The great big "all the customer test drives" thread

[CoryC]

That’s great to hear.

Going from hydraulic to EPAS, one of the things that has irked me immensely was as per OP’s observation, every time you turned the steering, it kept wanting to pull the other way and return to centre, as opposed to following your initial input and feeding back to your hands via the steering wheel the conditions of the road.

I can't speak to the CR, but having driven the Emira today and numerous other sports cars, this is the most precise steering I've experienced. The feedback from the road is amazing without being unsettling... like refined, lightly assisted go-kart steering.

 

[NicolasB]

So million dollar question, you were pretty annoyed before understandably.

Are you still gonna get it?

Well, for me, I just got home from Buffalo (8+ hour roundtrip), so write-up coming tomorrow.

But the answer, in short, probably not buying. Either going for a lightly used R8 or ordering a new M4.

 

[Pops68]

Well, for me, I just got home from Buffalo (8+ hour roundtrip), so write-up coming tomorrow.

But the answer, in short, probably not buying. Either going for a lightly used R8 or ordering a new M4.

Well then, I'm certainly looking forward to your critique!!!

 

[kitkat]

Well, for me, I just got home from Buffalo (8+ hour roundtrip), so write-up coming tomorrow.

But the answer, in short, probably not buying. Either going for a lightly used R8 or ordering a new M4.

That’s too bad I look forward to seeing your reasoning.

 

[Drevil]

Well then, I'm certainly looking forward to your critique!!!

Especially since I'm selling my R8 to buy one of these!

 

[emiraspain]

It’s the real deal. I’ve never driven a car that was so immediate in its responses and faithful to the drivers inputs as the Emira.

even having driven the gt3????

 

[Lotus64]

even having driven the gt3????

In short: Yes.

The disclaimer: several years have passed since I've driven the GT3. My time in both cars was limited and I drove them in different environments. The GT3 had PDK, so the level of interaction with it is obviously not comparable to the manual Emira. It surely wasn't as immersive an experience, or as much as a revelation as driving the Emira was, but it's not exactly an apple to apple comparison.

My biggest takeaway from driving the GT3 was the direct steering, the mid engine corner rotation, the rev happy monster of an engine, the high speed stability and the ease of driving it fast. Felt like it was engineered to be driven fast.

My biggest takeaway from the Emira was the delicacy and precision of the controls. Every control responded immediately to minute inputs. As CoryC put it: the Emira feels like a lightly assisted go cart. Especially with the sports suspension, it feels like a serious, race inspired sports car kind of in a similar way as the GT3, except that it feels like it was specifically engineered for driver feedback as opposed to breaking lap records. Everything I've driven since the Emira has felt relatively loose / sloppy in comparison.

 

[emiraspain]

In short: Yes.

The disclaimer: several years have passed since I've driven the GT3. My time in both cars was limited and I drove them in different environments. The GT3 had PDK, so the level of interaction with it is obviously not comparable to the manual Emira. It surely wasn't as immersive an experience, or as much as a revelation as driving the Emira was, but it's not exactly a fair comparison.

My biggest takeaway from driving the GT3 was the direct steering, the mid engine corner rotation, the rev happy monster of an engine, the high speed stability and the ease of driving it fast. Felt like it was engineered to be driven fast.

My biggest takeaway from the Emira was the delicacy and precision of the controls. Every control responded immediately to minute inputs. As CoryC put it: the Emira feels like a lightly assisted go cart. Especially with the sports suspension, it feels like a serious, race inspired sports car kind of in a similar way as the GT3, except that it feels like it was specifically engineered for driver feedback as opposed to fastest lap times. Everything I've driven since the Emira has felt loose / sloppy in comparison.

the mid engine corner rotation.... on a gt3

Im a bit confused.... GT4 mid engined.... gt3 rear engined

 

[NicolasB]

Ok, here it is (long, but hopefully useful for readers):

- I have been waiting for this test drive (and seeing the car for first time) for a while now, though not as long as others. I am 41, been into cars since I was 10 and still am a total "car guy". I went to college, but then decided to pursue my passion. I was on the Bimmerworld racing team for a bit, building race cars and working the pits at races, then went to UTI (automotive tech school) to keep moving my career forward. While there I got a job at a Porsche independent shop and worked on anything from an engine rebuild on a 356, to upgrading turbos on a 996, etc. I already had a very good working knowledge of mechanics and having already changed engines and rebuilt them, etc. growing up, so this was not too hard for me. After school was completed, I was chosen for the Porsche technician training program (12 chosen nationwide per year) and completed that. I then worked at the world's largest Porsche dealer in Florida and was one of the highest-earning techs at the time and was working on and driving amazing cars (this was closer to 2008). I have driven 911 Turbo S, 997 GT3, and every other model going back to the 356 (scary slow in traffic). Eventually I moved back home to Upstate NY and bought my father's small construction company and that is my everyday activity.

