CAR Mag Sports Car Test 2022- YouTube Video

[Eagle7]

By chance have you watched the Top Gear "first look" video for the new GT3 RS yet? Right after they give the GT3 RS's weight, they specifically say "that's only 45 kg heavier than the lightest-spec Lotus Emira". I thought that was funny in light of your comment.

Okay so you're going to a cars & coffee, and there are Porsches, Ferraris, Corvettes there... you pull in with your Emira. Guess which car the crowds are going to want to come over and look at. I think this is why there seems to be an agenda by some reviewers to minimize and diminish the Emira. Those uptown boys in their expensive toys aren't going to be happy about being upstaged by an Emira stealing the show. When the crowd finds out what it costs? Those expensive cars are suddenly going to become invisible.

If reviewers are already comparing their newest toys to an Emira to show how their toys are better, that's the giveaway. Because of its looks, it's gotten to them whether they want to admit it or not.

 

[Beady]

I really dont believe the journos have a hidden agenda against lotus or emira.

Most seem to be keen to see it do well at the start of the reviews.

It seems to be suffering from the performance / handling not living up to the looks.

I don’t care if it is not as good the next car in any test but I do care that it drives as well as I expect it to and it makes me happy on its own merit

I want it to be great but I am nervously awaiting a test drive

 

[Dabjbr]

I really dont believe the journos have a hidden agenda against lotus or emira.

Most seem to be keen to see it do well at the start of the reviews.

It seems to be suffering from the performance / handling not living up to the looks.

I don’t care if it is not as good the next car in any test but I do care that it drives as well as I expect it to and it makes me happy on its own merit

I want it to be great but I am nervously awaiting a test drive

Very well said and I fully agree.

Additionally, I think it’s somewhat comical to continually suggest any negative feedback is due to agendas etc. I‘m not trying to defend journalists but sometimes they’re damn if they do and damned if they don’t criticize a car.

Looking forward to my personal review in, hopefully, a few months time!

PS, I hope it performs similar to the Evora GT. I’d really love to see a comparison between the two. My thought is in the event I don’t become an Emira owner, I may become an Evora GT owner.

 

[idleuser]

The issue with this test: They took a touring setup and compared it with track/race focus cars and then said it was too soft on turn in despite knowing the fact. Why didn't they just requested sports suspension with cup 2s.. I'm pretty sure if CAR magazine asked Lotus they will happily oblige.

 

[hagen111]

Journo’s have done a proper job so far. Coming from Exige 350 and still owning 991.2 GT Manual…the story is very consistent so far….

- engine and gear shift are older, and not like a GT3. Lotus can’t manufacture a new engine, and took the decision 400hp and the old Toyota engine are ’good enough’. This way they will massively save on engineering cost of the chassis and it is a proven concept. I personally don’t want an Emira at 200k!

- touring suspension is too soft for reviews and comparison. Also if you look for raw Sportscars experience…sport is the way too go. Touring just doesn’t deliver…but will be fine for 90% of buyers.

- It looks so damn good (and modern)

 

[TomE]

Lotus take a different approach to ride and handling than many others. A very stiff chassis with suspension travel and initial body roll that then firms up don't make a car "soft", they make the ride compliant on a wide variety of surfaces.

Touring isn’t soft. Sports isn’t stiff.

If your yardstick for a sportscar or supercar is something that has to rattle your teeth on UK public roads, you've missed the point of great ride and handling design.

 

[TomAce]

Journo’s have done a proper job so far. Coming from Exige 350 and still owning 991.2 GT Manual…the story is very consistent so far….

- engine and gear shift are older, and not like a GT3. Lotus can’t manufacture a new engine, and took the decision 400hp and the old Toyota engine are ’good enough’. This way they will massively save on engineering cost of the chassis and it is a proven concept. I personally don’t want an Emira at 200k!

- touring suspension is too soft for reviews and comparison. Also if you look for raw Sportscars experience…sport is the way too go. Touring just doesn’t deliver…but will be fine for 90% of buyers.

