The inevitable faster Emira

Ok, so we’re all guessing, so here’s mine.

They will release a ‘hot’ version, but it will be a development of the I4. They’ll simply alter the tune to get to around 430- 440BHP and add some carbon and make a few changes to reduce weight. It’ll have a slight change in graphics and some extra venting/mod to the front grill and rear bumper.
 
Now that the EV prison shackles are being removed from manufacturers, and with the new push to "drill baby drill" for oil, it's quite possible that the auto companies are going to want to quickly go back to producing what they know, and what the buying public wants, which is less expensive ICE cars that just work. We may see some new developments in ICE technology, maybe even an improved V6. There's been a lot of advancements in a lot of different areas that could make them more efficient.
 
Ok, so we’re all guessing, so here’s mine.

They will release a ‘hot’ version, but it will be a development of the I4. They’ll simply alter the tune to get to around 430- 440BHP and add some carbon and make a few changes to reduce weight. It’ll have a slight change in graphics and some extra venting/mod to the front grill and rear bumper.
This is my bet too. As soon as its clear that there isnt coming a hotter manual V6, i jump on a V6 FE or base car, either new (depends on the price of the base car) or used. I am patient, just bought a new XC90 for the family so can use some time to save up.
 
My bet is that some kind of go faster version of the Emira is indeed inevitable, for the simple reason that it will require minimal development effort from Lotus and they will be able to change a chunk more money for it. I'm sure they would like to do a go faster V6 as a last hurrah for that engine, and of course they have already done his with the Exige and Evora 430, but emissions regs may rule it out sadly. Hope I am wrong because I would love to see a V6 Emira with a bit more power, less weight, and at last some decent bucket seats. The Emira has been crying out for better seats from the start.

Edited to add, the Evora GT430 cost £112k before options back in 2017, uncomfortably close to the contemporary McLaren 540c, so I fully expect an equally silly price to be attached to any Emira R/S version.
 
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Here’s my guess:

Marginal power bump from a different air intake and more aggressive engine tune.

A small change in the side sill/rocker, a front lip and/or rear low profile spoiler, minute changes to the suspension to make it a touch lower and more focused, and a dash plaque. Maybe more aggressive street tires. Call it the “Emira +5%”.
 
I remember this same discussion back when I purchased my Evora in 2011. The Evora S came out supercharged
more power = more better?
I'm not so sure for the average owner other than bragging rights
In truth the lower hp kept me out of the marbles and weeds
I can see some of the hard-core track guys needing more power, but 400 is fine for me

Talking with a friend about his impending purchase of a Z06. He was considering cancelling his order and waiting for the ZR1. I ask him what he was going to do with 1000hp. This guy will never go to the track and will end up putting the car into a tree.

Full disclosure. I do have a Tesla Plaid with over 1000hp. Pretty much a party trick with no practical application. The standard Model S fits the bill just fine with "only" 700hp.
Kinda makes me a hypocrite. Tesla Plaid is the anti-Lotus
 
People have said it many times already but I would prioritize higher RPM over just HP for the v6. Honestly 400hp is enough. Car does not feel slow to me. Raising the RPM limit itself will lead to more HP but as someone mentioned emissions may be a challenge.
 
People have said it many times already but I would prioritize higher RPM over just HP for the v6. Honestly 400hp is enough. Car does not feel slow to me. Raising the RPM limit itself will lead to more HP but as someone mentioned emissions may be a challenge.
That's available today with the JUBU ECU
 
And you lose your warranty
Jubu's ECU replaces the factory ECU which can be refitted at will and prior to dealer service appointments so there should be no impact on your warranty if you're willing to deal with the inconvenience of switching back and forth periodically. I wouldn't go with a tune that refreshes the standard ECU because that would impact the factory warranty. The latest reports from JUBU tune users indicate that a few minor issues remain that should be addressed with the latest firmware update. We'll see if that proves out.
 
Jubu's ECU replaces the factory ECU which can be refitted at will and prior to dealer service appointments so there should be no impact on your warranty if you're willing to deal with the inconvenience of switching back and forth periodically. I wouldn't go with a tune that refreshes the standard ECU because that would impact the factory warranty. The latest reports from JUBU tune users indicate that a few minor issues remain that should be addressed with the latest firmware update. We'll see if that proves out.
The stock ECU records everything. If you switch it back there will be a huge gap in data.
 
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After some thought I'm going to revise my prediction above. I now think that the current Emira will be in production for another 5-6 years with only modest power bumps up to around 450hp. It will be retired when the type 135 debuts with the hybrid drive train described above. Much high MSRP than we're used to from a Lotus.
 
Wouldn't expect Lotus engineers to be able to squeeze out more power than Mercede's AMG division.
Mercedes has used the M139 engine for ~5 years max power is around 420HP (non e-turbo).
If you're waiting for an S version expect 416 HP. Maybe 0.1 off the 0-60
 
I think the car needs less weight rather than more power. Seats, doors, rear hatch are pretty heavy.
Weight reduction would be great, but I don’t think it’s feasible to reduce the weight enough for there to be a big difference in day-to-day seat of the pants performance.

I think it would take a solid 300 lbs sprung weight reduction to feel much of a difference. Less if unsprung and/or rotating mass, obviously. But, meaningful weight reduction on a street car is expensive.
 
Weight reduction would be great, but I don’t think it’s feasible to reduce the weight enough for there to be a big difference in day-to-day seat of the pants performance.

agreed - at some point Lotus might offer light weigh seats, I've seen that with other manufactures. Probably be a decent premium for very ..very.. small performance gains. Can't imagine too much more for a car that wasn't planned on being around long. It's already pretty light for modern car with the comfort options in the Emria.

For power, I feel that Lotus has already telegraphed the plan with the SE version.
When the US 2025 configuration tool opens. Bet they will offer two power options Base @360 and SE@400 HP.
Lotus probably shifted plans with the delays and gave the US cars the SE 'power rating' to avoid mass cancelations.

Custom Paints and more interior color options might be all we see.....

Options I would have liked to see-
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Color stitching options for Leather package
  • Hybrid finish - Leather seats / Alcantara dash, armrest. center
  • Targa top !! :)
 

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