Mid-engine? Rear Wheel Drive? Manual Transmission? Meet the 2023 Lotus Emira - Jay Leno's Garage

The 2023 Lotus Emira is EVERYTHING Jay loves in a modern car. It's a mid-engine with rear-wheel drive, and the best part, it has a manual transmission! The kind folks at Lotus let Jay take the Emira for a quick spin through the canyons, and it was a heck of a lot of fun! Stay tuned until 20:54 to watch some bonus footage of Ben Collins (The Stig from Top Gear) using a Lotus Evora to outrun and outgun a helicopter "piloted" by Jay!
Can you even drive a manual transmission? Let us know in the comments.
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A new video every Sunday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more.

[@Farney-gy1qo]

I am part of the team that machines the gearbox casings as well as many bespoke components at Lotus. I am very proud of the work I do, and very proud to be part of the Lotus company.

[@stinkothestooleater4490]

If this is true, I gotta say, what you've done here is incredible. It's the drivers car that the BRZ is. It's the beauty that Ferrari is. It's the price of the corvette. Its the reliability of Toyota (assuming). It's all the best parts of all the cars I like the most. I'll have to buy a used one in 10-20 years since I doubt they'll still be produced and I haven't finished college, but what you've done for those who can afford it now, is incredible

[@pashahillyard8763]

@@stinkothestooleater4490 Don't speak limits on yourself into existence like that 🫂 In today's world, a job is not enough on its own to survive. Financially (and otherwise) learn your own path! Dream big, set goals for yourself and (the hardest part) make real commitments to them! Don't shoot yourself in the foot by convincing yourself, e.g., that you can't buy a new Emira one day. I won't lie and say "it's easy," cause that's not true at all. But if you start from your end goal and work your way backwards, and stay committed until the end, I promise you really can do anything!

[@choochtech]

Tell them to not go to all electric, no one wants an electric sports car.

[@TeachAManToAngle]

@@choochtechI do. Immediate torque. They are quick!

[@johnstevenson1709]

Yes but lots of people either rent these for a special day or own other cars and use this for a fun weekend drive

[@brunobagofdonuts9304]

Much better when Jay goes solo, not having a shot-gun rider trying to sell the car.😏

[@danapeck5382]

Totally agree

[@-PLAYER0NE-]

I’m always excited when i see that he’s alone.

[@Grom-rl8bm]

Yup, I tend to skip most of the non-solo eps

[@spyderMN]

Same, I love when he loves a car and THAT is the reason I like watching Jay with a car.

[@Tommyjet18]

Less human weight = more fun

[@scottimusgarrett15]

In my mind, this is the perfect sports car. Gorgeous styling, great interior (finally!), and the incredible reliability of a Toyota! Great sounds, great looks, great handling...What more could you ask for? Thanks for another great episode, Jay and crew! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@kokoboarder]

An absolutely gorgeous car!

[@scottimusgarrett15]

@Landon-si5xc sorry, I'm a pastafarian.

[@vali69]

​@@Landon-si5xcdid you not read about him being a pedo tho?

[@vali69]

@@Landon-si5xc if he's such a good guy, he wouldn't care about what people thought of him and instead cared of how they behaved and how kind they were to those around them during their life. You're brainwashed to believe in an evil being, as all other religions do.

[@jamesrobinson7732]

I'd still rather just mod out an Elise or Exige. This thing is like 50% heavier lol

[@Yourmission9]

Lotus knocked it out of the park with the Emira, a truly beautiful car

[@burgerdog981]

This has to be one of the best sounding v6 engines around right now.

[@jcnyr7912]

it does sound amazing but I still think this one is best kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5K1eKqqhp6nfZI&index

[@ransom3057]

I'd argue the ferrari 296 is the best but this is definitely the best at the ~100k price point

[@heathcliffe8446]

I agree. Very British exhaust note.

[@jeffk464]

I'd take a Toyota engine over a Ferrari engine all day long. I like sports cars that run and require maintenance like a Toyota Camry. Thats a pretty small club, maybe includes the new Supra.

[@TheChimples]

Really? It sounds terrible to me. Just loud for the sake of being loud.

