Speculation: FE I4 will have 400HP and 480NM?

[GarrethN]

@AbsLatte mentioned that manual cars in China have great enthusiastic reviews but sell poorly. There is likely very little market for an actual manual. And if the i4 provides nearly the same HP as the V6, there is not much remaining justification for a V6 auto in China.

There’s not much remaining justification for a V6 auto anywhere else if the AMG/DCT already has 400Hp other than for the noise (which is rather superior to any four pot)

 

[Nova]

There’s not much remaining justification for a V6 auto anywhere else if the AMG/DCT already has 400Hp other than for the noise (which is rather superior to any four pot)

Very true! Personally, if I was in the market for an auto, the M139 would be an easy choice to make. Higher torque, modern 8-speed DCT, more headroom for tuning, and ah, better for the environment.

 

[Matthaus]

I dont think for a second the i4 will be 400BHP - but I hope it is, as it sounds better in my head and I'm holding out for that model!

I think that kind of power will just make it feel a little more exciting and I dont fancy the manual.

 

[GarrethN]

Just had this reply from Lotus, as expected. Totally avoided the question about 400HP rumours.

I guess we’ll find out on the 19th about the China spec FE.

 

[RapidLotus]

Holding my breath for the 19!!!

 

[Lotushavefun]

Very true! Personally, if I was in the market for an auto, the M139 would be an easy choice to make. Higher torque, modern 8-speed DCT, more headroom for tuning, and ah, better for the environment.

When I was at the showing in Vegas, I did ask if the V6 FE will be 400hp or 416? And lotus reps said they can't say for sure until final specs come out?

 

[TomE]

That’ll be after they finish type approval. They need the official emissions results before they can publish finance packages, so I expect we’ll have an update on all the main stats before Christmas.

 

[AbsLatte]

According the web page testing leak, the i4 engine is 400hp and 480 Nm. Highly possible.

 

[Nova]

Yea, and note the 7200rpm redline.

MB has traditionally under-rated their engines, consistently delivering wheel HP that is significantly above the calculated level based on stated crank HP and typical drivetrain loss. So it's possible that the 382HP they quoted on the M139 in the A45 may be more accurately stated as a 400HP engine.

 

[TXEMIRA]

I would love to be able to feel the difference between 382, 400, and/or 416 horses for sure.

Don’t get me wrong. If you line them all up I’d be able to see the difference.

But, feeling it while driving, you guys that can do that I do truly envy.

 

[Matthaus]

I would love to be able to feel the difference between 382, 400, and/or 416 horses for sure.

Don’t get me wrong. If you line them all up I’d be able to see the difference.

But, feeling it while driving, you guys that can do that I do truly envy.

With the i4 supposedly only being 360bhp and not 400 I'd say that difference would be easy to feel with additional torque

I really hope the FE is 400 and they save the 360 for future base models

 

[JPS_67]

With the i4 supposedly only being 360bhp and not 400 I'd say that difference would be easy to feel with additional torque

I really hope the FE is 400 and they save the 360 for future base models

I hope for 360 and low CO2 rates to have a good starting price on the FE. After 3 year warranty I’ll get a tune-up

 

[Matthaus]

I hope for 360 and low CO2 rates to have a good starting price on the FE. After 3 year warranty I’ll get a tune-up

Personallly I'd rather 400BHP and a warrenty

 

[teamvxracing]

I hope for 360 and low CO2 rates to have a good starting price on the FE. After 3 year warranty I’ll get a tune-up

Personallly I'd rather 400BHP and a warrenty

it should be possible to have both , full engine load is not really part of CO2 emission part of the map

 

[GT1968]

Well when you consider the M139 at 382bhp (which seems reasonable for Lotus to use) pushes the CLA which weighs 3,700lbs versus the Emira 3,070lbs........ and a 0-60 of 4.0secs........ I'll be very disappointed if the i4 FE doesnt come in sub 4.0secs

 

[Matthaus]

The Mercedes GLA 45 S AMG 4MATIC+ has 421BHP

I wish it had that sort of power!

 

[GT1968]

Not trying to be too greedy...... 382bhp will work in FE for me.....

The Mercedes GLA 45 S AMG 4MATIC+ has 421BHP

I wish it had that sort of power!

 

[ADC]

Well when you consider the M139 at 382bhp (which seems reasonable for Lotus to use) pushes the CLA which weighs 3,700lbs versus the Emira 3,070lbs........ and a 0-60 of 4.0secs........ I'll be very disappointed if the i4 FE doesnt come in sub 4.0secs

Hmm... I'm reasonably sure the current CLA 45 weighs about the same as the Emira (a bit over 1400 kg), and has all wheel drive, so I suspect the Emira will struggle to better that 0-60 time (with a power deficit).

 

[GT1968]

CLA 45 weighs 2075kg

 

[GT1968]

2075kg is gross weight.... kerb weight is 1600kg