- It looks so damn good (and modern)

I agree with your comments above and that's totally fine with me. Especially that they cannot compete with Porsche regarding the drivetrain, which is on a whole different plant tbh.

What we all have to consider is where we will be using the Emira, it really depends on the country where you live.
So it makes totally sense to go with Touring suspension when you live in UK and want to daily the Emira.

This may be another situation here in Germany, where you also have highspeed autobahn drives and street conditions seem to be much better than in UK. So the Sport suspension makes much more sense in Germany than in other countries. And that has to be regarded when choosing the suspension. But in direct comparison to other sport cars it has to be the most competitive hence sport suspension on Cup 2s.

Lotus take a different approach to ride and handling than many others. A very stiff chassis with suspension travel and initial body roll that then firms up don't make a car "soft", they make the ride compliant on a wide variety of surfaces.

Touring isn’t soft. Sports isn’t stiff.

If your yardstick for a sportscar or supercar is something that has to rattle your teeth on UK public roads, you've missed the point of great ride and handling design.

As mentioned above it really depends on where you live and where the car will be used at. I can fully understand why there is such a praise on the Alpine A110 and on the ride and handling of the Lotus cars, they manage to be comfortable and sporty at the same time.

I have been in Poland at the baltic sea for holiday and the b roads there really demand for such a r&h car like an A110 or the Touring suspensioned Emira. But in Germany you want a car which is also stable at higher speeds e.g. doing over 120mph and in those higher speeds you really want a stable car which stays flat.

All in all it really depends on the situations you facing with where you live and where the car will be used at.

 

[lion shf]

Okay so you're going to a cars & coffee, and there are Porsches, Ferraris, Corvettes there... you pull in with your Emira. Guess which car the crowds are going to want to come over and look at. I think this is why there seems to be an agenda by some reviewers to minimize and diminish the Emira. Those uptown boys in their expensive toys aren't going to be happy about being upstaged by an Emira stealing the show. When the crowd finds out what it costs? Those expensive cars are suddenly going to become invisible.

If reviewers are already comparing their newest toys to an Emira to show how their toys are better, that's the giveaway. Because of its looks, it's gotten to them whether they want to admit it or not.

I don’t understand why anyone GAFs about how much buzz their car generates. I’d much prefer to be under the radar.

 

[Eagle7]

If the automotive world is one thing, it's competitive. Don't for a minute think that doesn't apply to journalists, both as individuals and for brands. Overly gushing reviews, and seemingly overly-negative reviews should be taken with the appropriate grain of salt.

What videos add to this, is you can see and hear the attitudes coming across much easier than reading print. There's a difference between true objectivity, and someone pretending to be objective so they can talk down a product or service. Pretenders say a few nice things so they can appear to be objective.

With the Emira, I thought the best review which I felt was truly honest and objective, was actually from Shmee, even though he already has one on order. He's under no illusion about what it is or isn't, and doesn't try and justify anything. He knows what the car is, and what it's designed for, and wants one.

Chris' review was accurate for what he did with the car, but he clearly didn't want to say anything negative about the Emira because of his prior ownership of a Lotus at a sentimental time of his life. He has a soft spot for Lotus, and that shows, but that's also not a bad thing. He still doesn't come across as a fan boy though. He also doesn't have one on order I believe.

Harry's review was genuine and realistic for what he wanted; a fun sports car. That's why there was such a noticeable difference in his reaction to the sport and touring chassis setups. At his age, he's not looking to prove anything, so he wasn't interested in putting up with a harsh ride because that's not the style of driving he's looking for.

Henry's review was interesting. He likes Lotus, but when he was talking about not being able to give a comment on interior aspects because it still wasn't final production, there was an unmistakeable irritation in his demeanor. That's also something you usually don't see in his reviews. He can like or not like something but he rarely exhibits irritation; and in this case, it was with Lotus, not the car. Overall he liked most of the car, but he too doesn't have one on order as far as I know.

