Living with both Lotus Emiras - After 2 months which would I buy ? | 4K

[@millstonebarn]

Manual V6 here. Had it a year, and it was my first Lotus. Best year of my life. It's a great car... but also a great community of Lotus people too. It's not just about the supercharger, or the handling, or adding more lightness. What a wonderful passionate group of people, some of whom have had their cars for upwards of 40 years. Lotus is Life. So good.

[@420pilz]

Loads of lotus meets to go to its a great community to be a part of.

[@paultune1696]

Without a doubt the V6 manual for me, I have one. It's one of the last true ICE driver's cars. The V6 has such character and is a joy to drive. It is, in my opinion, one of the best looking cars ever and holds its own against the likes of Ferrari whilst also having the ability to use daily. I love it.

[@PaulNand]

I own the V6 and I daily it. It's like driving an angry wasp and I love it.

[@adrianbennett3761]

I’m sure they’re already shipping 400hp i4s to America and China. Hopefully Lotus will have speeded up the gear changes. For any petrol head the V6 manual is the only choice and should be brought before they’re no longer available

[@mattyb1624]

Hahaha good description

[@NIGELWILLIS-rg8he]

I have had a test drive in the v6 auto. I think this is the sweet spot in the Emira range. I know that a lot of people will say it’s not a modern dual clutch. But you get a better sorted auto and the noise of the v6

[@meenboli]

I test drove the V6 auto also - the criticisms of it being a torque converter auto for me are unjustified. I have a rapid Audi with DSG and couldn't really detect any noticeable difference between the speed of gearchanges. I thought it was spot on. I have however ordered the manual, mainly because I'm not selling the Audi, so want the contrast between the two. And - the manual makes me feel like I'm clinging on to the glorious past.

[@andrewcrothers4413]

I have to agree. I have an Evora with the IPS Auto.

[@guyonkeys]

I daily a Lotus Exige V6S. Granted, my commute to work is less than 3 miles but every journey is still a joy!! Practical? No! Smiles per mile more than make up for it. My son enjoys being dropped for school in something that looks like it’s come off a race track.

[@dailytherapy7597]

Nice. I’m Daily driving a 4C every day. Makes my A to B exciting

[@tsoupakis]

I use to have the same feeling with the mx5 (nb1.8) not as special as an Elise or 4c but I was always coming had a smile on my face when coming home from the nightshifts I was doing back then

[@richboy900]

Respect. I daily a Miata Nd RF, but can imagine dailying an exige wouldn't be too easy so that's definitely admirable

[@neilturner6749]

You Sir are a proper weirdo. In the nicest sense of course. But why oh why oh why?

[@richardholmes3083]

Interesting review. Now that Lotus have reprogrammed the paddle shift to change like it should have done from day one ie. instantaneously, perhaps Pete, your reflection on which model (manual V6 or AMG auto) may now favour the auto/paddle shift. I can confirm that the AMG powered Emira I have with reprogrammed paddle shift is wonderful. Ironically, drivers of the manual V6 never mention the time lag waste between manual gear changes, but grizzled when the paddle shift (used to) take a fraction of a second. Ahhh, the joy of around town driving…….with the auto!

[@bartpeterleroy932]

I have a Dark Verdant with Tan Interior V6 1st Edition Auto as my daily driver. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. The auto box may not be as fast as in a Ferrari, but is no issue at all in daily circumstances. I’ve driven the car across Europe (EU & UK). Got the car in March 2023 and I over the moon with it. If you love cars, the V6 is the one giving you the aural delight and the supercharger gives you the progressiveness of an NA car. If you daily it, with the current traffic jams, I’m sure you’ll start hating a manual transmission in no time. Be real.

[@PetrolPed]

Nice spec 👌

[@richardcarter1000]

I think the V6 manual is pretty much the perfect sportscar for the road. Ideal power to weight. Near identical to my F355, which has always felt like perfection to me. Power, weight, even the price, at just under £90k is the same as an F355 was back in 1994

[@Chrissy-H]

90k in 1994 is over £200 grand in todays money. So actually the Lotus is… kinda a bargain 🤷‍♂️

[@richardcarter1000]

It is ​@@Chrissy-H

[@tony57racing4]

I used mine every day, drove it to southern Spain from Sweden 5800 km 😅. 120.000 km in 6 months 💪

[@Scarfliotti]

Cheers for using such a car where it's made for.