- My car ownership history includes: V6 Ford Probe GT I custom turbo'd and was fastest in the world for a stint, custom Nissan 240SX with skyline engine swap, 95 E36 M3 with custom turbo kit (~500hp), 96 E36 328i with every mod done to suspension and engine, '94 Integra stock, 2003 20th AE GTI with upgraded exhaust and tune, Audi RS5 with tune and exhaust, 2017 Audi RS7 with tune (~670hp). There are others in there, most were manual transmission and were fun, fast cars that put a smile on my face. The last 3 years I have been building a house and didn't have time or space for a fun car, but now it's done and I have my 3rd garage stall awaiting a toy.

- So, test drive yesterday. Lotus of Western NY is basically a hobby dealer that is owned by a guy who owns the Nissan dealer next door, but has a rich history with Lotus and racing cars and bikes. He's in his late 60's or early 70's and is a heck of a nice guy. The place is very tiny, filled with memorabilia from Andretti, James Bond, etc. I got to drive the Yellow Euro Spec Emira with sports suspension and Goodyears fitted. I took probably a 10-15 minute drive that was part expressway, part neighborhoods, part 45mph zone through business district. Here are my thoughts after sleeping on it.

- Car sounds good, looks great and is a huge jump from the previous cars (which I have no experience with other than sitting in them yesterday). The seat was fine, bolstering fit me well and I had it all the way down. My head was near the ceiling, possible I could fit a helmet, not positive. Head was halfway above the top of the headrest (6'3") and I didn't love that. The pedals are way too close. I had sneakers on and my clutch foot kept catching my braking foot. I ended up driving with my clutch foot half off the pedal, which is tricky because they are small pedals. Driving shoes would pretty much be needed for me (size 13 sneaker). The shifter was odd to get used to, and I have driven tons of manual cars. I mis-shifted 3 times, which is 3x more than I think I have in my life. When you switch from 4th to 5th, you have to be sure you don't go past the middle before then pushing to the right and then forward. You have to be VERY deliberate or you will go right into 3rd. The side to side action doesn't occur unless you are right in the middle. That took some getting used to (along with not hitting the brake by accident with my other foot).

- Revving out felt like it took an eternity to get to redline, and then it cut out quickly and surprised me. It did want to keep revving, but 6,800 isn't high enough. The power doesn't feel fast to me. I guess it is smooth, but doesn't feel torquey. I drove my wife's Tesla Model Y 4 hours to get there yesterday, and hers is the dual motor, NON-performance. The Tesla feels much quicker, rated at 0-60 in 4.8 from factory. I don't like her Tesla, but it's way more fun to hit the pedal in hers than the Emira. I was driving in Sport mode by the way. I didn't care for the digital tach, have to keep your eye on it as opposed to a needle that you can see sweeping out of the corner of your eye.

- While cruising the highway, exhaust noise is present, switch to Tour mode and it's nearly silent. Car was plenty loud and sounded nice. It felt like it was N/A and maybe 325hp to me, very, very surprising. The steering was good, didn't blow my mind, just felt like it should. The sport suspension was decent over bumpy roads, but I could tell Touring would have been the correct choice for my needs. I'm not going to the track, just driving on weekends for a short road trips with the wife or just cruising back roads alone. No need for that extra bumpiness, it doesn't gain you way better handling.

- The parking sensors were going off in traffic while pulling up to stop lights and I think the dealer was letting the Lotus USA rep Brian know that. Was very odd. The steering wheel was just fine, a non-issue in size and shape. The hood seal was noticeable, perhaps not the final version, but not a big deal. The trunk had nice space, and a battery tender plug was coming out from the battery storage area.

- I was excited beforehand to try the radio and the infotainment, since I'm very much into high-quality audio. I never even turned it on, never once touched the screen at all. I was most interested in the drive, and after getting back, I was feeling kind of deflated and couldn't believe that I was let-down the way I was. It should have been everything I wanted, yet it only looked really good, but the performance and overall fit of me into the cockpit didn't really mesh. I wasn't having a big smile, I felt like I had to lie a little when other guys asked me how it was when I got back. I am not a good liar, but I couldn't genuinely say that I really loved it like I hoped to.

