CAR Mag Sports Car Test 2022- YouTube Video

[Cachaco131]

The good old days when we were simply happy to buy a car that you had been dreaming off and there was little information to compare. We were all happy with the quirks and didn't have the anxiety of buying what the "experts" recommended.

 

[Lotustoronto]

Okay. I finally watched the video. You can tell from the way they described EVERY OTHER CAR at the beginning of each segment, that the Lotus was there simply to be put in its place; last. They might as well have just unzipped their pants and relieved themselves on it to show their 'disappointment' and disdain. They knew from the beginning that was how they were going to place the Lotus. It didn't make the Lotus look bad, it made them look like spoiled rich kids belittling someone who was going to a regular 4 year college instead of the ivy league school they attend. It came across as pure snobbery to me. A group of pretentious, self-important Jethros; just SO disappointed.

Now let's look at what someone said who has a vast amount of experience on and off track, and can probably out-drive all of those guys; Chris Harris. He didn't sugar coat anything, just summed up the Emira by saying the engine was adequate, and the chassis and steering were sublime. He was amazed at how well the car handled British roads and even in the middle of a horrendous rain storm.

Harry who can easily out-snob those guys at Car Magazine if he wanted to; wealthy with a stable of cars including a Rolls Royce. He treats the Emira exactly as the car it is at the price point it's at, saying "It's the Lotus I've always wanted". He's having so much fun driving it, that when he starts to talk about the things that he felt were the flaws, he was enjoying the drive so much he had to remind himself that he was supposed to be talking about the flaws. Harry has an order in for an Emira.

Thirdly is Shmee of all people, who can most certainly out-snob and out-pretentious any of the Car Magazine crew if he chose to. He shows off his garage with millions of dollars worth of cars he owns, so he's not some newbie fresh out of college, enamored with it all while getting his first sports car. His road review was one of the best in my opinion, honestly describing everything he was experiencing, including seat, driving position, steering, handling, sound, even the controls and how they felt including accessibility. He didn't gush over the car like a fan boy, but he clearly was enjoying himself driving it. He has one on order too.

If the Emira was that big of a disappointment, why would guys who have millions of dollars worth of supercars; Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, etc. want to buy an Emira? It's because Chris, Harry and Shmee all had the same reaction; it was fun to drive, and that's what a sports car should be, especially at the price point the Emira is at. Car Magazine's silliness of showing how they aren't impressed with a sports car that's £79k by comparing it super cars that are £250k was pathetic really. I wonder how different the comparison would have been if they'd used an Evija instead. Ridiculous to make that comparison? Why yes, yes it is...as was putting the Emira up against those other cars. They couldn't even use a Cayman at the same price point as the Emira; they had to use one that was over £100k.

The reviews I'm really looking forward to are the ones from our own forum members as they start receiving their cars. Real people, real owners, driving and using it in real life. The journalist world has become too much like a cheesed up reality show.

First, these reviews always included more "normal" sports cars in previous years. They review sports cars that were launched this year and so the Emira fits the bill. Maybe they should have brought a Nissan Z? (not sure if UK get the Z) Either way I did not see anything inappropriate about the review. They got the right spec for a road review, oppose to the first time around getting the sport suspension with cup 2. So the guys at CAR Mag have driven both extensively. This is a very important point. They certainly criticized every vehicle there. Some more than others. Emira was absolutely one of the most critical and negative reviews I have seen. The other review's you pointed out can be considered biased a little since they both have already purchased the vehicle. Henry's review being the best of the positive one's for his experience and having driven both setups. Schmee did a quick 30min/1hr tour. As for Harris, he drove it during a hurricane, must be great in the wet. I am not knocking the reviews at all and respect all three's opinions. The guys that have covered the most miles by far have been Car (3 days + the other review of the blue sport suspension car) and Catchpoole (went to Monaco and then Scotland). At this point with all the reviews you have to take these two as the most credible reviewers. They have the most miles, in different conditions, roads, night, track etc. Also mirrors closely to the complaints @emiraspain had on his track day. A vocal member of our community that has driven a variety of vehicles.

I want the Emira to be as successful as possible. However, slamming the reviewers I don't think is the right answer. ( maybe Jethro for the smuginess) Especially Catchpoole. He is an excellent driver, has done the most video's and covered the Emira from the beginning with some of the earliest drives and access. Lotus clearly value his opinion. Even with all of that, he comes across in his reviews as saying something is missing the mark. Showed visible frustration on having a 4th pre-prod car. Possibly not seeing the improvements he expected based on the earlier drives. A pattern is emerging here.