[@Brian-lb3gj]

Great vid,I had the manual as courtesy car 4 months, nice on B Roads, I hated it in traffic, my order aft much deliberation was the V6 Auto, zero interest in the AMG for me, I don't track but do daily it and touring, I can honestly say when my v6 auto arrived I knew it was the right choice for me and I love it, I came out of Panemera GTS 4.8 ltr v8 with PDK, PDK is the best box by far, but the v6 auto box is good enough, paddle shift fast enough, faster than I can change a manual and for me the noise as the auto down shifts sounds amazing and you don't get the same from the manual, I get why most want a manual but I prefer autos, if anyone is deliberating about manual or V6 auto I honestly would t hesitate if it's an auto you want, I daily mine, I have no issues, the drama is epic, response from people great, lots sly photos n videos being taken, had no negatives, mine is Yellow , Black Pack, Red Leather, it gives that exotic look 😎👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for this 👍

[@SuperOle2011]

With the V6, you have an unbreakable Toyota, with amazing sporting vibes. Think its the perfect combo...

[@Tracertme]

I have been waiting for this Pete because I cancelled my original Emira order a couple of years ago, I will always adore the way this thing looks but you have confirmed for me as a road car the Porsche is a better option as a Sunday driver interestingly enough I would get the the last of the Exige. So am very happy with my decision. Great video well done, it must have taken some time editing and putting this together, so thank you.

[@macro6438]

I tested both and I agree Pete the V6 is better and in a league of its own. The V6 supercharger makes your hair stand on end! The steering feel is better in the V6 too (I think the i4 has electric whereas the V6 is old school hydraulic).

[@PetrolPed]

Nice 👌

[@StratosHawk]

The pump in the V6 is belt driven off the crank-shaft, whereas on the 4 it is an electrically driven pump.....

[@A861967]

Lovely car, and the Automatic 4c Is stellar ❤more than enough for a daily or a performance, it’s far better than the manual and faster than the v6 and the older I get the slower Idrive 😂 cheers from Oz🇦🇺

[@Williamb612]

had the same feeling about the paddle gearbox lag...however it can be adjusted with a software update....it is not mechanical. Mine is completely instant now

[@PetrolPed]

Good to know 👍

[@nickvlaanderen]

Again a great video Pete. I came on your channel some years ago because i drove Mini's Now my wife and i only have our F56 JCW and sold the other Mini's. But... last year we bought a 2006 Lotus Elise with the Supercharger kit of the Elise SC, so it has the Toyota 4 cylinder engine with 6 speed manual and 220HP It is a dream on b-roads❤ I like the Emira but it is too expensive for me and for a b-road a Elise is better i think because she is small. And if i would buy a Emira then it would be a manual V6. Your channel is growing fast Pete since you have more time for it. Thumbs up! Please stay to be yourself, a lot of KZbinrs are changing when their channel is growing big and not always in a positive way. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Nick 👍

[@MarMPB]

It seems Lotus “detuned” both the engine and the auto gearbox of the Emira 4cil, so it wouldn’t challenge the manual V6 model! In fact, if the AMG A45 S drivetrain was left alone with it’s original 420hp and lightning fast gear changes, it would be faster than the manual V6 model both in straight line and on track! It’s a matter to retune the software and we’ll have the original performance back along with a big dose of the lost character. Anyway it would be nice to have a roadster version of the Emira too.

[@macnlz]

I'd my understanding that Lotus are contractually forbidden from modifying / tuning the engine+gearbox package they get from AMG. If so, this is Mercedes sandbagging Lotus, right?

[@MarMPB]

@@macnlz Well, I really don’t know their agreement so can’t talk about it. But that would be totally unexpected. I can’t remember one AMG vehicle that competes with the Lotus Emira to justify the sandbagging. On the other hand, I think the Toyota V6 engine on the other Emira is highly modified. So, it looks like a internal decision from Lotus itself to me.