[@Epiha]

I love how Jay has resources to buy any car he likes yet is smitten by car makers who produce incredibly equipped and well handling vehicles that other brands charge considerably more or surpasses vehicles of equal value. Jay has wealth but is more taken by value and offerings over brand and hype.

[@anthonypaterson7066]

Not all cars on Jay's show are his. But he has a fantastic collection.

[@Epiha]

Yes it's awesome. I've been a subscriber for over 10 years. Unfortunately I'm a terrible writer and failed to explain how much I appreciate Jay's admiration lower priced vehicles that have equal or better performance and comfort than higher end vehicles.@@anthonypaterson7066

[@oi32df]

@Landon-si5xc...and let's all pray for lost people like you on yt . amen .

[@squidikka]

@@oi32df Lol, you're both lost.

[@Electronica27]

Hence why he doesn't own any Ferrari's (they did make some really nice cars but they belong in a museum not in a collection to be fair)

[@tylernewton7217]

LOL! At 2:21 I was whining out loud about this being the last gas powered Lotus, and Jay perfectly cuts me off with “I know, I know! But let’s enjoy it while we can.” He really knows his audience!!

[@greenneon7314]

I highly doubt Lotus is telling the truth about this, most big automakers are saying stuff like that to sell and promote their new EVs while funneling money into hydrogen tech for future combustion engines. EVs are not the future we are constantly told to believe.

[@rickhunter6513]

@@greenneon7314I live in Chicago and this weekend was negative temps. EV’s we’re dead everywhere. Future my a$$

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

This was like one of Jay's pandemic episodes! Simple, basic, just Jay. Love it!

[@JonathanLittle001]

I noticed that too

[@sandymcvicar2325]

Having rescued a 1970 Lotus I know how much fun a light car is. My Europa weighs in at 1400 Lbs! As Colin Chapman said " A high horsepower car is fast in a straight line, a light car is fast every where else."

[@craigcolavito5606]

I had a 1972! I was so in love with that car!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Cool

[@Joe-hz1nw]

There is a really cool video online of old school car racing. Big American V-8’s on the straights passing minis, etc. then getting passed in the corners by the British sports cars.

[@mescko]

@@Joe-hz1nw At a vintage race one time I took great delight in watching a Lotus 26R run and hide from a gaggle of GT350's.

[@williamsporing1500]

I had a Europa back in the mid 70’s. It was a blast to drive!

[@alexm6340]

Regarding the manual gearbox, obviously an MX 5 is not the same league as this but when I bought my MX 5 in 2021 they said 50% of all new MX 5 were selected as manuals which is nice to hear because even if it's not a performance car, it is a drivers car.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

That’s probably near to 100% in the UK,

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

The ND Miata is better than this British junk

[@1991pony]

Jay mentioned that Corvette has a manual gearbox. Uh, no. Maybe if you get a used one.

[@kajex1rc351]

Yes, Jay routinely sidesteps Japanese makes which is a huge blindspot! Maybe its a generational thing, or those cheezy F&F movie sequels.

[@CARandDRONE]

Yeah Jay ya’ missed quite a few…but the point was still accurate

[@Brascofarian]

People don't understand what is special about Lotus steering until they drive one. It's the most engaging thing about any car and it's why any Lotus is so beloved by gear heads.

[@ThePikmin18]

Yeah I had no idea until I bought my Elise, then I understood it

[@kylesampson3174]

I never really understood Lotus hype, and then I bought an Evora. It's hard to put into words how great they are.

[@Westcoastrocksduh]

Isn’t that because it’s still hydronic vs electronic?

[@JAYWAL]

@@Westcoastrocksduh hydraulic steering yes

[@Android-vk8yh]

There's something about Jay smiling brightens up my whole day and being British seeing him love a lotus makes me proud 💙

[@chrisd924]

I love to see Jay smile and act like a teenager when he likes the car... true honesty is so refreshing when new cars are being reviewed these days.

[@jimmime]

When you see that smile on Jay's face, you know this car is great!