- There was a kid there bringing a friend for a test drive, and had a new M4, which I have had my eyes on for a while, and not had a chance to drive or sit in. He let me sit in it, has the optional carbon bucket seats, and it felt amazing (inflatable bolsters). If it had been a manual I would have bugged him for a test drive but suffice to say, I drove to the BMW dealer across town and spoke to them about ordering one. For every option it would be around $90k and could be here in about 4-5 months since they have 2 already on their list. They apologized it would be a long wait...lol.

I did sleep on this to be sure I felt the same, but it just didn't ignite my fire and make me feel what good cars usually do. I wished I could have driven it more on better roads, and the dealer told me when he gets the demo I can come borrow it for an overnight, which was terribly generous. I haven't mentioned to him anything about my order, but I think after this more than a year, binge-watching adventure on the forums of literally reading every single post, checking 20x per day, I think I am going to move on to something different. A lightly used V10 R8 for a bit more money, or maybe a brand new M4 for less money. I have to see what I feel like doing, but I think someone at this dealer will be moving from no FE to getting one. Or someone looking for Magma with blackpack and black wheels with tan interior somewhere might get theirs sooner? It makes me sad to post this, and hate to sway anyone to cancel or anything like that, but definitely drive it before buying. I ALMOST didn't make the 8+ hour round trip to drive it, but thank god I did because assuming it was everything I wanted would have lead to much greater disappointment next summer or winter or whenever it would have arrived.

- Feel free to ask questions, or PM them to me. Again, I am not trying to give the car a bad name or sway people for no reason, but these are my honest feelings about it and thought I had to share after coming this far. Sorry for needing so many words to say it!

 

[Lotus64]

the mid engine corner rotation.... on a gt3

Im a bit confused.... GT4 mid engined.... gt3 rear engined

By mid engine corner rotation, I was referring to the axis in which a car pivots as it rounds a corner. Rwd cars tend to rotate / pivot around the front axle in corners as the rear comes loose. With the engine behind the driver, that pivot point moves further back, closer to the drivers hip.

Yes, the GT3 is rear engine. Yet It rotates in corners near the drivers hip point in the middle of the car, as do other mid engine vehicles. Porche deliberately moved the pivot point further forward over subsequent generations in order to add stability to the rear axle of the car. It may be the only rear engine vehicle left in existence, but the GT3 shared some similar handling characteristics with mid engine vehicles in my humble opinion.

 

[NicolasB]

 

[Lotustoronto]

Ok, here it is (long, but hopefully useful for readers):

- I have been waiting for this test drive (and seeing the car for first time) for a while now, though not as long as others. I am 41, been into cars since I was 10 and still am a total "car guy". I went to college, but then decided to pursue my passion. I was on the Bimmerworld racing team for a bit, building race cars and working the pits at races, then went to UTI (automotive tech school) to keep moving my career forward. While there I got a job at a Porsche independent shop and worked on anything from an engine rebuild on a 356, to upgrading turbos on a 996, etc. I already had a very good working knowledge of mechanics and having already changed engines and rebuilt them, etc. growing up, so this was not too hard for me. After school was completed, I was chosen for the Porsche technician training program (12 chosen nationwide per year) and completed that. I then worked at the world's largest Porsche dealer in Florida and was one of the highest-earning techs at the time and was working on and driving amazing cars (this was closer to 2008). I have driven 911 Turbo S, 997 GT3, and every other model going back to the 356 (scary slow in traffic). Eventually I moved back home to Upstate NY and bought my father's small construction company and that is my everyday activity.

- My car ownership history includes: V6 Ford Probe GT I custom turbo'd and was fastest in the world for a stint, custom Nissan 240SX with skyline engine swap, 95 E36 M3 with custom turbo kit (~500hp), 96 E36 328i with every mod done to suspension and engine, '94 Integra stock, 2003 20th AE GTI with upgraded exhaust and tune, Audi RS5 with tune and exhaust, 2017 Audi RS7 with tune (~670hp). There are others in there, most were manual transmission and were fun, fast cars that put a smile on my face. The last 3 years I have been building a house and didn't have time or space for a fun car, but now it's done and I have my 3rd garage stall awaiting a toy.

- So, test drive yesterday. Lotus of Western NY is basically a hobby dealer that is owned by a guy who owns the Nissan dealer next door, but has a rich history with Lotus and racing cars and bikes. He's in his late 60's or early 70's and is a heck of a nice guy. The place is very tiny, filled with memorabilia from Andretti, James Bond, etc. I got to drive the Yellow Euro Spec Emira with sports suspension and Goodyears fitted. I took probably a 10-15 minute drive that was part expressway, part neighborhoods, part 45mph zone through business district. Here are my thoughts after sleeping on it.