[@macnlz]

@@MarMPB My source was TheSmokingTire's review of the i4, about 2 minutes 10 seconds into the video: "the whole power unit comes sealed from AMG and Lotus isn't allowed to make any hardware changes" kzbin.info/www/bejne/oV6uaXdrmcSHmbM

[@macnlz]

Of course, that quote only speaks of hardware changes... and if it really is a matter of sandbagging in software, it might be Lotus' decision after all.

[@COL_Chris]

I've had a deposit for a Emira with AMG engine since April 2022. Now it's Sep 2024, and I'm still waiting for it to be available. Iz recently got an email from Lotus that said they plan to increase the detuned AMG engine from 360 to 400hp, matching the V6 Emira power.

[@mickdanks6836]

“He’s a natural for Top Gear” Hi Pete, I watched your video the other day on tv and by coincidence my wife also saw it. Unprompted and I guess off topic that’s what she said 😊. Keep up your great work sticking to the facts - always enjoyable to watch. Take care Mick

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for this. That would be my dream job 👌

[@bobsterd1973]

If I was lucky enough to be able to own one, would have to be manual for the sound and theatre, I'd live with the compromises. Thing is, I fancy getting in something in a couple of years, and I keep coming back to a 718 Cayman GTS PDK being the sensible 'all rounder' fun toy with more luggage space and practicality, much as I lust after the Emira or an Alpine.

[@ThePedroDB]

I daily drove my (then) Yellow Lotus Esprit back in the 90's. Never had any problems with town or distance driving. Similar level of 'practicality'/luggage space to the Emira. Every drive was an occasion. I found other motorists were very 'Lotus tolerant' and would often let me out into gaps in traffic etc. The only issues I ever had were with car parks: (1) it was too wide for a single parking space and impossible to get into if cars were parked on either side. I ended up double parking a lot and p!$$!ng off parking attendants, and (2) coming down levels in multi-storey car parks was very a very slow/fraught process, as the front spoiler could ground out

[@9kilsyth]

Interesting. I drive an Emira AMG (i4) in China and it has 400hp and a lot more torque. I have driven it 7000 kms through mountain roads and highways. Fantastic car. I love it. I find on mountain roads the flappy paddles are very useful. The i4 is much faster than the V6 and it uses less petrol...It should..8 gears, lighter and more torque plus it handles better on the limit. I was not a Lotus fan, usually I drive Porsches, but this car has got under my skin - go UK! I live in Shanghai so the manual is just not practical.

[@ginggur17]

14:07 evening buddy, yes, it was the different car in the airport. Lovely coverage of all points I think. 👍🇬🇧

[@denso6708]

Great review as always, ultimate Emira for me would be the V6 with the DCT box. I know that there is already a V6 auto but i would want the DCT with better software

[@PeteAnda]

Daily my Elise because every drive is an occasion and fun. Porsche does the automatic stuff like paddles, launch control…. Sold my 911 got another Elise and gt86 plus spare cash. Every drive is a giggle. Ended up just being in Elise 70% of the time. Tried the Emira thinking I could have one car but it was too wide to enjoy a B road. Happy you are supporting a UK built car, the last UK Lotus which is sad.

[@richardwallam2207]

Well done, Pete, for such an honest review. V6 manual for me, for the occasion. Looked at buying one 3 years ago but fell for my dream, which is an early S1. Would be interesting to see a comparison of these two cars with 25 years of difference 🤔. Sad to see the deer at 26 mins 😢.

[@DoctorJezz]

I ordered the AMG day 1 during Goodwood (in the green and tan that you would have chosen) … but had to make a difficult choice to cancel later, which I’ve since regretted … maybe it was all for the good since I just don’t do the miles in heavy traffic I used to before lockdown - and this was intended as a daily. Food for thought and maybe you’ve made me feel a little better … but at least I still have my S1 Elise which has been with me for more than 2 decades now. They’re all special. Appreciate the informed review 👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for this 👍

[@bispal]

Great to see a 4 cyl 'v' 6 cyl review. Must say I found the V6 clutch and gears light as a feather and no issues for me. I prefer manual gearboxes, even in traffic / town, as cars are so dull these days any interaction is welcome or you could literally nod off with boredom. The 4 cyl sounds like it has piped in synthetic engine noise, sounds really not nice. A used 6 cyl at £60k, I think, is a great buy. I don't think I could live with the luggage space BUT would be willing to try, when I'm finished with the Spyder. I would defo have a V6 manual Emira as a drivers car but not sure about its touring capacity and I'm not sold on the looks, especially at the front with the fussy bonnet, looks like its been in a front end shunt but could live with it, probably, maybe,. What I couldn't live with though is the over thick square steering wheel. Deal breaker......