[@Rabbit086]

jay's chill style paired with the superb production value is what makes these videos so good

[@trevorsutherland5263]

In 2004, I bought my dream car: a 1991 NSX manual with 62000 miles. It cost me $30K and I flew one way from Dallas to Denver and drove it back. No one knew what it was; my insurance agent (State Farm) did not show it in his database so had to take photos of it to insure it. That's how much of a sales failure the car was in 1991. I sold mine 4 years later for $28K to a guy who drove up in a 1994 Lotus Esprit. I drove his car while he drove mine. 🙂 Of course he bought mine. Now, it is a legend and I could not even afford to buy my old car back if I wanted it. LOL.

[@keltecdan]

Dallas to Denver is an awesome trip. It sucks knowing that we can’t buy back the things we love because of inflated prices. Reminds me of my Rolex gmt master 2 that I bought for $4500 and now I can’t get one for under $9k.

[@theredphoenix07gaming]

If it had old school gauges it would be perfect for me.

[@thesteelrodent1796]

they should make it an option. It's not even a good looking display, completely clashes with the style of the car

[@Epik-hm8ws]

Believe it or not. 5 Gauges costs more than one screen. Would love analog gauges as well but I am not a potential buyer. A display option picturing classic gauges would be a good start/compromise for enthusiast buyers.

[@nelsdale1137]

You know, great point that I didn’t really think about before you mentioned it! I think I agree now!

[@septembersurprise5178]

Completely agree. Was recently looking at an BMW M2, the gauges were , in my opinion, hideous and a "hard read". Which translated into a no sale. You have to look at that c**p whilst driving an otherwise fun car.

[@NorthernChev]

Some old Smith's

[@clhagy]

Preach Jay! A manual transmission for a sports car is the only way to go.

[@bindingcurve]

Too bad most people do not buy them. I drive manual cars, but I don't expect others to as well.

[@blueazure9658]

Hell yeah.

[@santyclause8034]

​@@blueazure9658ditto

[@cbotten106]

Prediction: Most will take the Mercedes turbo 4 and the auto on this car. Time will tell.

[@TheDejakal]

Jay's knowledge of cars just can't be beat.

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

I'm still chuckling over his diagnosing the loose primer cup a few weeks ago.

[@papasmodelcarroom8450]

The guy has a bunch of really high performance cars I mean really HIGH PERFORMANCE cars and he's drove a bunch of high performance cars over the years and he stills giggles when ever he gets behind the wheel of one. A true car guy. Love the guy.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

"he's DRIVEN", not drove.

[@derjoh1986]

400hp is still a lot for a street car . 400hp should be plenty in this car!

[@sresto7943]

British B roads are where Lotus always excels, light and not too much power, if you have more power your in a field way to quickly, the Emira is just stunning.

[@Android-vk8yh]

Very true,I have a old Civic Type R it suits. B roads to perfection. A Good handling manual car around 200 BHP is what you need. Just mind the rubbish British potholes 😂

[@plane_guy6051]

The small British cars are what inspired Shelby to build the 289 Cobra and they supposedly handle great.

[@michelfortier9563]

I ordered a 2023 LT1 Camaro with a manual. Kept it simple. I just love that pushrod motor. Cold starts gives you such a nice rumble. Massive low end torque. Excellent car for an average guy like me. If I could afford it, I'd buy this car but I guess I'll just keep smiling every time I get into my LT1.

[@cpj83]

I stopped by our Lotus dealer to shoot a pic of the Indy show car. The place had a LOT of Emiras. I fell in love with them. I’m a sports car guy from way back and the Emira is a beautiful modern sports car.

[@lSgtPepperl]

I like how the subtitles say "music" when it's just the exhaust sound of the car. Good job subtitle bot, good job...

[@user-dm4lc4ln4h]

Man, I treasure you Jay. Please no more "burn and crash" diets! Glad you're good. I'm a working man of modest means and it's so cool having you share your ridiculous collection of cars and loaners with us. My first car was a '65 Corvair Monza so of course I'm stoked by your appreciation of those vehicles but your honestly and genuine enthusiasm for all things engines is infectious. I met you once at Balboa Park in Van Nuys, you were driving one of your steam cars (can't remember which one), it was malfunctioning and you pulled off into a parking lot. You were gracious and kind enough to pose for a picture with my friend even though I know your mind was on the vehicle. You're a real touchstone and an American icon. Stay safe and thank you for all you do. I love it.