- Car sounds good, looks great and is a huge jump from the previous cars (which I have no experience with other than sitting in them yesterday). The seat was fine, bolstering fit me well and I had it all the way down. My head was near the ceiling, possible I could fit a helmet, not positive. Head was halfway above the top of the headrest (6'3") and I didn't love that. The pedals are way too close. I had sneakers on and my clutch foot kept catching my braking foot. I ended up driving with my clutch foot half off the pedal, which is tricky because they are small pedals. Driving shoes would pretty much be needed for me (size 13 sneaker). The shifter was odd to get used to, and I have driven tons of manual cars. I mis-shifted 3 times, which is 3x more than I think I have in my life. When you switch from 4th to 5th, you have to be sure you don't go past the middle before then pushing to the right and then forward. You have to be VERY deliberate or you will go right into 3rd. The side to side action doesn't occur unless you are right in the middle. That took some getting used to (along with not hitting the brake by accident with my other foot).

- Revving out felt like it took an eternity to get to redline, and then it cut out quickly and surprised me. It did want to keep revving, but 6,800 isn't high enough. The power doesn't feel fast to me. I guess it is smooth, but doesn't feel torquey. I drove my wife's Tesla Model Y 4 hours to get there yesterday, and hers is the dual motor, NON-performance. The Tesla feels much quicker, rated at 0-60 in 4.8 from factory. I don't like her Tesla, but it's way more fun to hit the pedal in hers than the Emira. I was driving in Sport mode by the way. I didn't care for the digital tach, have to keep your eye on it as opposed to a needle that you can see sweeping out of the corner of your eye.

- While cruising the highway, exhaust noise is present, switch to Tour mode and it's nearly silent. Car was plenty loud and sounded nice. It felt like it was N/A and maybe 325hp to me, very, very surprising. The steering was good, didn't blow my mind, just felt like it should. The sport suspension was decent over bumpy roads, but I could tell Touring would have been the correct choice for my needs. I'm not going to the track, just driving on weekends for a short road trips with the wife or just cruising back roads alone. No need for that extra bumpiness, it doesn't gain you way better handling.

- The parking sensors were going off in traffic while pulling up to stop lights and I think the dealer was letting the Lotus USA rep Brian know that. Was very odd. The steering wheel was just fine, a non-issue in size and shape. The hood seal was noticeable, perhaps not the final version, but not a big deal. The trunk had nice space, and a battery tender plug was coming out from the battery storage area.

- I was excited beforehand to try the radio and the infotainment, since I'm very much into high-quality audio. I never even turned it on, never once touched the screen at all. I was most interested in the drive, and after getting back, I was feeling kind of deflated and couldn't believe that I was let-down the way I was. It should have been everything I wanted, yet it only looked really good, but the performance and overall fit of me into the cockpit didn't really mesh. I wasn't having a big smile, I felt like I had to lie a little when other guys asked me how it was when I got back. I am not a good liar, but I couldn't genuinely say that I really loved it like I hoped to.

- There was a kid there bringing a friend for a test drive, and had a new M4, which I have had my eyes on for a while, and not had a chance to drive or sit in. He let me sit in it, has the optional carbon bucket seats, and it felt amazing (inflatable bolsters). If it had been a manual I would have bugged him for a test drive but suffice to say, I drove to the BMW dealer across town and spoke to them about ordering one. For every option it would be around $90k and could be here in about 4-5 months since they have 2 already on their list. They apologized it would be a long wait...lol.

I did sleep on this to be sure I felt the same, but it just didn't ignite my fire and make me feel what good cars usually do. I wished I could have driven it more on better roads, and the dealer told me when he gets the demo I can come borrow it for an overnight, which was terribly generous. I haven't mentioned to him anything about my order, but I think after this more than a year, binge-watching adventure on the forums of literally reading every single post, checking 20x per day, I think I am going to move on to something different. A lightly used V10 R8 for a bit more money, or maybe a brand new M4 for less money. I have to see what I feel like doing, but I think someone at this dealer will be moving from no FE to getting one. Or someone looking for Magma with blackpack and black wheels with tan interior somewhere might get theirs sooner? It makes me sad to post this, and hate to sway anyone to cancel or anything like that, but definitely drive it before buying. I ALMOST didn't make the 8+ hour round trip to drive it, but thank god I did because assuming it was everything I wanted would have lead to much greater disappointment next summer or winter or whenever it would have arrived.

- Feel free to ask questions, or PM them to me. Again, I am not trying to give the car a bad name or sway people for no reason, but these are my honest feelings about it and thought I had to share after coming this far. Sorry for needing so many words to say it!