[@StratosHawk]

I like that steering wheel! It would be nice if it was more round. I once owned a Z4 coupe - now that wheel was THICK....

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

The sound is obviously fake. I can even tell through the video. Fake engine sound never sounds good.

[@richardpearson6329]

Great video Pete, IV got a test drive in the 4-cylinder next week, hopefully it's just a software update on the auto gearboxl... If I don't like the AMG powered lotus, I would buy a used V6😂

[@PetrolPed]

Good luck!

[@marklotinga]

I make you right, it must just be software. All cars have their own weird niggles!

[@johns14a]

V6 manual for me. I can't think of a reason why one of these wouldn't be top of my list to buy if I had the money. Great Living With vid Ped.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@s10lucky]

What a great video and so well put together. V6 all day long for me.

[@PetrolPed]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robacton8936]

Great Vid Pete, great comparison between the two variants. I am thinking of the Emira, currently in a A110, with a lot of Lfe110 additions and full Miltek system. Test drove the 4 cylinder and was not grabbed by it, and thought my Alpine in its current spec was a far better car. However, it looks like I need to test drive the V6! Southampton is calling

[@abkcharters]

I had a A110, sold it a few months ago due to the 4 cylinder engine, then (funny enough) test drove the Emira i4 at Southampton Lotus with Emma Saturday. Such a similar car in many ways but in my opinion the A110 is a better car especially the gearbox, but the Emira is better built and far better looking. I dont do manual cars anymore because im lazy in traffic so my plan is to buy the V6 auto and looking forward to it. Hope this helps.

[@robertlloyd7493]

😊 a petrol Lotus....yes

[@SpeedsterIG]

The downshift lag may be a matter of gear preselection which happens in the software of the transmission. There are different approaches in this. You can priotize for instantaneous upshifts to get the fastest acceleration by while being in one gear putting the other gear shaft to the next higher gear which enables the shift time to lag only the tiny moment to move the clutch between the two gear shafts. Downside of this is if the transmission preselected the higher gear and the driver shifts in a lower gear, the transmission has two things to do: getting out of the preselected higher gear and into the lower gear. That takes an amount of time you can feel. If the software has some intelligence that makes it predict your actions better than another transmission can, you will encounter less lag shifting. Porsche seems to be great at creating transmission software that is very good in predicting the behaviour of the driver. On the other hand there are transmissions that once in a while have heavy "hickups" like the 7-tronic in my TT RS, f.i. after driving some time with constant highway speed a sudden kickdown hesitates acceleration for about a second while the transmission hammers down some gears with loud popping exhaust noise. It's a matter of the strategy of preselecting the next gear.

[@AUDIDOIT]

Superb honest review Ped. I felt your frustration. Honestly it would have to be manual V6, but then it would have to be a car I did not daily. It just simply has to have a sense of occasion, the 4cld was just sadly so dull after that v6 experience, where we saw you properly bond with the machine. I do wonder whether that auto could be reprogrammed to react quicker? But that said a car like this and as new as this should never have that much delay on the downshifts. I do feel still you would have to be a Lotus die hard to have this over some of its competitors. I am so glad Lotus made it, and we still have special machines like this from them, but more importantly is it really going to displace bums on seats from other brands machines in the same category? I am just not sure. 🤔

[@frankyork5808]

Pete, where can we get some Petrol Ped merch?

[@PetrolPed]

You can find a range of T shirts, mugs, stickers and half zip here 👍 legacylegends.co.uk/collections/influencers

[@JoshTheHeritageCollector]

Nailing it, Pete. Balanced reviews, informative and energized! In LA, you can’t daily a Lotus…. Or even really buy one a year later! 2 on sale right now, in arguably a market where sports and super cars reign!

[@charlesrogers8420]

Manual V6 is designed for the enthusiast. Bravo Lotus.