[@DouglasJMark]

Being born in 1960 and loving cars, you’re so right that Lotus was renown as great-handling, rare cars in my neck of the woods. But, even as a teenager, I wondered how I could squeeze into one! Now, this one looks perfect. Thanks Jay and your crew. Lotsa love to all from Toronto ❤❤❤ PS Mice to see you must have 8 more lives to go!

[@gary_michael_flanagan_wildlife]

That’s why I love my C6 Z06. 3100lbs 505hp manual only. Blue collar special!!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I can imagine driving that. My son had a supercharged 1991 NSX with 400hp. It was crazy.

[@Fluterra]

Great way to destroy value - the NSX didn’t need a supercharger. It’s like putting lipstick on Mona Lisa.

[@ryanpeterthethirdarmstrong5217]

@@Fluterra why would you get a car to maintain value if you own it do what you want and also the old nsx is slow by today’s standards.

[@Boyko1996]

@@Fluterra great way to cry about it x What car NEEDS a supercharger exactly?

[@DocWolph]

The G1 NSX always gave me the impression of a car that was so thoroughly designed and tuned as to be almost impossible for an uninformed professional to tune the car and NOT screw it up. So it being "Crazy" is no surprise.

[@DQ-su6qf]

The NSX was offered with the option of a Comptech Supercharger from the dealer..I decided to keep my 95 NA but I know a lot of guys who love theirs Supercharged…

[@Alex-de8kd]

Love Jay’s and Hagerty’s channels on KZbin. The right balance of entertainment and expertise talk.

[@fhowland]

Agree!

[@mrm1885]

Nothing's like some good expertise talk

[@rescyn1190]

Add Harry's Garage to your list. Harry Metcalfe, founder of Evo magazine, farmer, friend of Clarkson's. The UK version of this channel in many ways. Not quite the extensive collection of course!

[@GyrefalconArgenteus]

Thank you so much for this Jay! Seeing a modern sports car bring back the classic loved manual and keeping it simple means someone out there still understands us. It was wonderful to ride along with you in such a nice Lotus!

[@jamesgannon8914]

Thank you! I love Jays' garage; there is no obnoxious music and no rush.

[@scottdiamond7133]

Corvette doesn't offer a stick shift anymore Jay, you know that.

[@jeffleach2668]

Surprised how far I had to scroll down to see this correction. Bought a C7 last summer with the 7 speed manual.

[@erikberg1623]

The current model MX-5 is available with a manual. I can stay up with our sports car club’s cars without much effort. Great fun for the money

[@edmi4816]

This is really a gorgeous looking Lotus, very sophisticated and it sounds greeeeeeaat !!!! Well done LOTUS!!! 👏👏👏

[@malcolmar]

Well done Jay! I am so glad you where able to drive this car and your words are on point. I have been watching the development of this car for a while and it is one of my dream cars. I hope to have one, one day. Thanks again.

[@subnegro4946]

Best sounding V6 I've ever heard on a production car with no aftermarket exhaust.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

I’m mean it’s nice, but it’s no Busso

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

​@@Jabber-ig3iw you omitted the F Type Jaaag

[@senseofstile]

"All the power on the street...." I had a Porsche 912e from 1999 - 2015. I drove it a lot. Yep, I was using all the power on the street. I sold it with 250k + miles on it. Great video Jay. The car seems fantastic.

[@user-ev2hx8zg2p]

If it had old school gauges it would be perfect for me.. Jay's knowledge of cars just can't be beat..

[@EvoraGT430]

The Evora does exactly that and is actually better to drive (marginally).

[@russellhammond4373]

Thanks for your review. The days of manual gearboxes are nearly over with the electrification of cars. It is great that you are having fun with that gearbox.

[@recordman555]

Makes me wish Toyota would bring back the MR2 Spyder - with a V6.

[@Xeonerable]

Would just be another bimmer abomination sadly.