I agree that waiting for Production finished cars being reviewed by the owners will be more telling. However, their may be biased in that as well. I have my fingers crossed that Lotus figured out what needed to be done. I will judge the Emira on how it feels to me. That test drive could not happen soon enough!

 

[kitkat]

The Emira is lighter than the Evora, has a wider track, about equal power, about equal redline, and is significantly upgraded in styling, materials and fitment. How can 1+1=less than 1?

You mean the Emira is HEAVIER than the Evora, has a wider track, has LESS power, has a LOWER redline.

It's going to be a less exciting car than the outgoing Evora -- and that's why people aren't as excited about it.

 

[lion shf]

The delays, the lukewarm reviews out there, the lack of i4 AMG info, the lack of test drives….

All these things are starting to grind me down on my journey to buy the Emira….

Hummmmph….

Don’t test drive a C8 yo

 

[emiraspain]

First, these reviews always included more "normal" sports cars in previous years. They review sports cars that were launched this year and so the Emira fits the bill. Maybe they should have brought a Nissan Z? (not sure if UK get the Z) Either way I did not see anything inappropriate about the review. They got the right spec for a road review, oppose to the first time around getting the sport suspension with cup 2. So the guys at CAR Mag have driven both extensively. This is a very important point. They certainly criticized every vehicle there. Some more than others. Emira was absolutely one of the most critical and negative reviews I have seen. The other review's you pointed out can be considered biased a little since they both have already purchased the vehicle. Henry's review being the best of the positive one's for his experience and having driven both setups. Schmee did a quick 30min/1hr tour. As for Harris, he drove it during a hurricane, must be great in the wet. I am not knocking the reviews at all and respect all three's opinions. The guys that have covered the most miles by far have been Car (3 days + the other review of the blue sport suspension car) and Catchpoole (went to Monaco and then Scotland). At this point with all the reviews you have to take these two as the most credible reviewers. They have the most miles, in different conditions, roads, night, track etc. Also mirrors closely to the complaints @emiraspain had on his track day. A vocal member of our community that has driven a variety of vehicles.

I want the Emira to be as successful as possible. However, slamming the reviewers I don't think is the right answer. ( maybe Jethro for the smuginess) Especially Catchpoole. He is an excellent driver, has done the most video's and covered the Emira from the beginning with some of the earliest drives and access. Lotus clearly value his opinion. Even with all of that, he comes across in his reviews as saying something is missing the mark. Showed visible frustration on having a 4th pre-prod car. Possibly not seeing the improvements he expected based on the earlier drives. A pattern is emerging here.

I agree that waiting for Production finished cars being reviewed by the owners will be more telling. However, their may be biased in that as well. I have my fingers crossed that Lotus figured out what needed to be done. I will judge the Emira on how it feels to me. That test drive could not happen soon enough!

I wonder what would have happened if Lotus had released a road going GT4/3 type car at the outset. A preproduction car of course, as they have now anyway. A car that few could order, ie limited run, really limited not FE unlimited limited and with a 12 month wait, like the Evija had from its start. Well like the FE Emira has in reality too, longer in fact. But basically have a lightened, stripped out (no one has even switched on the stereo in the reviews or mentioned it have they? so why even have it in there), more power, more raucous Lotus car for reviewers to enjoy and aim at.
I just wonder if that would have got Lotus a better energy from the reviewers, seeing what Lotus are still capable of. I mean, this is the only kind of lotus they want to see, they dont want the typical porsche buyers softer version for grandads, which is pretty much what we are buying in their eyes.....

Oh well, just a thought.....

 

[Leonard]

I test drove an Evora 410GT a few months ago, black alcantara interior and leather wheel. The seat was comfortable and held me in place but the interior seemed very dark and only so so quality. I'm not a fan of the looks either, particularly the rear three-quarters. It sounded good in sport mode and coped well with British B roads, the steering being sharp and accurate on turn in. I thought it OK but not wow and it wasn't an event for me. I certainly wouldn't pay the £85k for a low mileage example.

More recently I've driven a 718 4.0 GTS. Handsome to look at but not startling and very common on our roads. The interior was also black alcantara, including the wheel. The rim width was good but I prefer leather. The interior was the good quality one expects from Porsche and the seat was comfortable and held me in place. Despite being black inside it seemed much lighter than the Evora. Despite electric steering it was sharp and accurate on turn in, the soundtrack in sport and sport plus terrific and I enjoyed it. I couldn't really fault it but it wasn't an event either, but I would definitely consider buying one at £75k if the Emira doesn't wow me on the test drive.

The Emira has a lot to live up to and I'm reasonably positive that it will. The looks are wow, the interior good enough, hopefully the seats too, but I also want it to have character and be an event every time I get in it. Not long to wait now or should I say soon?