[@brianmiles3518]

I used to live down that way, and love your hill climb….. strangely I now live near Hethel so see lots of Emira’s - they’re damned good looking cars !

[@Ford363Stroker]

I've got the 4 cylinder DCT on order... dark green with tan interior. It's a date night and weekend errand runner for me (pure eye candy) and when I drive it into the city for meetings and airport on occasion, I'm not dealing with stop and go traffic with a MT. Luckily, I have a GT40 for the track! 😉

[@KAM-666]

Thank-you Ped, the video I’ve been waiting for, a honest, non biased look at the two different drivetrains of the Emira. My P300 F Type is just 3 years old and was thinking Emira as my next car, however it’s a daily, so shopping, weekends away etc, stowage looks a little mean, but you’ve answered my question perfectly V6 or i4 , V6 it is, if I jump ship, or it’s the last 75 edition P450 F🧐

[@marklotinga]

My F-Type is only a year old and am thinking Emira next too as l have already had a Cayman.

[@Silentwitness1978]

That auto response reminds me of stuff from 20 years ago!

[@stevenbennett3922]

That Green and Tan spec is the mutt's nuts though.

[@PetrolPed]

Yep 👍

[@de-v8]

I have the V6 Auto and its been great, gear change isnt as snappy as my DCT on M2 and 718 PDK no.. its just different but its still quicker than I can change gears, then I also found the DCT a little jerky at times as well. But agree the PDK is sublime sweet spot for an autobox. That being said as a daily driver I am not disappointed and when in sport and track its been fine when foot is planted and going full beans. Do think a few tweaks are needed to make it perfect. Sports Decat, new exhaust being top 2 things to let her breathe a bit more and a bit more power 430-450 would be spot on - JUMU performance have some good videos.

[@richardhargrave6082]

I've loved driving since the day after my 17th birthday when I had my first lesson, but that has been somewhat eroded away by traffic and badly maintained roads. Its hard to find clear roads to even enjoy a mile or two of fun, so I'd struggle to daily something like a Lotus. Traffic in general means I now prefer an auto, they'll all be "auto" in the end, so its inevitable, I am a sometimes sad about that, but not in the heavy traffic!

[@m.e.p.r]

I would love one of these. I’d get the auto for an everyday, because not every day is an “event”….especially if you live in LA 😅. I’d get the 4-cylinder tuned and the gear-box modified, plenty of garages now doing this. Job done.

[@chrisplummer9639]

Thank you! I'll be test driving the v6 manual next week. It would be my primary vehicle and only not used on bad weather days. 9 mile backroad commute to work with 3 stops. Had 2 auto sports cars in the past to be lazy in traffic but have realized i have no real traffic. Wanting engagement at a higher level and wanting some refinement in the cabin. Cayman GTS was the answer but this must be looked at as well.

[@warrenmitchell4800]

I had a smart roadster. My first paddle car . You want gear lag. Try that !!. I learnt it after a while, but you literally pulled down change 2 seconds before the key moment .It almost became a laugh in itself. But being tiny it was a hoot.

[@shakesnbake]

Great review. Such a beautiful car. I love DSG's and so was really hoping the dual clutch would be the winner - I wonder why Lotus didn't keep it as it was out of the box from Merc.

[@PetrolPed]

Good question!

[@Jamesgarethmorgan]

Cooling issues. Because it's mounted in the back the turbo can't be so easily cooled so they had to detune it to stop the thing over-heating. Surprised this fact isn't out there more - most people think it's some deliberate Lotus thing to make it less powerful than the V6.

[@andym1908]

Can't believe the delay on the gear change. You can now get a TCU tune . @Hampshirephoto had his done . Took them ages to crack it .

[@JonnySmith107]

When it was first announced / released for orders I thought I’d buy the V6 manual over the “four” plus after seeing how much Harry Metcalfe loved his and you’ve just confirmed for me it’ll be the V6 … if I ever find the funds!! 😅

[@flysurfer108]

Im looking at one of these to replace my f type R but not sure I can live without the noise and theatre of the jag, plus I love the gearbox in the jag and of corse the power that the v8 super charged monster under the Bonet delivers is hard to give up, Mine is rear wheel drive and has carbon brakes so looks the dog nuts.