[@Rodolfo_Ramos]

​​​​@@Xeonerable Hmmmm not really, because BMW doesn't have a midship platform, nor has the drive to make one at the moment (because they fumbled TWICE on that). They would either ask VW Group or Lotus to help them make a midship platform, so then they would make a mid-engine car. And that if Toyota wants to make such a thing, because they are barely motivating themselves to make a sporty car - hence the collabs to make sports cars (mainly to cut corners) and making sports versions of their regular cars (because it's cheaper to make those by yourself)

[@alicekim7351]

​@@XeonerableWhy would they use BMW when the V6 Emira uses a Toyota engine

[@eddieg6436]

…..I WOULD LOVE A NEW MR2!!!!

[@philarends7555]

MR2 is coming as a hybrid or electric 2025ish

[@grasynedwards]

The new corvette not offering a manual is a sin

[@InHypnoticTrance]

I have a C8 Stingray and I used to have a C6 Z06 and I don’t miss it at all. The dual clutch on the new car is amazing. You can operate it in full manual mode or let it do all the work. I run my car to the limit at track and autocross. The car is a monster at the limit and then with a push of the button it can be as tame and quiet as a BMW on the drive home. It’s the best of all worlds.

[@melvinburwell8202]

People can't drive manuals any more. SUVs have ruined the world.😢

[@Noneofyourbusiness2000]

@@InHypnoticTrance you're maxi pads were probably getting bunched up with all of the shifting.

[@melvinburwell8202]

Unusual hood design. Beautiful car. I'm a Lotus fan. But too rich for my blood. Motor sounds cool. Not overly loud. Best looking Lotus for sure.👍♥️💙🔥🔥🤑

[@zebatrizon1]

@@InHypnoticTrancethat’s not the point of wanting one. Everyone knows those autos are faster and more efficient, people that want a manual want the experience of a manual.

[@Johnem-Love]

Half expecting to hear ‘On Days Like These’ by Matt Munro humming in the background, seeing our Mr Leno enjoying the Lotus so much 🤓❤️

[@bitofun2]

I don't know if it's the blue that matches Jay's denim or just how much he loves this car. Never seen you smile so much lately. You should own that exact car Jay.

[@TheRealCCSmith]

The Nissan Z still offers a manual transmission ❤... gotta have that third pedal on a sports car.

[@BunyipToldMe]

I'm 6'4" and even I'm impressed!

[@itsathaithing]

Man Jay, you are just the best. I love your delivery. You give the best reviews and your perspective on cars is just perfect.

[@andreasschneider4756]

I've been waiting for this since your Evora video!

[@malcolmjcullen]

Harry Metcalfe bought himself one in silver, it looks amazing. He and his wife took it on a roadtrip to Italy, had plenty of space for their luggage and proved to be a great little GT car.

[@Jaq365]

Beautiful spec too. I could easily park one like that in my garage.

[@nine4t4]

My dad was a lotus owner. Other cars you steer. The lotuses (lotii, lotae?) were aimed. The late esprits didn't have the same soul, but they returned to the roots. Even the bread lorry ( Europa)was a botched project but damn it was fun.

[@Andy-gti]

Lotus is just a brand for people who want to, but can't 😅 i mean for that price, i rather buy a second hand porsche

[@stanislavczebinski994]

@@Andy-gti Lotus is a brand for people who know. This Lotus might lose against a big 911 on the straight - but it will beat it hands down on a curvy track. As does the Cayman. A 911 is basically a high-tech sporty version of a Volkswagen Beetle. A rear-engine car can never be as good as a mid-engine car - no matter how much tech and carbon you throw at it. Albeit most (US) customers won't drive it in a way that shows the difference.

[@williamkaiser8067]

A long time ago, Road and Track asked somebody (presumably at Lotus), what the plural of Lotus was. Their answer was "Lotus". 1 Lotus, 2 Lotus, and so forth. So please back off, all you grammar police! LOL

[@bzdtemp]

@@williamkaiser8067 Just like Lego.

[@steveparish9210]

In the 70s a neighbor around the corner had an Europa, my brother had an elan s, two lotus's in one small neighborhood! In GA!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Best looking Lotus, ever. IMO.

[@Heathcliff1848]

Thanks for everything Jay. Love what you do❤

[@aliadnanchowdhury9129]

Timeless design ❤

[@stiftungwarentest9636]

A new video from you is always a good video, even more so when it's a premiere about a Lotus! Looking forward to it, see you there!