Those 4 are some of the most seasoned at this sort of thing, and they're all genuine enthusiasts. None of them are trying to make a name for themselves, get a career established, trying to build a reputation, or have anything to prove to anyone.

Most of these other 'journalist/reviewers' come across to me as clearly trying too hard to entertain, be clever, be humorous ala Clarkson and the original Top Gear formula. That can color your review and presentation. The problem all of them have is someone like Chris Harris, who also entertains, but like Clarkson and crew, he has a natural talent for it and is very good at it while still taking care of business. Henry likes to entertain, but it's more about the overall style of presentation than about him specifically. Harry could care less for the most part. It's all about the car and what he's doing with it, which is why his reviews are generally so practical. Shmee has changed over the years. He's steadily becoming less and less preppy, and more realistic in his presentations.

For those doing a test drive, drive the sports chassis. If it's too uncomfortable for you like it was for Harry, then get the touring. It's the only other choice you have if you still want an Emira. The Emira is going to be the most complete and refined Lotus they've ever produced, complete with the best quality, fit and finish. It's not a super car, and it's not a Porsche beater; it's for the driver who's looking for what a Lotus is and does. As Chris Harris said, the engine and trans is adequate, but everything else is sublime, and that's from someone who isn't trying to justify why they have one on order, because he doesn't. He could have said the car's okay, but get a Porsche. He didn't. In fact he said if choosing between a Porsche and an Emira, it would be a tough decision for him, which is saying something.

The sum of it all is Lotus absolutely was not ready for the reaction they've gotten to the Emira, and they've been caught flat-footed in many ways and areas as a consequence. They've looked very green and newbie-ish through all of it, which is uncharacteristic of a company that's been in business for over 60 years. It's the classic behavior of the small town kid who suddenly finds themselves in the spotlight of the big-time. They've dreamed about it, said they want it, but are completely unprepared when it finds them.

I think because of their history, Lotus will adjust and get their act together; they aren't a new startup company after all, even though that's the way some aspects of their performance has appeared for the last year. That's the way it is, and as long as someone understands that, and can be patient while Lotus works through these teething problems, I believe they'll be rewarded with a great sports car.

 

[lion shf]

but he clearly didn't want to say anything negative about the Emira because of his prior ownership of a Lotus at a sentimental time of his life.

that sounds like every alum on here lol

 

[Eagle7]

I don’t understand why anyone GAFs about how much buzz their car generates. I’d much prefer to be under the radar.

It's because everyone isn't like you. Others are going to react to the car whether you care about that or not. When you're in a car that's going to have as high a profile look as the Emira, you're going to get attention. You're immediately a brand ambassador whether you want to be or not. If you don't care about that, at least try and be decent about it, because people are going to come up to you and ask about the car.

 

[lion shf]

It's because everyone isn't like you. Others are going to react to the car whether you care about that or not. When you're in a car that's going to have as high a profile look as the Emira, you're going to get attention. You're immediately a brand ambassador whether you want to be or not. If you don't care about that, at least try and be decent about it, because people are going to come up to you and ask about the car.

I’m mostly laughing that you imagine GT3 man and GT4 man heartsick over other grown men rushing to eagle at c&c and ignoring their GT cars. That’s junior HS level thought and should be called out.
I go to lots of mid week rock and roll shows and street park in Brooklyn, Philly and Baltimore I prefer to not cause a scene
Feel free to join me here

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[Eagle7]

I’m mostly laughing that you imagine GT3 man and GT4 man heartsick over other grown men rushing to eagle at c&c and ignoring their GT cars. That’s junior HS level thought and should be called out.
I go to lots of mid week rock and roll shows and street park in Brooklyn, Philly and Baltimore I prefer to not cause a scene
Feel free to join me here

Osees Tickets & 2024 Tour Dates

Get Osees tickets, 2024 - 2025 tour information and the Osees concert schedule from Vivid Seats. 100% Buyer Guarantee!

www.vividseats.com

I wasn't talking about me ding dong. I don't go to cars & coffee events. I went to a couple and they aren't for me. There's a type you see at them, and that's what I was describing. It ain't me. I actually don't like crowds at all.

