📓 Journals Track Journal- JDK's DV Emira in PNW

[Dr.JDK]

Hi all,
After 3 years of wait, I finally took delivery of the Emira this May. It wasn't a very smooth experience as my steering pump was broken and the dealer need to replace it during the PDI process. But since then, I didn't really have any significant issues with my DV Emira. I am creating a track-focused journal to document my trips with the Lotus to different tracks in the US.
My initial thoughts of the car:
Handling is superb as the steering feedback is the best among all the cars I have driven. The seat is okay- I think it's too bulky. The shifter is very mechanical and requires high driving skills to master the up and downshifts. I love the pedal placement tho as it is so easy to heel-and-toe. The suspension is very compliant despite it is a sport setup with cup 2 tires. The engine is unique and on the road is more than fast enough.
Overall, I am very happy with the car right out of the box.

After the ppf, 1000 mile break-in, and the first oil change. I took the Emira to the track. Oh boy...

My first track impression:
I first took the Emira to the Oregon Raceway Park. I actually trailered the car there. You know, it's a Lotus, and if it is broken, ORP is 5 hours away from my home. ORP is very technical track with huge elevation change and thrilling on-and-off camber and blind corners. The Emira showed incredible grip. I am going to summarize some good and bads below:
The Goods:

• Engine sounds incredible and I didn't experience any significant overheating issues. The temperature was around 84 F and sunny.
• Handling is incredibly precise. I can feel where the grip is and when it will let go.
• Throttle response is instantaneous.
• So easy to heel-and-toe.

The Bads:

• Wind Buffeting is HORRIBLE TERRIBLE INTOLERABLE when reaching 70 mph+ Checkout the youtube video and see for yourself.
• Need to be extra careful with braking. I don't know what causes this, but sometimes when I brake heavily on some uneven surface, the car will suddenly shift to the left.
• Suspension and sway bar is SOFT. I am used to Porsche GT suspensions- hard and ultra quick turn in with minimal body roll. Emira utilizes a much softer suspension set up so It needs a lot of guts to trust the car when cornering. The car's grip is there and you just need to lean extra hard on the outer wheels.
• I wish it has 7200 RPM redline. The power is there, but the tail speed is definitely not as fast as similar horsepower and weight cars. For example, at the end of the straight, a A91 Supra or a 718 GT4 is at least 5 mph faster than the Emira.
• Shifting. Driver needs to be very precise and make sure it is in the gate. I was on a hot lap and beating my PB by 1.5 sec at the penultimate corner, my downshift from 3 to 2 was in-and-out from the gate and I lost a sec there.

I am still getting used to the Emira. It is such a beautiful car and a super fun car to drive. As a driver, I need to improve my driving skills to squeeze the time out of it. In comparison, Porsches are so easy to drive fast.

 

[seriously]

Amazing looking track with nice elevation changes and good runoff. Looks like fun.

Brake pull to the left feels like something to get checked out. Can’t be normal.

 

[Dragoon]

Thanks for posting your track day impressions! I've got a track day coming up, so it's good to hear about how the car performed for you.

 

[FlyNavy01]

The car does occasionally dive to one side under braking and vice versa under hard acceleration. It's caught me off guard a few times. Not sure what it is, maybe some gyroscopic or torque-steer effect from the transversely mounted drivetrain?

Kyle Conner also mentioned it in his review here:



I agree with everything OP mentioned and the track footage looks awesome with all the elevation changes. Trying to get myself back up to the PNW by the end of next year so I can enjoy some proper mountain roads and proper track days at Ridge Motorsports Park.

 

[Dr.JDK]

Here are some track photos:

 

[Dragoon]

I feel better that I'm not the only person brave enough to own two new British vehicles.

 

[Dr.JDK]

I feel better that I'm not the only person brave enough to own two new British vehicles.

I was seriously considering the 600LT… that could make the third British car

 

[Dragoon]

I was seriously considering the 600LT… that could make the third British car

It's more exciting to live dangerously, so you should do it!

 

[MPD]

ORP is one of my favorite tracks, like it better than the ridge ... like you said, very technical, off cambers, elevation change, good run offs, so much fun. Headed there soon but still waiting on Emira so will be another car. Will keep an eye out at those tracks for you

 

[BearEmira]

Hi all,
After 3 years of wait, I finally took delivery of the Emira this May. It wasn't a very smooth experience as my steering pump was broken and the dealer need to replace it during the PDI process. But since then, I didn't really have any significant issues with my DV Emira. I am creating a track-focused journal to document my trips with the Lotus to different tracks in the US.
My initial thoughts of the car:
Handling is superb as the steering feedback is the best among all the cars I have driven. The seat is okay- I think it's too bulky. The shifter is very mechanical and requires high driving skills to master the up and downshifts. I love the pedal placement tho as it is so easy to heel-and-toe. The suspension is very compliant despite it is a sport setup with cup 2 tires. The engine is unique and on the road is more than fast enough.
Overall, I am very happy with the car right out of the box.