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Disappointing to read that it felt so under powered. Do you think the pedal placement / gear change is something that you "grow" into with owning and driving the car? Glad you got to give it a test drive, the R8 is a fine machine and gets underrated in the world of sports cars for some reason. Enjoy!

 

[NicolasB]

Disappointing to read that it felt so under powered. Do you think the pedal placement / gear change is something that you "grow" into with owning and driving the car? Glad you got to give it a test drive, the R8 is a fine machine and gets underrated in the world of sports cars for some reason. Enjoy!

Pedals would need more pointed driving shoes, the guys there agreed that is what they use. It would help, but when I put a foot on the brake and one on the pedal, my feet were touching with sneakers on. Suppose with smaller feet and shoes it would be ok.

 

[vdr]

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Greatly appreciate the background info so as to gauge your experience. I’m a bit dismayed to read that you find the torque a bit lacking. I’m curious as to whether the auto feels similar but, alas, it would seem that those reviews may be a long way out.

Given the unknowns in regards to delivery and your lack of being blown away by the test drive I’d say you’re making the right choice…. particularly with your affinity for the V10 R8 which is a spectacular car and one I’d likely entertain if the price of admission wasn’t so oft-putting.

I gotta say, however, that HY pic is gorgeous even though I never considered myself a “ yellow car guy”. That color really seems to bring out the best of the exterior design IMHO.

I’m still looking forward to seeing the car in person but reviews such as these, in addition to the lack of coms from either Lotus USA or my dealer, kinda temper my desire for this car a bit.

 

[CarGuy07]

thanks for sharing NicolasB. I fear that I will feel the same as you after the test drive. Will test drive it anyway to see for myself. Based on your feedback, it seems that all our reservations about the car are true: mainly a very good looking car without the performance.

 

[Pops68]

Ok, here it is (long, but hopefully useful for readers):

- I have been waiting for this test drive (and seeing the car for first time) for a while now, though not as long as others. I am 41, been into cars since I was 10 and still am a total "car guy". I went to college, but then decided to pursue my passion. I was on the Bimmerworld racing team for a bit, building race cars and working the pits at races, then went to UTI (automotive tech school) to keep moving my career forward. While there I got a job at a Porsche independent shop and worked on anything from an engine rebuild on a 356, to upgrading turbos on a 996, etc. I already had a very good working knowledge of mechanics and having already changed engines and rebuilt them, etc. growing up, so this was not too hard for me. After school was completed, I was chosen for the Porsche technician training program (12 chosen nationwide per year) and completed that. I then worked at the world's largest Porsche dealer in Florida and was one of the highest-earning techs at the time and was working on and driving amazing cars (this was closer to 2008). I have driven 911 Turbo S, 997 GT3, and every other model going back to the 356 (scary slow in traffic). Eventually I moved back home to Upstate NY and bought my father's small construction company and that is my everyday activity.

- My car ownership history includes: V6 Ford Probe GT I custom turbo'd and was fastest in the world for a stint, custom Nissan 240SX with skyline engine swap, 95 E36 M3 with custom turbo kit (~500hp), 96 E36 328i with every mod done to suspension and engine, '94 Integra stock, 2003 20th AE GTI with upgraded exhaust and tune, Audi RS5 with tune and exhaust, 2017 Audi RS7 with tune (~670hp). There are others in there, most were manual transmission and were fun, fast cars that put a smile on my face. The last 3 years I have been building a house and didn't have time or space for a fun car, but now it's done and I have my 3rd garage stall awaiting a toy.

- So, test drive yesterday. Lotus of Western NY is basically a hobby dealer that is owned by a guy who owns the Nissan dealer next door, but has a rich history with Lotus and racing cars and bikes. He's in his late 60's or early 70's and is a heck of a nice guy. The place is very tiny, filled with memorabilia from Andretti, James Bond, etc. I got to drive the Yellow Euro Spec Emira with sports suspension and Goodyears fitted. I took probably a 10-15 minute drive that was part expressway, part neighborhoods, part 45mph zone through business district. Here are my thoughts after sleeping on it.

- Car sounds good, looks great and is a huge jump from the previous cars (which I have no experience with other than sitting in them yesterday). The seat was fine, bolstering fit me well and I had it all the way down. My head was near the ceiling, possible I could fit a helmet, not positive. Head was halfway above the top of the headrest (6'3") and I didn't love that. The pedals are way too close. I had sneakers on and my clutch foot kept catching my braking foot. I ended up driving with my clutch foot half off the pedal, which is tricky because they are small pedals. Driving shoes would pretty much be needed for me (size 13 sneaker). The shifter was odd to get used to, and I have driven tons of manual cars. I mis-shifted 3 times, which is 3x more than I think I have in my life. When you switch from 4th to 5th, you have to be sure you don't go past the middle before then pushing to the right and then forward. You have to be VERY deliberate or you will go right into 3rd. The side to side action doesn't occur unless you are right in the middle. That took some getting used to (along with not hitting the brake by accident with my other foot).