 

[lion shf]

I wasn't talking about me ding dong. I don't go to cars & coffee events. I went to a couple and they aren't for me. There's a type you see at them, and that's what I was describing. It ain't me. I actually don't like crowds at all.

Well alrighty then.

 

[Dabjbr]

Very well said and I fully agree.

Additionally, I think it’s somewhat comical to continually suggest any negative feedback is due to agendas etc. I‘m not trying to defend journalists but sometimes they’re damn if they do and damned if they don’t criticize a car.

Looking forward to my personal review in, hopefully, a few months time!

If the automotive world is one thing, it's competitive. Don't for a minute think that doesn't apply to journalists, both as individuals and for brands. Overly gushing reviews, and seemingly overly-negative reviews should be taken with the appropriate grain of salt.

What videos add to this, is you can see and hear the attitudes coming across much easier than reading print. There's a difference between true objectivity, and someone pretending to be objective so they can talk down a product or service. Pretenders say a few nice things so they can appear to be objective.

With the Emira, I thought the best review which I felt was truly honest and objective, was actually from Shmee, even though he already has one on order. He's under no illusion about what it is or isn't, and doesn't try and justify anything. He knows what the car is, and what it's designed for, and wants one.

Chris' review was accurate for what he did with the car, but he clearly didn't want to say anything negative about the Emira because of his prior ownership of a Lotus at a sentimental time of his life. He has a soft spot for Lotus, and that shows, but that's also not a bad thing. He still doesn't come across as a fan boy though. He also doesn't have one on order I believe.

Harry's review was genuine and realistic for what he wanted; a fun sports car. That's why there was such a noticeable difference in his reaction to the sport and touring chassis setups. At his age, he's not looking to prove anything, so he wasn't interested in putting up with a harsh ride because that's not the style of driving he's looking for.

Henry's review was interesting. He likes Lotus, but when he was talking about not being able to give a comment on interior aspects because it still wasn't final production, there was an unmistakeable irritation in his demeanor. That's also something you usually don't see in his reviews. He can like or not like something but he rarely exhibits irritation; and in this case, it was with Lotus, not the car. Overall he liked most of the car, but he too doesn't have one on order as far as I know.

Those 4 are some of the most seasoned at this sort of thing, and they're all genuine enthusiasts. None of them are trying to make a name for themselves, get a career established, trying to build a reputation, or have anything to prove to anyone.

Most of these other 'journalist/reviewers' come across to me as clearly trying too hard to entertain, be clever, be humorous ala Clarkson and the original Top Gear formula. That can color your review and presentation. The problem all of them have is someone like Chris Harris, who also entertains, but like Clarkson and crew, he has a natural talent for it and is very good at it while still taking care of business. Henry likes to entertain, but it's more about the overall style of presentation than about him specifically. Harry could care less for the most part. It's all about the car and what he's doing with it, which is why his reviews are generally so practical. Shmee has changed over the years. He's steadily becoming less and less preppy, and more realistic in his presentations.

For those doing a test drive, drive the sports chassis. If it's too uncomfortable for you like it was for Harry, then get the touring. It's the only other choice you have if you still want an Emira. The Emira is going to be the most complete and refined Lotus they've ever produced, complete with the best quality, fit and finish. It's not a super car, and it's not a Porsche beater; it's for the driver who's looking for what a Lotus is and does. As Chris Harris said, the engine and trans is adequate, but everything else is sublime, and that's from someone who isn't trying to justify why they have one on order, because he doesn't. He could have said the car's okay, but get a Porsche. He didn't. In fact he said if choosing between a Porsche and an Emira, it would be a tough decision for him, which is saying something.