You can get a nice low mileage Gt410 for less than 65k does that change your thoughts on it at all?

 

[Leonard]

I wonder what would have happened if Lotus had released a road going GT4/3 type car at the outset. A preproduction car of course, as they have now anyway. A car that few could order, ie limited run, really limited not FE unlimited limited and with a 12 month wait, like the Evija had from its start. Well like the FE Emira has in reality too, longer in fact. But basically have a lightened, stripped out (no one has even switched on the stereo in the reviews or mentioned it have they? so why even have it in there), more power, more raucous Lotus car for reviewers to enjoy and aim at.
I just wonder if that would have got Lotus a better energy from the reviewers, seeing what Lotus are still capable of. I mean, this is the only kind of lotus they want to see, they dont want the typical porsche buyers softer version for grandads, which is pretty much what we are buying in their eyes.....

Oh well, just a thought.....

That's what I wanted, so I would have bought it that's what

 

[DJS]

Okay. I finally watched the video. You can tell from the way they described EVERY OTHER CAR at the beginning of each segment, that the Lotus was there simply to be put in its place; last. They might as well have just unzipped their pants and relieved themselves on it to show their 'disappointment' and disdain. They knew from the beginning that was how they were going to place the Lotus. It didn't make the Lotus look bad, it made them look like spoiled rich kids belittling someone who was going to a regular 4 year college instead of the ivy league school they attend. It came across as pure snobbery to me. A group of pretentious, self-important Jethros; just SO disappointed.

Now let's look at what someone said who has a vast amount of experience on and off track, and can probably out-drive all of those guys; Chris Harris. He didn't sugar coat anything, just summed up the Emira by saying the engine was adequate, and the chassis and steering were sublime. He was amazed at how well the car handled British roads and even in the middle of a horrendous rain storm.

Harry who can easily out-snob those guys at Car Magazine if he wanted to; wealthy with a stable of cars including a Rolls Royce. He treats the Emira exactly as the car it is at the price point it's at, saying "It's the Lotus I've always wanted". He's having so much fun driving it, that when he starts to talk about the things that he felt were the flaws, he was enjoying the drive so much he had to remind himself that he was supposed to be talking about the flaws. Harry has an order in for an Emira.

Thirdly is Shmee of all people, who can most certainly out-snob and out-pretentious any of the Car Magazine crew if he chose to. He shows off his garage with millions of dollars worth of cars he owns, so he's not some newbie fresh out of college, enamored with it all while getting his first sports car. His road review was one of the best in my opinion, honestly describing everything he was experiencing, including seat, driving position, steering, handling, sound, even the controls and how they felt including accessibility. He didn't gush over the car like a fan boy, but he clearly was enjoying himself driving it. He has one on order too.

If the Emira was that big of a disappointment, why would guys who have millions of dollars worth of supercars; Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, etc. want to buy an Emira? It's because Chris, Harry and Shmee all had the same reaction; it was fun to drive, and that's what a sports car should be, especially at the price point the Emira is at. Car Magazine's silliness of showing how they aren't impressed with a sports car that's £79k by comparing it to super cars that are £250k was pathetic really. I wonder how different the comparison would have been if they'd used an Evija instead. Ridiculous to make that comparison? Why yes, yes it is...as was putting the Emira up against those other cars. They couldn't even use a Cayman at the same price point as the Emira; they had to use one that was over £100k.

The reviews I'm really looking forward to are the ones from our own forum members as they start receiving their cars. Real people, real owners, driving and using it in real life. The journalist world has become too much like a cheesed up reality show.

Very true the only review i'm looking forward to is my own review as that's the only review that matters. Im not interested in these controversial dick heads who are comparing an 80k car against silly car money.

As mentioned the fact the Emira has been put along side these supercars is testament to itself.

Bravo Lotus bravo.

 

[Lotustoronto]

I wonder what would have happened if Lotus had released a road going GT4/3 type car at the outset. A preproduction car of course, as they have now anyway. A car that few could order, ie limited run, really limited not FE unlimited limited and with a 12 month wait, like the Evija had from its start. Well like the FE Emira has in reality too, longer in fact. But basically have a lightened, stripped out (no one has even switched on the stereo in the reviews or mentioned it have they? so why even have it in there), more power, more raucous Lotus car for reviewers to enjoy and aim at.
I just wonder if that would have got Lotus a better energy from the reviewers, seeing what Lotus are still capable of. I mean, this is the only kind of lotus they want to see, they dont want the typical porsche buyers softer version for grandads, which is pretty much what we are buying in their eyes.....

Oh well, just a thought.....

Since you drove it, outside of a Porsche Cayman... Is there another car from a driving dynamics that you would say it is comparable with? What the drive feels like?