[@neilturner6749]

The Jag’s slushmatic box is 10 yrs behind the auto box in the Emira 2.0 so you won’t find the shifting slow as per Porsche owners would. But you won’t get over the 4 cylinder’s lack of emotive noises though!

[@flysurfer108]

If you think the gearbox in the f type is slushy then you have never driven an R in full dynamic mode or you like a gearbox that is extremely abrupt in its shifting, and for a road going gt car jag have got it spot on, and as for being 10 years behind I suppose that’s why the 8 speed box is the best auto box ever made and is used in so many BMW’s as well as jags and Range Rover’s, but that’s the great thing about having so many choices one man’s slush box is another man’s perfect choice and one man’s snatchy duel clutch is another man’s worst nightmare 😂

[@autodigitvlogs]

​@@neilturner6749 its an 8 speed ZF....in Jaguars

[@autodigitvlogs]

​@@neilturner6749 ZF 8 Speed

[@afrancis1582]

There were a couple of Emira at a Lotus trackday. Most cars were Elise or Exige based. The Emira didn’t look confident on track in comparison. It is a lovely road car to compete with Porsche. But it’s sad that Lotus no longer make a proper lightweight anymore. And probably never will again.

[@johncarlo2630]

Correct me if I’m wrong I believe the Emira V6 is 1500 kilos, not exactly lightweight

[@afrancis1582]

@@johncarlo2630 That was my point. Lotus no longer make a lightweight car.

[@neilturner6749]

@@afrancis1582that’s because brand enthusiasts like you have run Lotus towards bankruptcy by simply being too weird, leaving Lotus to discover too late that there aren’t enough wealthy weird people out there to sustain the business model. You should all be ashamed of what you’ve done, not resentful!

[@martinluke9470]

How can an inanimate object, a car, "not look confident on a track"? It is the driver that creates the look, no? Perhaps this is what you meant?

[@afrancis1582]

@@martinluke9470 Probably would have been more accurate to say “didn’t look like it inspired confidence in the driver”. But I thought that was implied.

[@SamReynolds26]

I absolutely love my v6, especially with a Milltek it’s even more spicy! I’m still super interested to try the auto though one day out of interest

[@Quiquetenax]

Loving this in Abu Dhabi. Were the roads more interesting, I’d have the V6 in a heartbeat

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

Or the country more interesting….(Yawn).

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Really enjoying the mixture of content on the channel 👍👍👍

[@PetrolPed]

Glad to hear it!

[@theripefruit4343]

i wonder if the auto V6 transmissions suffer from the same as the i4

[@PetrolPed]

My understanding is it is much better but still not brilliant.

[@jonathancollard3710]

The downshift delay on AMG 2ltr reminds me of my old 993 Tiptronic from 1996 🤷🏻‍♂️…. Way too slow and not acceptable in 2020’s. Not an issue for me as cancelled my order 6 month ago, but I agree, the Emira is an aesthetic joy 👍

[@PetrolPed]

Sure is 👍

[@mackas69]

Great video. They are rare, but I wonder what the V6 Auto is like? There is definitely something about the noise you get from a V6 (S4 driver) and it will be dilemma for lots of people when we're taxed out of them in a few years.

[@Wiz33]

That's why you get both, I have the V6 manual now and I have an i4 coming in Jan 25 for use in daily traffic. As for the shift delay, as long as it's better than my current daily (2021 Audi RS5). That's good enough.

[@kevinDG7]

Those ferrari look a bit more British 😅. Great review about the emira. Yet you don't see them a lot in europa/ the netherlands. Love how it looks and would go for the manual

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks! 😃

[@techyd8411]

I bet it will downshift faster while under braking than it does with just lift and coast downshift. My Evora IPS did, quite noticible

[@espresso5150]

In London, bought V6 auto..fab!

[@Hebypn]

Probably one of your best videos. Loved the format, views and comparisons!

[@marinejunkies9625]

I can't deside on thi v6 manual emira or a ttrs what do you prefer?

[@alasdairwilson4806]

Great review of both cars.V6 manual for me and keep it as a weekend toy.

[@mayflowerfilm1980]

Now that was a good edition Ped! Finally some practical information. Thanks.