The sum of it all is Lotus absolutely was not ready for the reaction they've gotten to the Emira, and they've been caught flat-footed in many ways and areas as a consequence. They've looked very green and newbie-ish through all of it, which is uncharacteristic of a company that's been in business for over 60 years. It's the classic behavior of the small town kid who suddenly finds themselves in the spotlight of the big-time. They've dreamed about it, said they want it, but are completely unprepared when it finds them.

I think because of their history, Lotus will adjust and get their act together; they aren't a new startup company after all, even though that's the way some aspects of their performance has appeared for the last year. That's the way it is, and as long as someone understands that, and can be patient while Lotus works through these teething problems, I believe they'll be rewarded with a great sports car.

Most of your posts, I wholeheartedly agree with, except this one..

While I admit, journalists may tend to gush over products to gain manufacturer favors, advertisement, early access, etc, and they may hold back negative remarks to remain in good standing, what you’re suggesting is that a journalist would intentionally bash a car for some hidden agenda. That seems unlikely IMO. I mean, what does that buy them? Does Porsche say, “thanks for shitting on lotus, here’s some cash for another ad in your magazine!” Or what other agenda would they have? Sincerely, I just don’t see it.

 

[Pav]

Lotus take a different approach to ride and handling than many others. A very stiff chassis with suspension travel and initial body roll that then firms up don't make a car "soft", they make the ride compliant on a wide variety of surfaces.

Touring isn’t soft. Sports isn’t stiff.

If your yardstick for a sportscar or supercar is something that has to rattle your teeth on UK public roads, you've missed the point of great ride and handling design.

In Harry we trust (watched yet again last night, I'd love to know the repeat-play stats he's getting for this video!) In discussing Tour, I quote:

“It floats over the bumps like I expect a Lotus to. It’s still firm, it’s still very sporting, steering is chattering away but I haven’t got that harshness. I’ve just got this breathing with the road, flow. I can attack a B road without any annoying aggressive bump or rebound.”

And for balance / the naysayers, he is critical of the weight and there's the comment about a car that could have been launched five years ago, it's Evora with a wonderful interior but doesn't have anything super modern or sound quite as good.

We all know how easy the sound is going to be to sort out. I've started to think of it almost as a bargain 'resto mod' Esprit purchase now. That'll keep me focused until test drive day. Or maybe just for today. I think. Aaaarrggghhh the waiting!

 

[Logoman]

If the automotive world is one thing, it's competitive. Don't for a minute think that doesn't apply to journalists, both as individuals and for brands. Overly gushing reviews, and seemingly overly-negative reviews should be taken with the appropriate grain of salt.

What videos add to this, is you can see and hear the attitudes coming across much easier than reading print. There's a difference between true objectivity, and someone pretending to be objective so they can talk down a product or service. Pretenders say a few nice things so they can appear to be objective.

With the Emira, I thought the best review which I felt was truly honest and objective, was actually from Shmee, even though he already has one on order. He's under no illusion about what it is or isn't, and doesn't try and justify anything. He knows what the car is, and what it's designed for, and wants one.

Chris' review was accurate for what he did with the car, but he clearly didn't want to say anything negative about the Emira because of his prior ownership of a Lotus at a sentimental time of his life. He has a soft spot for Lotus, and that shows, but that's also not a bad thing. He still doesn't come across as a fan boy though. He also doesn't have one on order I believe.

Harry's review was genuine and realistic for what he wanted; a fun sports car. That's why there was such a noticeable difference in his reaction to the sport and touring chassis setups. At his age, he's not looking to prove anything, so he wasn't interested in putting up with a harsh ride because that's not the style of driving he's looking for.

Henry's review was interesting. He likes Lotus, but when he was talking about not being able to give a comment on interior aspects because it still wasn't final production, there was an unmistakeable irritation in his demeanor. That's also something you usually don't see in his reviews. He can like or not like something but he rarely exhibits irritation; and in this case, it was with Lotus, not the car. Overall he liked most of the car, but he too doesn't have one on order as far as I know.

