The proportions of the Emira do look a bit “baby supercar”, but oddly, I think the shorter length is actually what makes this design superior (to my eye) to darn near all mid-engined cars on the road today.
Most mid engine cars look inherently a bit goofy in profile from the rear of the door to mid rear wheel well. I think this has to do with the length needed to accommodate a longitudinally mounted engine. The R8 is a great example of this. I think the Audi stylists were clever in the way they managed that space with the Blade or whatever they called it. The Ferrari 458 in profile is another good example of this. It’s just a bit too long in the rear 1/2 of the car.
The Lamborghini Miura, like the Emira, has a transversely mounted engine. This arrangement allows for a more compact rear length, and better balance and proportion. I think this is why the Miura is such a timeless design.
McLaren and other mid-engine supercars look more exotic and dramatic, however I don’t think the design is actually better. It’s almost like a supermodel- the proportions are rare and dramatic, striking even. But up close, in person, it can look like all of the parts don’t quite match up, the normal proportions are a bit “off”. Big eyes that are striking in a print advertisement may be a bit too piercing in person.
