I had a track-prepped Federal Elise for over 15 years and still own a 981 GT4 since new in 2015. I went to an Emira dealer showing last year.
I think people that have owned both Lotus and Porsche are pretty fair about the differences. A couple of additional things I'd like to point out:
1) My Elise felt like a bucket of bolts, but I love it and that level of quality was acceptable given the lightweight ethos. I didn't even run with the bulkhead cover on mine to save a few pounds. The Emira is a HUGE step up in quality even in pre-production form. But I am skeptical that the materials will be as high as Porsche's. For example if you look at the picture of the 718 paint above, it's excellent. The Emira's body panels are wavy as is typical for fiberglass-bodied cars. When you look really closely at some of the materials and trim, it looks rougher than Porsche. Anyway, this isn't necessarily all that important in a sports car, but worth flagging. I look forward to seeing a production Emira to see how it came out in the end.
2) Evora V6 sounds crazy good. But Porsche flat-6's are a little creamier and sweeter to me and so I think while the Emira engine will be effective, I still prefer a Porsche engine.
3) Handling and steering feel, no need to talk about this, we know which one is better. But this first Emira is trying to be an everyday car, so I do wonder if I should skip it until they come out with a GT version.
4) I've grown to like the GT4's unassuming and refined looks. Doesn't get that much attention. Will have to get used to every tourist taking a picture of me at the gas station again.
regarding point 1, I have not seen the car in person, but many of those who have are porsche or even ferrari owners and in general no one has indicated "wavy" body panels and Lotus hasnt made a fibreglass car for many years, so I would be surprised and amazed if this were true, but again, I have not even seen it in person.
I too have had a 718 and build quality is great, but the interior is 8 years old, so at least 4 years out of date, but yes still good quality. However, while the Evora is even MORE out of date interior wise, I believe most owners are quite happy with the quality,
@TomE would give some insight here, but the stitching looks good, seats seemed good quality and nice looking.
Not sure what you refer to in terms of "rougher" than the porsche, the plastics, leather, alcantara?
Im not trying to attack what you said at all, but you are the first person to indicate what seems like a huge panel and interior quality difference, which I am not sure will be the case. I would be happy if Lotus get to 75% of Porsche's level at their first attempt in many years, but only after perhaps 3-6 months will this forum be a place to accurately judge that and I am hoping they got there.
Horses for courses, but any car with a spoiler is not unassuming IMO and yes I had a cup 250 and thats about the only car I would accept with a spoiler, but have to accept it does stand out and a GT4 IMO also stands out more than an S or GTS and a spyder certainly stands out more (beautiful car although also needs a revamp, which it wont get as an ICE version.....)
I agree on handling, if you want the version to compare with the spyder or GT4, you should wait for the more track related version as although I am sure this car will handle very well, it is a more mass ..please everyone car.... like a standard 718 / S and not everyone wants a track beast, I dont quite know what I want
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Engine also, agree more or less, but again, horses for courses...
anyway, just a friendly sunday morning comment