[@spacemissing]

Watching Jay have fun is fun.

[@s8aan]

Good review Jay - I was one of the first to get an Emira, and THE first one ever collected from the factory. It's an incredible car to own, to drive and to experience.

[@jeffrykopis5468]

Weird flex.

[@user-kb8gh5jv9t]

Clearly you are not in the USA since it’s not even certified here yet!

[@s8aan]

@@user-kb8gh5jv9t Yes, there's a whole world out there that isn't the USA.

[@s8aan]

@@jeffrykopis5468 facts, not flex, but ok.

[@user-kb8gh5jv9t]

@@s8aan , that can’t be, the USA is the only country in the World (Universe) and everything revolves around it🤣, except for Emiras apparently 🤔

[@qdood]

Teaser videos = nope KZbin shorts = nope Premier videos = nope Click bait titles = nope Lenos Garage= the OG

[@nbaumg]

as someone who already ordered one I sure hope this video validates my purchase (still waiting on premier) edit: yay it did :)

[@swsschz]

I'm watching all these Lotus Emira videos. Waiting for mine next year.

[@crusherbmx]

I took my 14 yr old daughter out to a parking lot today to teach her how to use a manual, she wanted to try driving and a manual is all I have....kinda sad that she might not ever need this skill unless she gets into classic cars.

[@fhowland]

So true about the 911 vs Miata. I stayed right with a 911 going up the canyon outside of Topanga Canyon. He had 3x as much power but couldn’t gap me in a Miata.

[@alexm6340]

If it was a somewhat new 911 its definitely down to the drivers as well but I agree, MX5s are underrated drivers car and can definitely surprise on curvy roads/tracks.

[@michaeljordan6008]

How many bricks were tied to the bumper of the 911?

[@neilturner6749]

It’s highly likely that the owner of a modern 911 isn’t going to take the crazy risks owners of £10k MX5s are willing and able to take compared with his/her £100k 911.

[@neilturner6749]

And what kind of irritating knob tries to race a 911 in an MX5. With such a performance gap between the cars, It comes down to who’s the more reckless or crazy

[@iangeorge6409]

Outrageous!

[@LaSDetta]

The new Honda Civic Type R has an amazing manual gearbox. You can shift gears in < 200ms in that without any problems.

[@atg1338]

That boy toys not a super car🤣🤣😲

[@4Kandlez]

@@atg1338 Neither is this, it's a sports car

[@LaSDetta]

@@atg1338 Yes, but it has an amazing manual gearbox which was what Jay was asking for more examples of.

[@1xmodox1]

Thank you. I'd long been anticipating this episode!

[@barry7608]

Thanks, I'm very envious. Your drive up into the hills reminded me of my early days and my first car a blue/white roof Mk1 1275 Australian Cooper S. I loved that car and I was lucky enough to live near one of the best twisty roads in Oz, and I've seen a few. I've always loved the Lotus brand going back to the Elan and this video has convinced me that should the money come my way and being born in UK I'd buy one. Your description of the car and driving experience was awesome thanks for a great vid, take care.

[@stephenlayland2889]

You can still get a stick in the Mustang, Jay. Perhaps appropriately, it's called the Dark Horse. Sadly, it will be some time before we can again order a Corvette with a clutch pedal -- if ever. Forgettable fact: that steering wheel shape is an oblate circle/circloid. Thanks, Jay. It's a privilege.

[@fdlman93092]

We are looking at a future classic.

[@volofly2011]

Funnest cars I'm ever driven, Lotus Elise and Porche Cayman S, both manual. I think I enjoyed the Cayman a bit more but that could have been because I was solo on that drive, no salesmen with me. But both were still awesome, made me giddy like Jay was in this Lotus. Thanks, Jay, for sharing!

[@markmonroe7330]

Excellent video. Thanks Jay. About the same weight and horsepower as the Corvette C5 Z06 2001-2004.

[@MclaughlinTV]

Absolutely fantastic looking and sounding. Always been a big fan of Lotus

[@Jaq365]

The Emira seems a brilliant car design/handling/power-to-weight-wise. Speaking of driver-centric cars, would you consider a couple of videos on the MX-5? A deeper-dive on your supercharged 1rst gen NA - backstory, specs/mods would be great. And also one on the 2,340lb 4th gen ND2 model.