[@TheNorville2]

Surely that gear shift delay is just an update. I have updated my Audi TT with a downloadable tune and it made a great difference...

[@joedesi99]

Recently had an opportunity to drive the 4cyl auto around a track for a few laps. Handling was incredible especially the front end. Felt light and easy to push hard intuitively. Sound was a bit dull but the gearbox was very slow on the down shifts. Upshifts were ok. Suspect the v6 manual would be the one to get although have yet to drive it

[@marklotinga]

Great stuff Pete, super useful real-world detail. Very likely l will have the four cyclinder auto-version of one of these next after my F-Type. I do lots of short town-based journeys along with occasional much longer motorway runs. Hence my choice. Question, is the boot big enough to fit a cabin-size trolley bag? I did not think to take one with me on my recent test drive to assess whether it would fit. Also, you're a better man than l, l will not be taking my daily-drive Emira into any kind of multi-storey car park, l am "allergic" to kerbs!

[@Jod9970]

Hi Pete I drove both and am collecting my new V6 manual next Tuesday.

[@colinhardy7203]

Love your videos PP - always very well made, well written and well filmed..top stuff. For what it’s worth, my personal opinion on these cars having been lucky enough to own two Lotus V6 Exiges (fabulous fun sports cars) a Porsche 992 C2S Convertible (a badly built nightmare to own) and several BMWs is that…for me The BMWs, in terms of real world ownership and enjoyment are quite simply leagues ahead. My M4 Competition XDrive just does it all. Beautifully built, (no endless rattles or build quality issues unlike the disappointing, cost cutting Porsche) it’s fast, practical, comfortable and a joy to own, drive and tour in. I’m sure you won’t agree with me about the 992 but my experience was awful, seven months of misery.

[@Luminated67]

If I recall correctly Mercedes seal the engine/gearbox combo and Lotus are not allowed to tweak it. This is a major problem because I am sure many of the Emira Inline 4 owners will be voicing their displeasure of this.

[@daveprior8436]

Hi Pete. What are your polarised sun glasses? Really like them.....

[@davidlloyd-cx3er]

Great review Pete. Any chance could do a comparison with the V6 against the Alpine A110. Given a choice any thoughts what you would choose. Purely a car for high days and Sundays,practicality not a concern. My drives are mainly country roads . Cheers

[@davidkeenan5989]

I enjoyed this compilation of different events, etc.

[@S-oz6is]

My guess is that the gearbox is purposely slow in the 4 cylinder because lotus is trying to protect the v6 performance. The reality is that the 4 cylinder is quicker with a tune and normal gearbox by a lot

[@stevenbennett3922]

Another good one Pete.

[@PetrolPed]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@StratosHawk]

I have an Evora S in Australia. I love the sound it makes and how easy it is to drive sedately as well as when I push it. Thinking hard about an Emira, which I consider to be an Evora evolved. If I wanted a flappy paddle I would look to an i30N (which is in itself an epic car for the money) - but of course I won't - it will be the SCV6 or nothing...

[@michaelkember8102]

Interesting review, what road is the Petrol Ped hill as I ve a few hours to kill whilst my wife runs a 50k ultra out of West Dean Gardens, so I know it’s not far away, and if you weren’t at Le Mans, might have called in for a coffee 😂

[@PetrolPed]

B2141 out of South Harting towards Chichester 👍

[@Desolaire]

Manual V6 in Magma over Tan here!

[@wordreet]

Heh, my only Lotus is a vintage Scalextric. But I have had V6es, one Cavalier and one Calibra, no turbo or supercharger though. And I have to say that both V6es were perfect in traffic, really smooth, pulling away from 1000rpm was never a problem, and luckily I never had a problem at the top end either. And another , heh, top end was only discovered at 1AM on the M6! Ahem, 😇 Oh yes, and I've always hated auto boxes!

[@markburton5170]

V6 manual for me - but after borrowing one for a couple of weeks I bought an M2 manual; less sense of occasion but good driving pleasure, better value and far more practical. And now I'm trying to buy a Boxster GTS 4.0 PDK for my wife. The lag on the twin clutch is shocking, we have paddle shift autos which are far better than that.