After the ppf, 1000 mile break-in, and the first oil change. I took the Emira to the track. Oh boy...

My first track impression:
I first took the Emira to the Oregon Raceway Park. I actually trailered the car there. You know, it's a Lotus, and if it is broken, ORP is 5 hours away from my home. ORP is very technical track with huge elevation change and thrilling on-and-off camber and blind corners. The Emira showed incredible grip. I am going to summarize some good and bads below:
The Goods:

• Engine sounds incredible and I didn't experience any significant overheating issues. The temperature was around 84 F and sunny.
• Handling is incredibly precise. I can feel where the grip is and when it will let go.
• Throttle response is instantaneous.
• So easy to heel-and-toe.

The Bads:

• Wind Buffeting is HORRIBLE TERRIBLE INTOLERABLE when reaching 70 mph+ Checkout the youtube video and see for yourself.
• Need to be extra careful with braking. I don't know what causes this, but sometimes when I brake heavily on some uneven surface, the car will suddenly shift to the left.
• Suspension and sway bar is SOFT. I am used to Porsche GT suspensions- hard and ultra quick turn in with minimal body roll. Emira utilizes a much softer suspension set up so It needs a lot of guts to trust the car when cornering. The car's grip is there and you just need to lean extra hard on the outer wheels.
• I wish it has 7200 RPM redline. The power is there, but the tail speed is definitely not as fast as similar horsepower and weight cars. For example, at the end of the straight, a A91 Supra or a 718 GT4 is at least 5 mph faster than the Emira.
• Shifting. Driver needs to be very precise and make sure it is in the gate. I was on a hot lap and beating my PB by 1.5 sec at the penultimate corner, my downshift from 3 to 2 was in-and-out from the gate and I lost a sec there.

I am still getting used to the Emira. It is such a beautiful car and a super fun car to drive. As a driver, I need to improve my driving skills to squeeze the time out of it. In comparison, Porsches are so easy to drive fast.

Thanks for sharing, very impressive. Looking forward to seeing you bring it to the Ridge Motorsports Park for testing.

 

[Blackthought_]

Awesome! Did you do any modifications like brake pads or brake fluid? Or was it 100% stock?

 

[Dr.JDK]

Awesome! Did you do any modifications like brake pads or brake fluid? Or was it 100% stock?

Good Question! I forgot to mention I had SRF brake fluid and Ferodo DS 3.12 pads (same size and shape as the Evora GT).
The stock US spec are brembo 2500 or some very street-ish compound and I didn't want to waste them by burning them out in 2 track days. So I saved the OEM pads and swapped for the DS 3.12 front and rear. In retrospective, I would go for DS 1.11 because 3.12 is definitely overkill for Cup 2 level tires. I will try A052 and see how it pairs with the 3.12.

 

[Dragoon]

I think the video below is from your track day?

 

[Dr.JDK]

I think the video below is from your track day?

Yes it is. I am going to post more videos and photos in chronological order. The next post is at Ridge Motorsports Park, my home track.

 

[Dr.JDK]

I have a new discovery on the Emira. The straight line speed is significantly slower than other similar powered cars. A 718 GT4 has a tailspeed of 145 mph GPS on the straight of the Ridge Motorsports Park. A A91 supra has a tailspeed of 142+ on GPS. My emira has 136 MPH shown on GPS.
I don't know why... But I just bought the K&N high flow intake filters. Will report back.

 

[Porter]

The car does occasionally dive to one side under braking and vice versa under hard acceleration. It's caught me off guard a few times. Not sure what it is, maybe some gyroscopic or torque-steer effect from the transversely mounted drivetrain?

Kyle Conner also mentioned it in his review here:

This happens on mine as well. I suspect it's maybe something going on with the diff, because it happens after a delay, not instantly when weight transfer and/or power application happens. It's a 0.25s to 0.5s delay before it "shifts over". Very odd, and I very much want to make it stop.

 

[Eagle7]

I have a new discovery on the Emira. The straight line speed is significantly slower than other similar powered cars. A 718 GT4 has a tailspeed of 145 mph GPS on the straight of the Ridge Motorsports Park. A A91 supra has a tailspeed of 142+ on GPS. My emira has 136 MPH shown on GPS.
I don't know why... But I just bought the K&N high flow intake filters. Will report back.

The aerodynamics of the Emira start to really kick in above 100mph, and begin generating downforce. I think I remember reading where it can generate up to 55kg of downforce at speed, which is 120 lbs of weight towards the front to eliminate lift. That would explain the difference in speed on the straight. I don't know about the K&N filter, but the Eventuri intake would make a difference.