- Revving out felt like it took an eternity to get to redline, and then it cut out quickly and surprised me. It did want to keep revving, but 6,800 isn't high enough. The power doesn't feel fast to me. I guess it is smooth, but doesn't feel torquey. I drove my wife's Tesla Model Y 4 hours to get there yesterday, and hers is the dual motor, NON-performance. The Tesla feels much quicker, rated at 0-60 in 4.8 from factory. I don't like her Tesla, but it's way more fun to hit the pedal in hers than the Emira. I was driving in Sport mode by the way. I didn't care for the digital tach, have to keep your eye on it as opposed to a needle that you can see sweeping out of the corner of your eye.

- While cruising the highway, exhaust noise is present, switch to Tour mode and it's nearly silent. Car was plenty loud and sounded nice. It felt like it was N/A and maybe 325hp to me, very, very surprising. The steering was good, didn't blow my mind, just felt like it should. The sport suspension was decent over bumpy roads, but I could tell Touring would have been the correct choice for my needs. I'm not going to the track, just driving on weekends for a short road trips with the wife or just cruising back roads alone. No need for that extra bumpiness, it doesn't gain you way better handling.

- The parking sensors were going off in traffic while pulling up to stop lights and I think the dealer was letting the Lotus USA rep Brian know that. Was very odd. The steering wheel was just fine, a non-issue in size and shape. The hood seal was noticeable, perhaps not the final version, but not a big deal. The trunk had nice space, and a battery tender plug was coming out from the battery storage area.

- I was excited beforehand to try the radio and the infotainment, since I'm very much into high-quality audio. I never even turned it on, never once touched the screen at all. I was most interested in the drive, and after getting back, I was feeling kind of deflated and couldn't believe that I was let-down the way I was. It should have been everything I wanted, yet it only looked really good, but the performance and overall fit of me into the cockpit didn't really mesh. I wasn't having a big smile, I felt like I had to lie a little when other guys asked me how it was when I got back. I am not a good liar, but I couldn't genuinely say that I really loved it like I hoped to.

- There was a kid there bringing a friend for a test drive, and had a new M4, which I have had my eyes on for a while, and not had a chance to drive or sit in. He let me sit in it, has the optional carbon bucket seats, and it felt amazing (inflatable bolsters). If it had been a manual I would have bugged him for a test drive but suffice to say, I drove to the BMW dealer across town and spoke to them about ordering one. For every option it would be around $90k and could be here in about 4-5 months since they have 2 already on their list. They apologized it would be a long wait...lol.

I did sleep on this to be sure I felt the same, but it just didn't ignite my fire and make me feel what good cars usually do. I wished I could have driven it more on better roads, and the dealer told me when he gets the demo I can come borrow it for an overnight, which was terribly generous. I haven't mentioned to him anything about my order, but I think after this more than a year, binge-watching adventure on the forums of literally reading every single post, checking 20x per day, I think I am going to move on to something different. A lightly used V10 R8 for a bit more money, or maybe a brand new M4 for less money. I have to see what I feel like doing, but I think someone at this dealer will be moving from no FE to getting one. Or someone looking for Magma with blackpack and black wheels with tan interior somewhere might get theirs sooner? It makes me sad to post this, and hate to sway anyone to cancel or anything like that, but definitely drive it before buying. I ALMOST didn't make the 8+ hour round trip to drive it, but thank god I did because assuming it was everything I wanted would have lead to much greater disappointment next summer or winter or whenever it would have arrived.

- Feel free to ask questions, or PM them to me. Again, I am not trying to give the car a bad name or sway people for no reason, but these are my honest feelings about it and thought I had to share after coming this far. Sorry for needing so many words to say it!


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For sure if you don't fit right in the car that's gunna take a lot of the pleasure out of the drive! Guess there are times when it's nice to be a bit shorter.. as for the power I'm not looking for or expecting that hp and torque of say a z06 or R8. I've had that. What I'm hoping for is a "balanced" drive with a great combination of power and handling, plus I'll bet Lotus (or aftermarket) will find a way to up the revs back to the 7200-7500 without making any serious changes. I'm sorry to hear the car wasn't for you, I know how that letdown feels. Thanks for the honest review!

 

[Lotus64]

Ok, here it is (long, but hopefully useful for readers):

NicolasB, I respect your opinions. Yet, I'm truly flabbergasted by some of your comments.

