Feels slower than 400bhp

[MiamiBlue]

I also have a Porsche 718S, which I now find boring to drive Vs the Emira (but it's also never broken in 7 years unlike the Emira).

When I get back in it after having driven the Emira a lot, it feels fast in comparison. It's only 350bhp Vs the 400bhp Emira, but without a doubt pulls harder when you put your foot down.

Does anyone else think the Emira doesn't feel as fast as you would expect from 400bhp and not much weight?

 

[idleuser]

Dyno numbers don't lie

Thread 'V6 FE dyno results and weight'

Nov 16, 2022

Thanks to nice people in Komotec I can share with you measurement data about my V6. It had done 1700 km and had 3/4 tank of fuel in it. As you can see, it delivers the power and slightly more torque than advertised figures (400 hp/420 nm). Weight was measured 1450 kg. When adjusted to 90% fuel according to DIN standard, its 1457 kg assuming 60 l. tank. Very close to stated numbers for manual V6 FE.

That dyno graph explains a lot why this engine, despite delivering the performance feels bit flat in real life driving.

• ott
• Replies: 140
• Forum: Lotus Emira Engine - Supercharged 3.5l

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[DeltaTL6]

Maybe it's not so much that the Emira is producing less power than rated but Porsche producing more than its advertised numbers.

 

[sonor8s]

It could be the torque profile or even the throttle position mapping. I have not driven a 718S so I cannot say for sure.

 

[allenyao09]

I came from a GR Supra 3.0 manual with 382bhp, and I felt the Emira is slower than the Supra despite being lighter and more powerful (at least on paper). Turbo charged cars have peak torque at very low rpm, so it feels the engine is pulling harder through the usable rev range.

From the dyno graph of Emira, the torque is a very linear curve, so you have to drive the Emira at the 5500 - 6500 rpm to get 350 - 400 bhp. But also some manufacturers are down rating the hp numbers. The B58 in the Supra can 380 bhp to the wheel on a Dyno jet.

 

[Matt]

I think there might be 2 reasons causeing you feel this way. First, their power delivery curves differ, and second, the transmisson's feel for the driver varies.
Could you elaborate on the sepcific scenarios ? For example, what speed range did it accelerate through? I also had experience of driving 2023 M2, I think the acceleration of EMIRA is at least as fast as M2. Additionally, average drivers on try roads can indeed achieve 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds. At least in this regard, the 297kw/400hp ratiing is not an overstated figure by the manufacturer.
BTW, did you have TRACK MODE enabled? The gearshift logic in TRACK MODE differs from TOUR. Personally, I feel the acceleration in TRACK truly showcases EMIRA's full performance potential, whereas in TOUR the transmission tends to be more sluggish.

 

[VL3X]

Like others have said, it's the power band. The 718 Cayman S has the turbo 2.5L right (IIRC just the GTS and GT4 have the NA 4.0)? I test drove many 981s and 718s over the years and I actually really enjoyed the turbo 4s. They're so fun to throw into turns and kick out the rear.

I have a tuned MK7 GTI and when I first test drove an Evora and Emira, the Lotus felt kinda slow to me. The low end torque from turbo engines throw you into the seat where the supercharged V6 in the Evora/Emira has an extremely linear power band. I like to say they're deceptively quick because you'll look down and realize you're doing 70 when it feels like 40.

 

[MiamiBlue]

Reading above I think it is just power/torque delivery through the rev range. On the 718 you can put your foot down midway through the rev range and get that sudden torque rush. The Emira needs to be worked and kept at the top of the rev range (which is also part of the fun!).

 

[Andy H]

I agree with the comments above.. I test drove the V6 and my i4 feels more urgent despite being down on bhp. It also feels faster than the 400bhp NA V8 I had in my previous M3. Both the V6 and the V8 were very linear which a lot of people like for predictability. It's all about the torque delivery, that's what gives you that shove in the back feeling.

 

[seriously]

I agree with the comments above.. I test drove the V6 and my i4 feels more urgent despite being down on bhp. It also feels faster than the 400bhp NA V8 I had in my previous M3. Both the V6 and the V8 were very linear which a lot of people like for predictability. It's all about the torque delivery, that's what gives you that shove in the back feeling.

Same experience for me. I used to have an E92 M3. Anyways, at speed, there is a lot of go, but the torque build up is totally different - HP shows up when your car keeps pulling at higher MPH. 718S cayman felt very quick with the instant boost/torque. That's why I expect the I4 Emira to also feel faster and likely be faster than the V6 in some scenarios. I have not test driven the I4.

The Emira V6 does not feel down on power at all to me. It feels like a supercharged V6. When you generate full power, it is plenty fast and has lots of pull.

 

[brise]

I also have a Porsche 718S, which I now find boring to drive Vs the Emira (but it's also never broken in 7 years unlike the Emira).

When I get back in it after having driven the Emira a lot, it feels fast in comparison. It's only 350bhp Vs the 400bhp Emira, but without a doubt pulls harder when you put your foot down.

Does anyone else think the Emira doesn't feel as fast as you would expect from 400bhp and not much weight?

Yes I had the same experience, felt really slow compared to my 360 (400hp) & my wife's Focus RS (350hp). Was really disappointing especially when I have had 3 Elises in the past and always thought, if only they had a bit more power. Still getting an Emira anyway, just cos I like the look of them