 

[Leonard]

Very true the only review i'm looking forward to is my own review as that's the only review that matters. Im not interested in these controversial dick heads who are comparing an 80k car against silly car money.

As mentioned the fact the Emira has been put along side these supercars is testament to itself.

Bravo Lotus bravo.

They aren't comparing them, they are reviews within a review on what makes a good Sports Car.
The most expensive car doesn't always win. And the reviewer comments still stand in respect of the car they are driving at the time.

 

[lion shf]

The good old days when we were simply happy to buy a car that you had been dreaming off and there was little information to compare. We were all happy with the quirks and didn't have the anxiety of buying what the "experts" recommended.

You can discount YouTube car reviews all you like, I dig them the most.

 

[eriegz]

They aren't comparing them, they are reviews within a review on what makes a good Sports Car.
The most expensive car doesn't always win. And the reviewer comments still stand in respect of the car they are driving at the time.

In that sense then, maybe the Emira should've never been allowed in the Car Magazine road test in the first place due to being a pre-production car!

In other words, if the test was "Which is the best car", then we should all expect a car like the 765LT to win. However, if the test was "Which is the best car for the money", then it's anyone's game and the Emira still has a shot at winning against the other, more expensive sports cars. Hell, a Mazda MX-5 could even win against a Koenigsegg Jesko! Point being: it levels the playing field, and now you're comparing apples to apples.

But at the time of writing, it appears that nobody outside of Lotus employees has actually driven a final, production version Emira, and so ultimately, nobody on the planet can say how good the Emira is for the money. They can guess, or make predictions based on the prototypes, sure. But it's literally impossible for anyone to say for sure until they've driven a final, production Emira.

That being said, other forum members have recently done track days at Hethel where they drove cars that were "production versions, but missing a few parts", so maybe that would count...

 

[Leonard]

That being said, other forum members have recently done track days at Hethel where they drove cars that were "production versions, but missing a few parts", so maybe that would count...

No they don't count, defo still pre production

 

[Mistral]

You can get a nice low mileage Gt410 for less than 65k does that change your thoughts on it at all?

Probably not. I didn't like it enough. Also could get a low mileage 718 GTS for 70k which I would like rather more even though it didn't wow me. Which is why the Emira has to be good. At least as good in the driving dynamics and good enough finish and interior. Regardless of what the reviewers think, its what we individuals think which will govern the decision to buy.

 

[Cachaco131]

You can discount YouTube car reviews all you like, I dig them the most.

I'm not discounting them, they are data points and some may find them useful. But I ascribe more value to my own review/my own opinion. Life could become very disappointing if we only lived it through others eyes.

 

[Speedluvver]

Interestingly, their written review from June is much more positive….

 

[Blue97]

In 2009 I test drove the Evora after Evo voted it car of the year. So disappointed - felt very kit car like and not very well made. Magazines can say all they want but ultimately it is your own opinion that matters.
Had a 718 GT4 too - the long gearing totally ruins the experience . Only a fab engine when you are hitting the red line on track.

 

[Leonard]

Probably not. I didn't like it enough. Also could get a low mileage 718 GTS for 70k which I would like rather more even though it didn't wow me. Which is why the Emira has to be good. At least as good in the driving dynamics and good enough finish and interior. Regardless of what the reviewers think, its what we individuals think which will govern the decision to buy.

They are starting to look like good
value in current market

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[Guest142]

Very true the only review i'm looking forward to is my own review as that's the only review that matters. Im not interested in these controversial dick heads who are comparing an 80k car against silly car money.

As mentioned the fact the Emira has been put along side these supercars is testament to itself.

Bravo Lotus bravo.

Yes. This part Well said man.

 

[emiraspain]

Since you drove it, outside of a Porsche Cayman... Is there another car from a driving dynamics that you would say it is comparable with? What the drive feels like?

I appreciate the question, but for me the only real option apart from a porsche is probably an Exige in terms of a modern car. I personally am not a fan of Japanese cars, styling wise they are generally very busy and the seats are not great for me. German cars, away from and in some cases including porsche, are a bit too obvious a choice. I generally dont like to go the same way as everyone else.... ie I stopped wearing Levis 501's when they were very popular way back when as everyone had them.
I think we are all here as we want Lotus to succeed and hence we are slightly romantic in some way, this is a good word here. I've no doubt the M2 is a great car and there will of course be Japanese options, but for my money, it would be an Emira, an Exige (cant see the evora being a good option as you will see an Emira and think.... why????) or go down the porsche route.
The good thing with the other options is that even when things get back to normal in the used car market, you wont lose money no matter what you do.