• I don't understand how you could say a Tesla Model Y felt more fun on the gas pedal than an Emira. Teslas are some of the most boring cars I've ever driven. You get amazing torque with the gas pedal, and not much else. You said the Emira sounds loud and nice but apparently that wasn't much of a factor in how much fun it is to use the gas pedal?
• Yes the shifting gates are tight! There is zero slack in this Emira's shifter. It's not going to tolerate being rushed due to its tight spacing, nor will it automatically guide you into the right gear. Just like the steering, the shifter is going to where ever you place it. I never missed a shift and loved the tight action: however i did not try to rush the shifter. You have to be very deliberate in how you use the clutch and the shifter and I personally love the challenge and sense of occasion.
• You're right about the foot wells being tight. I'm size 14: however I preemptively wore driving shoes and had no issue what so ever.
• I personally thought being able to rev out gears was a pro, not a con. You get to rev out the entire gear for a good little bit and hear the symphony build right before you catch the next gear. I also think linear power delivery was a good thing. I find non linear power delivery can be exciting, but frustrating as it's harder to dial in the amount of power requested by the throttle
• You want more power: ok that's fair.
• Driving position was a little too high, you're right.
• Based on your comments, seems like an M4 or R8 V10 are infinitely better suited to your garage, as you desire something more powerful, more comfortable and more forgiving.

 

[benjh1028]

Ok, here it is (long, but hopefully useful for readers):

- I have been waiting for this test drive (and seeing the car for first time) for a while now, though not as long as others. I am 41, been into cars since I was 10 and still am a total "car guy". I went to college, but then decided to pursue my passion. I was on the Bimmerworld racing team for a bit, building race cars and working the pits at races, then went to UTI (automotive tech school) to keep moving my career forward. While there I got a job at a Porsche independent shop and worked on anything from an engine rebuild on a 356, to upgrading turbos on a 996, etc. I already had a very good working knowledge of mechanics and having already changed engines and rebuilt them, etc. growing up, so this was not too hard for me. After school was completed, I was chosen for the Porsche technician training program (12 chosen nationwide per year) and completed that. I then worked at the world's largest Porsche dealer in Florida and was one of the highest-earning techs at the time and was working on and driving amazing cars (this was closer to 2008). I have driven 911 Turbo S, 997 GT3, and every other model going back to the 356 (scary slow in traffic). Eventually I moved back home to Upstate NY and bought my father's small construction company and that is my everyday activity.

- My car ownership history includes: V6 Ford Probe GT I custom turbo'd and was fastest in the world for a stint, custom Nissan 240SX with skyline engine swap, 95 E36 M3 with custom turbo kit (~500hp), 96 E36 328i with every mod done to suspension and engine, '94 Integra stock, 2003 20th AE GTI with upgraded exhaust and tune, Audi RS5 with tune and exhaust, 2017 Audi RS7 with tune (~670hp). There are others in there, most were manual transmission and were fun, fast cars that put a smile on my face. The last 3 years I have been building a house and didn't have time or space for a fun car, but now it's done and I have my 3rd garage stall awaiting a toy.

- So, test drive yesterday. Lotus of Western NY is basically a hobby dealer that is owned by a guy who owns the Nissan dealer next door, but has a rich history with Lotus and racing cars and bikes. He's in his late 60's or early 70's and is a heck of a nice guy. The place is very tiny, filled with memorabilia from Andretti, James Bond, etc. I got to drive the Yellow Euro Spec Emira with sports suspension and Goodyears fitted. I took probably a 10-15 minute drive that was part expressway, part neighborhoods, part 45mph zone through business district. Here are my thoughts after sleeping on it.

- Car sounds good, looks great and is a huge jump from the previous cars (which I have no experience with other than sitting in them yesterday). The seat was fine, bolstering fit me well and I had it all the way down. My head was near the ceiling, possible I could fit a helmet, not positive. Head was halfway above the top of the headrest (6'3") and I didn't love that. The pedals are way too close. I had sneakers on and my clutch foot kept catching my braking foot. I ended up driving with my clutch foot half off the pedal, which is tricky because they are small pedals. Driving shoes would pretty much be needed for me (size 13 sneaker). The shifter was odd to get used to, and I have driven tons of manual cars. I mis-shifted 3 times, which is 3x more than I think I have in my life. When you switch from 4th to 5th, you have to be sure you don't go past the middle before then pushing to the right and then forward. You have to be VERY deliberate or you will go right into 3rd. The side to side action doesn't occur unless you are right in the middle. That took some getting used to (along with not hitting the brake by accident with my other foot).

