HankRS225
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Lotus Emira Mountain Road Test Drive: A Personal Reflection
Since Lotus surprised us in the summer of 2021 with the announcement of their last petrol-powered sports car, the Lotus Emira, my passion for cars has been reignited. It brought back memories of owning two Lotus cars a decade ago—Exige Cup 260 and Exige V6—both of which embodied a spartan, combat-ready spirit. The steep learning curve of mastering a Lotus and the unforgettable experience of competing at the Penbay International Circuit for two consecutive years marked some of the most exhilarating moments in my automotive journey.The Decision to Return to Lotus
Three years ago, without hesitation, I placed an order with the official distributor Gama, making the Emira my third Lotus in this lifetime. Reflecting on the past decade, after my racing days, I decided to slow down and adopted a more relaxed approach to driving. This led me to the Mazda MX-5, a lightweight convertible with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout—vastly different from the mid-engine dynamics of a Lotus. Compared to the raw intensity of a Lotus, the MX-5 offered a breezy, carefree driving experience. Its playful nature in corners felt worlds apart from the tension and precision demanded by a mid-engine sports car.Last year, I added a Toyota GR Supra to the garage. Like the MX-5, it is also FR-configured but boasts more power and speed. While the Supra delivers impressive performance and represents great value, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing—a disconnect between the driver and the machine.
Modern Technology’s Irony
Over the years, I’ve driven many technologically advanced sports and supercars, each faster and more capable than the last. Yet, I began to realise that I was merely a spectator behind the wheel, a puppet turning the steering wheel. It often felt as though it was the car’s technology, not my skill, that enabled such seamless speed and precision. That connection between driver and machine had faded into a blur.It wasn’t until I got behind the wheel of the Lotus Emira that I realised how much I had forgotten about the fundamentals of driving. It was as if I had lost touch with the essence of what it means to truly drive a car.
What Defines a Great Car?
In my opinion, there are two types of "great" cars:- Instant Gratification
These cars are easy to drive, enabling anyone to reach their peak performance quickly and sustain it for long periods. Modern sports cars have been designed with this philosophy, becoming faster, easier, and more accessible, allowing every driver to feel like a Schumacher. - A Long Learning Curve
These cars require months, if not years, to master. They have quirks—what enthusiasts call character and detractors call flaws. Their greatness lies in the process of overcoming these inherent imperfections through meticulous tuning and practice, ultimately achieving the perfect harmony between car and driver. Classic examples include early rear-engine 911s or, in this case, the Lotus Emira.
"For the Drivers" – Are We Hardcore Enough?
Lotus marketed the Emira with the tagline “For the Drivers,” which led many, including myself, to assume it would deliver exhilarating speed and unparalleled driving pleasure. But the real question is: are we, as drivers, hardcore enough to truly appreciate what this car has to offer?A Niche Brand’s Renaissance
When I first saw the Emira’s launch, I felt Lotus had finally "seen the light"—understanding what mainstream buyers wanted. This hope seemed validated when the Emira received an unprecedented number of orders, causing production at Hethel to struggle to keep pace. With the financial backing of parent company Geely, Lotus appeared poised to challenge Porsche for market share.However, owning a Lotus hasn’t always been easy. The brand's name has long been jokingly interpreted as “Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious”. Being a Lotus owner meant frequent repairs and odd quirks due to its handcrafted nature, in stark contrast to Porsche’s mass-production precision. Yet, enthusiasts endured these challenges for the unmatched purity of driving pleasure that Lotus delivered.
The Emira, however, represents a potential shift in this balance. With Mercedes-AMG’s M139 engine and an eight-speed DSG gearbox available in the automatic variant, the Emira addresses many of the brand’s traditional shortcomings—appealing even to Porsche owners looking for something different.
Driving the Emira: V6 Manual Version
While the AMG-powered four-cylinder automatic variant is still undergoing regulatory testing, I had the opportunity to test the 3.5L V6 manual. Despite carrying over the supercharged V6 from the Exige, the Emira has evolved into a more refined Grand Tourer. The gearshift feels more precise, and heel-and-toe downshifts on mountain roads become a joyous experience.The supercharger’s charm lies in its high-revving nature. While the mid-range torque isn’t as strong, keeping the revs between 4,000–6,000 RPM rewards the driver with a symphony of mechanical and intake noises. The Emira delivers an “old-school” driving experience, with a raw, visceral connection that is increasingly rare in modern sports cars.
Old-School Chassis, Timeless Steering Feel
One of the Emira’s highlights is its hydraulic steering, a relic in the age of electronic systems. Every road imperfection and weight transfer is communicated clearly to the driver, offering a level of feedback that’s nearly extinct in today’s market.However, the Emira demands respect. Without the advanced electronic aids found in most modern sports cars, mistakes are met with unforgiving consequences. This makes the Emira a car for drivers who are willing to relearn the fundamentals of weight transfer, braking, and throttle control.
MR Layout: Highs and Lows
The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout remains a Lotus hallmark, providing sharp turn-in and incredible cornering limits. However, unlike Ferrari or McLaren, Lotus outsources its engines and gearboxes, resulting in a weight distribution of 38:62—even more rear-biased than a 911’s. This creates a unique challenge during corner exits, where the rear-heavy setup can induce understeer if throttle application is mishandled.Emira: A Dance Worth Mastering
In conclusion, the Lotus Emira isn’t a car you master overnight. Its learning curve is steep, but that’s where its charm lies. It’s a car that rewards dedication, offering a pure driving experience reminiscent of the golden era of sports cars. While its GT-focused setup makes it more accessible than its predecessors, it remains a true driver’s car for those willing to put in the effort.In an era dominated by electrification and automation, the Emira feels like a swan song—a last opportunity to enjoy the analogue purity of driving on mountain roads. For me, as a soon-to-be owner, it represents not just a car but a return to the origins of my driving passion. I eagerly await the arrival of my Emira.