[@neilturner6749]

Confused here Mark. You say “V6 Manual for me” but when given the choice you bought an M2 and are now buying a Boxster for your wife! So, let me help you out of your schizophrenia and point out that your actual real-world verdict has been “Neither for me” as you’d clearly rather have anything else. Which is fair enough, but why publicly express your vote for the Labour leadership when you’re a Tory Member? Very odd.

[@markburton5170]

@@neilturner6749 Clear preference of the two - which was on my shortlist even though I ultimately decided in favour of (another) M2. Anyway, whether or not I may be a Tory member I am quite happy with the Labour leadership! The more interesting leadership question is who is going to be Tory leader after 5th July.

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

Great job 👏 Ped

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@andym1908]

That is a lovely looking car . What's the actual body panels made of?Peter

[@oldboygeorge7688]

The automatic was made mainly for the USA market.

[@davidtalent1858]

Did these2 have sport or touring suspension ?

[@PetrolPed]

Both Touring

[@MrVonspace]

i've bought the v6 in auto. and I just love it!

[@PetrolPed]

Nice 👌

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video, my favourite Is the V6 manual 😊

[@richardsedorski1206]

Another great review from a professional guy well done.👍👍👍🐶🐶🐶

[@ryshask]

I think the detuned nature of the inline 4 amg engine affects the TCU tuning... Aftermarket will probably totally fix this... But given the cost of the vehicle... Better off just getting a cayman.

[@laurencemoore5737]

Great segment Ped. Love the honesty on the auto. I love this car and right now they have 0% finance which is very tempting given the best rates hit you with about £20k interest. I have my S3 and my 996 C4S cab manual so a great all round garage. But I would like the V6 manual. Hopefully Lotus will listen as I am sure it’s just a bit of software calibration that would make the auto match the rest of the package. Then I could be tempted and add an aftermarket exhaust to spice things up.

[@PetrolPed]

You and me both!

[@johnball4826]

I want to see a proper test of the V6 auto, against Cayman 718 4.0L PDK as that is the true test.

[@f35500]

Interesting review I tried the v6 but didn’t get on with the clutch, same as you Did have a 4cyl on order but cancelled it Still looks stunning but but in the end brought a manual boxter s ! Will revisit in a few years when hopefully aftermarket has sorted either the clutch or the Amg maps ( should be more power too)

[@stephenclay6852]

I like you would choose the V6 manual. But it would have to be a second car for that weekend blast then an automatic four seater car for every other occasion. The car looks fantastic in that colour but do lotus supply bug remover. Only had one car in yellow and boy does it attract insects.

[@m3doc24]

Thank you, thank you Lotus! I canceled my I4 order after the announcement of the delay until 2025 and bought a 911 Turbo S. Love the looks, handling and the concept, but what a total fail Lotus. Did Geely poison the well or was this Lotus in over their head?

[@justinevans1894]

Hey Pete, are the laggy down shifts the same when using the stick or just the paddles?

[@huss03]

24:32 Exactly...I don't understand it either

[@global_nomad.]

great comparison, if the 4cyl/auto is off the table, then its the V6 Emira or used Evora (or cayman/boxster) or wait 3 years for cars to come off finance

[@michaelanderson3771]

Without a doubt for me a sporty gear change is a Must. Manual all the way, and Yes I drive a manual as my daily and in creeping traffic. I just get used to heavy clutch and my left thigh is bigger than my right. Feedback and responsiveness is for me what makes a car. Lazy people drive an Auto , real drivers drive manuals. By the way I also ride a motor bike, Honda Shadow VT750 cruiser, and my wife has a 150 cc Vespa scooter auto. Whist tootling around on an auto scooter is a doddle and fun for a quick trip to the local village shops or down to the beach, it would be so much better with a 5 speed box than a CVT auto.

[@MATB1278]

I would definitely go for the v6 manual but then around another 5k on the used market you can get a 718 spyder or gt4 Hmm decisions decisions Great video though and great testing!

[@neilturner6749]

Not sure if you’ve tried a GT4/Spyder, but they’re far too stiffly sprung for UK road use and hence there are shedloads on the used market as buyers have realised their mistake. Emira competed (718 4.0 now fully sold out) with the much “nicer” GTS model which retailed for essentially the same money.