[@JesseVideos]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWLUmKd5qZadfZI

[@NashPotatoesOutdoorShow]

0-60 in 4.2 seconds...pretty sweet Jay!!

[@WarPigz0]

Poetry in motion... Have my new attainable dream car all picked out. Gotta be that British racing green.

[@rachfish]

Love the new camera angle of watching Jay shift. 😊

[@doubleaaaron]

Wow! Sounds really great! Really good dor a six. I love the old lotus esprit.they were such good looking cars. I have a dodge daytona with a lotus power engine in it from the factory. Which is pretty cool I think.

[@kellyspencer12]

Thx for this vid Jay, finally a vehicle that reminds me of my 94 NSX that I will consider buying.

[@drewblessing8418]

I love the gearbox linkage showing in the center console.

[@matthewharding7342]

Great looking car. Good luck Lotus, keep it up!

[@MickeyMishra]

With how many men are starting to see the value of good old fashioned simple and clean layout for cars? LOTUS has a Bright Future.

[@glockparaastra]

It looks stunning! Sounds great!

[@Jewishkowboy]

It doesn’t sound great. It sounds incredible!!! Damn

[@neilturner6749]

Seems like the US market ones sound a lot louder and fruitier than the Euro-spec ones I’ve seen here in the UK. Anyone Lotus experts know if they delete the PPFs on export models ?

[@richardbethel6590]

Reminded me of our '85 MR2 which had some involvement with Lotus. Was a fun light car to drive for 247k miles!

[@momnc4721]

Thank you Mr. Leno, for another amazing car review🙏🏽

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Does not suck to be Jay Leno.

[@philipdubuque9596]

All of your Lotus episodes are a blast, and this one is no exception. As you've always maintained - driving feel is everything. Thanks for another great episode!

[@alexwong9118]

Love the reviews Jay. Thank you

[@bigmountain7561]

Honestly that Engine Sounds Great. I bet you that’s a Little Hustler in the Canyons!! Great Videos Thank You 🙏

[@DavidSmith-sy2bp]

I remember in the 70s walking up William St Sydney with my face pressed up to the glass ogling the Lotus Elise’s in the window. Always desired them . Still not disappointed … Thanks Jay . The chuckle was that Lotus standed for Lots of Trouble Usually Serious 😅

[@STERNWAERTS]

14:11 probably the prettiest modern car i've seen. i'm totally in love. also diggin these slightly zoomed in rolling shots. while baby blue would be my last choice, i must say that it looks great on the car and really works well with the yellow details. not a fan of the wheels though, i'd prefer the more classic-looking "multi spokes" that are actually available in Asia (i think). but on these rolling shots, the car looks perfect to me. can't get enough of it

[@Good1vibes]

A handful of folks wants extreme horsepower with the quick automatic and a straight away. Nothing wrong with that but canyon carving to do a milk run with a manual transmission is the fountain of youth. My S2000 is still in my garage but it needs a companion like this Lotus Emira. This will be a gem to own.

[@joshstaub6224]

Lotus is the(my) dream! I hope these depreciate just a little in the future. Loved this review!

[@dc9808]

Love Lotus... since driving my 1st one in 1975. However by the time I could AFFORD one, my knees where to bad to get in and out of them. These days my 22 Camaro SS convertible is my fav car due to it still having a 6speed manual and I can get out of it when the day is over!

[@carmadme]

Try the new one I hear they made improvements for ease of acsess

[@claudiovargas9571]

It looks and sounds great hopefully they change their minds and keep doing gas engine cars sometimes isn't the speed what matters is the Joy in special in a manual transmission. Thank you Jay for all the good things you share!!!

[@rescyn1190]

It's not by choice. It's the EU regulations that are forcing them to stop.

[@daleolson3506]

@@rescyn1190the eu are idiots

[@AxLWake]

​@@rescyn1190Truth. Although I think that the combustion engin ban will eventually die. It will be too late, a lot of people and manufacturers will have lost a lot of money but I think we'll eventually go back to combustion engine once those idiots in green parties all around Europe realize forcing people to buy EV's is a stupid idea.

