure if you guys feel this way but you're killing it with these videos! Off to dream about owning an Emira

[@Hashbrowniepie]

+1 for keeping this new format. good job guys

[@jjpg2000]

Great job guys! Love the new angles.

[@jgway9980]

Having owned an Evora GT, it was a great car aside from 2 things. One, I wish the power was about 440 hp instead of 400. And lastly the Lotus quirks. Always had a feeling that something might go wrong and there’s not a Lotus dealer on every street corner. In the end the only quirk for mine was the window wouldn’t roll down and then it magically started working again.

[@OldSkoolUncleChris]

Did the handbrake always work ?

[@IS300Spartan]

Luckily the 2GR is a VERY tuneable platform and will net 500 hp rather easily in supercharged form. People are going nuts with 2GRs these days, revving them all the way to 9500 RPMs... The future is bright for this platform.

[@chriscampbell867]

Right on then….

[@collinhayes9509]

Serious question, what would that 40 extra HP do for you? That's a lot of power. Especially coming from someone who has fun in their ND2 Miata with 181hp (I wouldn't complain about more power though).

[@indianapwn3s]

​@@IS300Spartan 2GRs in Lotus use a Lotus ECU and are harder to tune. I think only two companies have cracked the ECU.

[@zbrembo]

They should make something like an Emira S4S, get that full fat merc 415hp 4 popper hooked up to a stick!

[@TRX25EX]

Emira S most likely will get V6 while Emira R will get I4

[@kinetik4422]

Love the new format guys - keep it up!

[@tr3204]

Love the new format guys, big big step up in quality. Congratulations:)

[@CLCIII]

It certainly looks more expensive than either the Cayman or the Corvette. What's not to like?

[@z06van21]

I disagree with you on the Cayman being flawless and you hit on the main issue of it in your review.... 4 wheels strut based suspension VS double wishbone all around. I have the 718 GT4 and the Cayman platform moves around too much as the suspension articulates. Not sure about the GTS, but the PASM damping curves are horrible stock on the GT4. It is under damped on the rebound stroke and pogo stick like on compression. I moved to MCS 2-way dampers because the stock PASM was so un-nerving on certain road conditions at pace. The reason that the fixed dampers work well on the Emira are two fold.... They actually have good damping curves AND having double wishbones keeps toe changes to a minimum.

[@noncog1]

There's a small chance I built your dampers! MCS was definitely big on upping rebound

[@z06van21]

@@noncog1 Very cool. They have helped a lot in taming the GT4 when the roads get crappy, especially on bumps that raise the rear-end almost to its stops with the stock PASM. I have played with different settings for over a year now and settled on 175 canister pressure all around and 9/9 on both compression and rebound F & R, while running 80/100 Swift springs. I have found that running the same compression setting as rebound is the most cohesive from a vertical plane POV, since your base curves are a 1:1 ratio for compression & rebound. When I deviate from that, the vertical plane seems to get out of sync a little and not as cohesive. This is for street use BTW, I am sure there would be benefits on track to change things up, but for CA streets, I have found these settings to be as good as it gets.

[@noncog1]

@@z06van21 the kind of customer you want as a motorsport damper manufacturer, one who goes out and plays with things and tests to find out what works best for them. The ones you dont want, the guy who literally changed his suspension geometry then when he didnt like the way the car drove sent the dampers in for service, we couldnt find anything wrong but the customer swore the car didnt drive right, we start asking about setup changes and the dudes like "well i changed the front control arms to have more.... (I forget what he had said)" literally changed his geometry and blamed the dampers lol. Really glad youre enjoying them, knowing how precise the assembly process is, and how thorough the qc process is, i have a lot of respect for the dampers.

[@joeyboikly]

So happy I discovered this channel! These guys are the Cam and Mitchell of car videos, so cute together!

[@kellinpatler]

Love the back and forth between Matt and Zack. Awesome video!

[@computerhelpcc]

Emira having a back shelf = less claustrophobic cabin than Boxster and even Cayman. I daily 99 911 cab manual, Lexus GSF sedan and 97 Jag XJ6 sedan, Emira stunning looks and finally a no excuses interior is a serious win. Daily/weekly an Emira seems very good. No matter how good your automatic is, shifting your own gears is more involving and memorable. Great review guys, historical perspective, manufacturing and comparison = top notch.

[@danielqiu3779]

IMO Evora GT exterior looks more unique. Emira looks good but somewhat blend. Looks like Mclaren or something

[@xjship]

you say that likes it’s a bad thing

[@danielqiu3779]

@@xjship It ain’t bad it’s just not distinctively Lotus like Elise and Emira

[@pm9625]

Yes!! This format and THIS CAR. Great video gentlemen

[@discoinerror5886]

+1 on adding an in-studio debrief. Great vid guys!