Those 4 are some of the most seasoned at this sort of thing, and they're all genuine enthusiasts. None of them are trying to make a name for themselves, get a career established, trying to build a reputation, or have anything to prove to anyone.

Most of these other 'journalist/reviewers' come across to me as clearly trying too hard to entertain, be clever, be humorous ala Clarkson and the original Top Gear formula. That can color your review and presentation. The problem all of them have is someone like Chris Harris, who also entertains, but like Clarkson and crew, he has a natural talent for it and is very good at it while still taking care of business. Henry likes to entertain, but it's more about the overall style of presentation than about him specifically. Harry could care less for the most part. It's all about the car and what he's doing with it, which is why his reviews are generally so practical. Shmee has changed over the years. He's steadily becoming less and less preppy, and more realistic in his presentations.

For those doing a test drive, drive the sports chassis. If it's too uncomfortable for you like it was for Harry, then get the touring. It's the only other choice you have if you still want an Emira. The Emira is going to be the most complete and refined Lotus they've ever produced, complete with the best quality, fit and finish. It's not a super car, and it's not a Porsche beater; it's for the driver who's looking for what a Lotus is and does. As Chris Harris said, the engine and trans is adequate, but everything else is sublime, and that's from someone who isn't trying to justify why they have one on order, because he doesn't. He could have said the car's okay, but get a Porsche. He didn't. In fact he said if choosing between a Porsche and an Emira, it would be a tough decision for him, which is saying something.

The sum of it all is Lotus absolutely was not ready for the reaction they've gotten to the Emira, and they've been caught flat-footed in many ways and areas as a consequence. They've looked very green and newbie-ish through all of it, which is uncharacteristic of a company that's been in business for over 60 years. It's the classic behavior of the small town kid who suddenly finds themselves in the spotlight of the big-time. They've dreamed about it, said they want it, but are completely unprepared when it finds them.

I think because of their history, Lotus will adjust and get their act together; they aren't a new startup company after all, even though that's the way some aspects of their performance has appeared for the last year. That's the way it is, and as long as someone understands that, and can be patient while Lotus works through these teething problems, I believe they'll be rewarded with a great sports car.

a pleasure to read, thank you!

 

[MickOpalak]

Okay so you're going to a cars & coffee, and there are Porsches, Ferraris, Corvettes there... you pull in with your Emira. Guess which car the crowds are going to want to come over and look at. I think this is why there seems to be an agenda by some reviewers to minimize and diminish the Emira. Those uptown boys in their expensive toys aren't going to be happy about being upstaged by an Emira stealing the show. When the crowd finds out what it costs? Those expensive cars are suddenly going to become invisible.

When I hear statements like this it reminds me how some folks didn't get enough attention as a child.

 

[Eagle7]

When I hear statements like this it reminds me how some folks didn't get enough attention as a child.

That's a pretty good description of certain groups at a cars & coffee. They tend to hang out around their own car group, and don't walk around to look at much anything else. The only thing that changes that is if something rolls in that's unusual in a high-profile, flashy way. If it's really expensive, the vette and Porsche crowd will go look at it. If it's below a certain price point, everybody else will go look except the Porsche and Ferrari crowd.

Maybe it's different elsewhere, but that's what I saw at the few I went to in Southern California.

 

[VL3X]

I've been avoiding watching this all week and finally caved this morning because I need some new Emira footage in my life. You guys weren't kidding.. that was brutal. The Emira had the shortest segment and the reviewer himself said he liked it more than the other guys, then continued to tear it apart... mushy clutch and brake pedal, underwhelming engine, handing could be improved, too much body roll, seats weren't comfortable or snug enough, etc.. then it didn't even get mentioned at the final roundup.

Before this review, it actually seemed like CAR's Emira vs Caymans GTS vs Alpine A110 review was the most fair and the Emira was actually a close contender for first place.