- Revving out felt like it took an eternity to get to redline, and then it cut out quickly and surprised me. It did want to keep revving, but 6,800 isn't high enough. The power doesn't feel fast to me. I guess it is smooth, but doesn't feel torquey. I drove my wife's Tesla Model Y 4 hours to get there yesterday, and hers is the dual motor, NON-performance. The Tesla feels much quicker, rated at 0-60 in 4.8 from factory. I don't like her Tesla, but it's way more fun to hit the pedal in hers than the Emira. I was driving in Sport mode by the way. I didn't care for the digital tach, have to keep your eye on it as opposed to a needle that you can see sweeping out of the corner of your eye.

- While cruising the highway, exhaust noise is present, switch to Tour mode and it's nearly silent. Car was plenty loud and sounded nice. It felt like it was N/A and maybe 325hp to me, very, very surprising. The steering was good, didn't blow my mind, just felt like it should. The sport suspension was decent over bumpy roads, but I could tell Touring would have been the correct choice for my needs. I'm not going to the track, just driving on weekends for a short road trips with the wife or just cruising back roads alone. No need for that extra bumpiness, it doesn't gain you way better handling.

- The parking sensors were going off in traffic while pulling up to stop lights and I think the dealer was letting the Lotus USA rep Brian know that. Was very odd. The steering wheel was just fine, a non-issue in size and shape. The hood seal was noticeable, perhaps not the final version, but not a big deal. The trunk had nice space, and a battery tender plug was coming out from the battery storage area.

- I was excited beforehand to try the radio and the infotainment, since I'm very much into high-quality audio. I never even turned it on, never once touched the screen at all. I was most interested in the drive, and after getting back, I was feeling kind of deflated and couldn't believe that I was let-down the way I was. It should have been everything I wanted, yet it only looked really good, but the performance and overall fit of me into the cockpit didn't really mesh. I wasn't having a big smile, I felt like I had to lie a little when other guys asked me how it was when I got back. I am not a good liar, but I couldn't genuinely say that I really loved it like I hoped to.

- There was a kid there bringing a friend for a test drive, and had a new M4, which I have had my eyes on for a while, and not had a chance to drive or sit in. He let me sit in it, has the optional carbon bucket seats, and it felt amazing (inflatable bolsters). If it had been a manual I would have bugged him for a test drive but suffice to say, I drove to the BMW dealer across town and spoke to them about ordering one. For every option it would be around $90k and could be here in about 4-5 months since they have 2 already on their list. They apologized it would be a long wait...lol.

I did sleep on this to be sure I felt the same, but it just didn't ignite my fire and make me feel what good cars usually do. I wished I could have driven it more on better roads, and the dealer told me when he gets the demo I can come borrow it for an overnight, which was terribly generous. I haven't mentioned to him anything about my order, but I think after this more than a year, binge-watching adventure on the forums of literally reading every single post, checking 20x per day, I think I am going to move on to something different. A lightly used V10 R8 for a bit more money, or maybe a brand new M4 for less money. I have to see what I feel like doing, but I think someone at this dealer will be moving from no FE to getting one. Or someone looking for Magma with blackpack and black wheels with tan interior somewhere might get theirs sooner? It makes me sad to post this, and hate to sway anyone to cancel or anything like that, but definitely drive it before buying. I ALMOST didn't make the 8+ hour round trip to drive it, but thank god I did because assuming it was everything I wanted would have lead to much greater disappointment next summer or winter or whenever it would have arrived.

- Feel free to ask questions, or PM them to me. Again, I am not trying to give the car a bad name or sway people for no reason, but these are my honest feelings about it and thought I had to share after coming this far. Sorry for needing so many words to say it!


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Best review I have read so far, especially given the credibility as a car guy that your background lends.

The disappointment has got to suck, but it’s a $100k decision so it should check all the boxes. Thanks for taking the time out for such a thorough and honest write-up.

 

[BeHappy]

thanks for sharing NicolasB. I fear that I will feel the same as you after the test drive. Will test drive it anyway to see for myself. Based on your feedback, it seems that all our reservations about the car are true: mainly a very good looking car without the performance.

My fear as well reading Nicolas great detailed feedback I’m worried it’s not going to give me the smiles and don’t like the sound that it doesn’t feel very torquey. The TTRS and RS3 also didn’t give me the Smiles

 

[dgrace]

Great writeup. Honest feedback from 1 experienced, unbiased driver is worth 100 youtube fanboy videos. I’m curious if anyone’s had a chance to drive Emira and Evora GT back-to-back? Maybe in the next couple of weeks. On the Evora, the steering feel was so magical it could make me forget the car’s faults.