[@nreid90]

Woah. Matt you ruffle thru grandmas closet before filming?

[@robinradema1]

He's role playing the Dude from The Big Lebowski. 😂

[@johnnygreen5642]

I swear i was like wtf even in the intro like Matt what the hell are u wearing lol

[@gaivoron]

Bro he's a Cali hipster. Gotta confuse the viewers.

[@cls63amgwagon34]

Why tf do you freaks care about what sweater he’s wearing

[@AARON818818]

Dude looks Huge AF in that Lotus! 🍔🍟🥓🌭🥪 oH how bout some delicious desserts🎂🍪🍩🍨🍧🍦🧁🥧🍫🍬🍭

[@adrianmadden7329]

They omitted hydraulic steering benefits, has more torque than Porsche and the amount of cheap plastic in the Cayman S is annoying… I know, own one & have a Emira on order…

[@sharinglungs3226]

Should have opted for full leather if you find plastic annoying in a Cayman.

[@devinf49]

What a fantastic video, the production quality is amazing, looking forward to more videos like this

[@muffinman4353]

Lotus is a Toyota, they've been using their engines since 2004.....buy a Lexus. The C8 is the beast!

[@craigthescott5074]

The C8 rules.

[@lembitd]

Love the new format, keep it up.

[@futilitarian3809]

The fact that technology keeps getting better and better does not alter the fact that some of the most engaging, communicative and fun cars to drive are fully manual, with rack and pinion steering (classic minis as a prime example), and powertrains that are considered very modest by contemporary standards. Lotus clearly understands this and hopefully will retain a client base of customers who understand that huge horsepower makes for less fun in everyday conditions, not more.

[@Hofmeister_Kink]

Awesome vid, very informative. You guys do such a great job.

[@WM_Rentals]

holy moly this production value is incredible - love this

[@scottfindley1345]

Lioving the bump in production value guys, it was time, and you've executed it tastefully well!

[@proinseasokiellig4388]

Great clarity, well done.

[@floody09]

Really enjoying the production of the latest videos 💯 great work.

[@darrelforney1]

Living the new format, you guys are killing it!

[@Nyx_88888]

I love this new video style upgrade, the magic is back! Also Matt is channeling Topanga today..!

[@hanstenhagen7808]

What an excellent review and conversation! I dig it! My Emira arrived on Friday…

[@alexadelaide]

I really like this new video format gentleman. I can see it’s a lot more work, but it is appreciated!

[@steadfastwog3746]

Love the in-studio discussion. Nice touch

[@FerritZA]

Really like this format and the new shots!

[@Merfin22]

Fantastic video gents! Well done

[@gdscheiwe01]

Really enjoying the new format.

[@eyesurgeon69]

love this format. best video yet.

[@mikepelch1969]

Thank you for the great video!

[@danielgreensides8463]

The looks are great and it seems Lotus nailed it again as far as handling. Unique and cool ride for sure.

[@paulmcdonald9592]

You guys have stepped up your game. Great production. Looking forward to more content.

[@brookstoran6417]

Love the new format. Please keep it up

[@pab3783]

I like the full review set up guys. Nothing wrong with the one-takes but this is a good change.

[@adamopenweb]

Great video. Thank you

[@egg250]

I like the new video setup. Great work guys 👍🏽

[@miljan86]

Love the little bits of humor thrown in. Awesome work!

[@liltay8962]

great video very detailed and thorough with the review I cannot get this kind of insight anywhere else!

[@apolloandratti7922]

Love the format with the debrief in the end. You guys nailed it.

[@stevemiller1626]

I like the studio conversation format at the end. Nice job guys

[@lukejohnson5195]

Bravo to new format.

[@hml_xy9480]

Best review of the Emira so far. Thanks for the very objective but also entertaining video.

[@MR2D2AF]

Love the new format and production level! Keep killing it! -Alfie

[@993GT3]

Can not wait to get mine!

[@2bunphettered788]

Good points about the suspension and tires Matt.👍

[@andreasschneider4756]

Nice review! Greetings from Switzerland!

[@snagra71]

The insta360 video looks way better than the old GoPro stuff. Way to keep improving y'all!

[@intensepar8975]

Absolutely loving the new format. Reminds me of the old /Drive days.

[@thetransporter3028]

Love the look, sounds great. Great production, you guys have stepped it up 💪