[@steveparish9210]

A beautiful balanced car love it. Only lotus i got to drive was my brother's elan S when I was a teen, loved that too!

[@davidkucher5.0Coy]

Now that's my kind of car Jay, so much fun. Love it. 😎👌👍

[@Diablofruit]

I want this so bad ive been watching so many videos about this car before its launch! Gorgeous cant wait to see what Jay thinks!

[@pistonburner6448]

You want a Chinese car?

[@Diablofruit]

@@pistonburner6448 Can I live my life ?

[@pistonburner6448]

@@Diablofruit Not if you help the evil Chinese regime win.

[@JohnJDurkin]

@@Diablofruit😂😂😂👏👏👏

[@jdwarferc3754]

I visited the factory where parts of this car are made (mostly body) It's in France, close to where I live. It was interesting. Not much handmade, but a lot of care to details. Parts have to be perfectly shaped as intended.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Do they cost less if bought in France and then shipped to America? My brother bought a Mercedes from the plant in Germany. The money he saved paid for him to go there for a week vacation. Thanks, John

[@smileyspeedster]

Was that the Sotira facility in Pouancé?

[@harrysheffield624]

@@smileyspeedster I believe the SMC material is made at Teijin Factory in Pouance, but the components/panels are being manufactured at the Teijin Automotive Technologies facility in Leça do Balio, Portugal.

[@DukeNuggets69]

mais genre, où en France ?

[@Bendwow]

Hopefully the factory is safe from the refugee rioters

[@oceaniclab]

A true car enthusiast knows Lotus and knows how good of cars they are.

[@Earthmotorcars7891]

I work for Lotus here in Texas. And we have over 180 deposits down for these. People are really starting to notice these cars now. You aren’t spending 200-300k on a over powered, high maintenance super car. But the style fits in with that crowed. You get a real drivers car that’s not going to be in the shop more than on the road. We are getting our demos around September and I am so excited to experience the car. My dealership just got hand picked by Lotus and we are so excited for Lotus’s future. We also aren’t charging a dime over sticker we want to truly build relationships with out customers so they keep coming back. Lotus is about to on a whole another level in the next two years. Can’t wait to drive the Emria. Also you have the option to pick the powerful AMG 4 cylinder motor. You can’t get the manual with that motor. But that could be a fun set up too.

[@shaolin224]

Wow! Did not expect that sound from that Lotus

[@thesteelrodent1796]

it's all about the pipes sticking out of the rear, not the engine. With the right exhaust you can make a Smart sound like a race car

[@alphamegaman8847]

Right! Damn near sounds like a V8! 👍 Great job Lotus!

[@shaolin224]

@@alphamegaman8847Exactly!

[@shaolin224]

@@thesteelrodent1796 Nah..this Lotus is alot more special than putting a Dynomax on your Honda Accord V6 dx. No matter what orientation you put your pipes 📯

[@knowbull5hit590]

@@shaolin224 that reply shows how little you got from the other guys comment. A difference in exhaust design can make a chevy Silverado sound like a V8 Ferrari, or an inline 4 sound like a flat 4. He’s not just saying “big muffler and pipes out back makes good noises uuiuhhhh caveman noises uhhhh”

[@Imnotplayinganymore]

I was just going to list my Miata. Now I think I'll look into supercharging it. Thanks Jay. Btw I think one would get used to the tach eventually. It's just something new. Like in my pickup the speedo is a number rather than a needle. Made me crazy at first, now I hardly notice.

[@septembersurprise5178]

"We are chameleons, and our partialities and prejudices change places with an easy and blessed facility, and we are soon wonted to the change and happy in it. We do not regret our old, yellow fangs and tushes after we have worn nice fresh uniform store teeth a while." - Mark Twain I dislike those gauges, give me analog or no sale, so Mark and I disagree.

[@GazzT27]

Drove one of these today at lotus Hethel test track, what an amazing handling car, loads of torque also!

[@RIKDDY]

What a great looking car. And I can listen to Jay talk about his old school preferences in the new school world for hours. We all love a manual transmission