Harry sells his Emira

[TomAce]

Agree. It's easy to forget that, despite the terrible launch, Emira has been a massive success for Lotus. In their wildest, wildest, dreams they never expected to take 10,000 deposits for the car. It will almost certainly be the best selling model in the history of the brand (Elise sold 35,000).

Would be interesting to know how many Emiras were already built in total.

 

[Lotustoronto]

Would be interesting to know how many Emiras were already built in total.

We know roughly - Based on Lotus tech financials.

Someone may want to double check but I believe we are around 8K - 9K Emira's built since 2022 production start.

 

[KCDarkV]

This whole thread is very interesting. It Got me thinking: Is there a safe car company? Most of us already purchased and love our Emiras. Many EV companies are burning way too much cash. The big US automakers are stepping back from EVs a little, but not totally, and their hybrid plans are ambiguous. Being risk-averse is understandable. It's just not a lot of fun when I buy a luxury good. I expect to lose money.

I do take issue with the "Super Car" trope. In most cases, I have seen It's the driver not the car. My original Evora dealer said it best (it was a Lamborghini dealer) Lotus is the most fun car to drive in California because your can get to 3rd gear with out going to jail. I have seen more wrecked C7 and C8's in my small town than I have seen any lotus in person.

It's a personal choice for me. It comes down to the simplest of things: 3 pedals.

I agree. If I didn't have the Emira, I wouldn't want anything faster. It really hits the sweet spot.

 

[Racer X]

I agree. If I didn't have the Emira, I wouldn't want anything faster. It really hits the sweet spot.

I agree. There’s so much traffic in my area and the police are so heavy-handed that more acceleration would go to waste.

 

[Nova]

We know roughly - Based on Lotus tech financials.

Someone may want to double check but I believe we are around 8K - 9K Emira's built since 2022 production start.

I really doubt that. Lotus had 1.2 million in sales for 2022, essentially sold maybe 10-20 cars? I don't know. They sold 2600 Emiras in 2023, and current production numbers for 2024 model year is at about 4000 - some of which were sold in 2023. So I'd say that the total number of Emiras built to date is probably somewhere between 5-6K.

 

[Lotustoronto]

I really doubt that. Lotus had 1.2 million in sales for 2022, essentially sold maybe 10-20 cars? I don't know. They sold 2600 Emiras in 2023, and current production numbers for 2024 model year is at about 4000 - some of which were sold in 2023. So I'd say that the total number of Emiras built to date is probably somewhere between 5-6K.

I think 2022 there must have been more. Harry’s garage Emira factory tour when he went to see his car in production was filmed in October 2022. I think his car was in the #300’s for the year. There was a lot of Chinese cars on the line at the time. Surely Lotus built more than 5-6k since mid 2022-2024? You could be right, but who really knows.

 

[EspritGuy]

I’


Agreed.
Lotus often misses opportunities. Your list of issues should also include the Evija’s launch disappointments. The development assets invested in that car could have financed the Emira R and then some. The GT4 is neat but irrelevant to the market as well. And there should be no mistake. I’m a vested fan too.

Yet the Hethel sports cars remain unique and compelling to many enthusiasts. Admittedly it is easy to critique Lotus and hard to do what they do but the Emira launch has been rough. It’s what fans hoped the Geely infusions would have avoided.

"We interrupt this exchange with possible breaking news: Goodwood is round the corner and inquiring minds anticipate Lotus business news. Or insider briefings.
Or pub chatter. Or more conspiracy theories.'
Carry on.

 

[Lotustoronto]

"We interrupt this exchange with possible breaking news: Goodwood is round the corner and inquiring minds anticipate Lotus business news. Or insider briefings.
Or pub chatter. Or more conspiracy theories.'
Carry on.

Max Verstappen will be at Goodwood 2024 - I am not entirely sure if Lotus will even have a stand this year. Such a great event, glad I went last year.

 

[EMG]

Harry's tweeted to say that the video about his Emira replacement is going live at 5pm UK time today, will be interesting to see what he has to say as to why he's replaced the car.

Honestly, he’s a great car guy- but he has to keep turning inventory to be relevant. As a daily sports car, the Emira does so many things right, that I don’t think his decision to move on is a negative reflection on the car itself. I don’t have 500 miles on mine yet, but thus far, the car has exceeded my expectations for a US sub $100K manual sports car with daily drivability- and then there’s the Wow Factor.

 

[EspritGuy]

Honestly, he’s a great car guy- but he has to keep turning inventory to be relevant. As a daily sports car, the Emira does so many things right, that I don’t think his decision to move on is a negative reflection on the car itself. I don’t have 500 miles on mine yet, but thus far, the car has exceeded my expectations for a US sub $100K manual sports car with daily drivability- and then there’s the Wow Factor.

I hope he speaks to the operating costs. Cars come an go. To each their own. His feelings don't affect the joy I get from my Emira.

 

[eEmira]

Amen brother!!

3 pedals...Absotively!

 

[eEmira]

Would your opinion have been null and void 1 month ago when you didn't own an Emira?

Kitkat, how did you access your "Emira Status" field to state you're an owner? I can't figure it out! Thx in advance.

 

[Tokion]

I personally love Harry Metcalfe and his Harry’s Garage YouTube channel, and I do not feel that he has ever criticized the Lotus Emira, rather the contrary. His praise for this Lotus model has been consistent.. Just like everyone here, I was surprised that he decided to sell it after only 18 months, and I had hoped he felt that it was “a keeper”, like his Lotus Elan. He did also sell his beloved Esprit though, and he has expressed his love for that car even after he let it go.

I feel Harry’s criticism is against the current (international) Lotus management, and the projectory this management is steering Lotus towards. I very much agree with Harry Metcalfe in his reaction against this route of taking Lotus, and I definitely think it is a path that will make Lotus founder Colin Chapman twist uncomfortably in his grave.

I am saying this as an upcoming (after 3 years of wait) Lotus Emira owner. Many members herin won’t angree with my choice since the car I am awaiting is the 4-cylinder version with “paddles”, and it doesn’t have the cherished 3-pedals.

I was recommended to go this direction by a true Lotus (Elise/Exige) racer and tuning expert with a long career and lots of experience. But who cares: “To each his own”, and I have my full right to make my own choices. So I did

Long live LOTUS

 

[meenboli]

I really doubt that. Lotus had 1.2 million in sales for 2022, essentially sold maybe 10-20 cars? I don't know. They sold 2600 Emiras in 2023, and current production numbers for 2024 model year is at about 4000 - some of which were sold in 2023. So I'd say that the total number of Emiras built to date is probably somewhere between 5-6K.

They built 5033 in 2023.

Told me that on the factory tour.

They build roughly 24 per day.

 

[kitkat]

Kitkat, how did you access your "Emira Status" field to state you're an owner? I can't figure it out! Thx in advance.

Once you are a supporting member (pay product) you can get it in your custom title here https://www.emiraforum.com/account/account-details

 

[paulecar]

In summary, the reason he switched seems to be twofold, firstly he was finding himself gravitating towards other cars in his collection and secondly with his test drive of the Eletre and the various delays Lotus was having (such as Emira still being First Edition and seeing delays to the i4) he feels Lotus under Geely is not what he wanted to be a part of compared to what he thought at the time of ordering his car. There doesn't seem to be any major technical issues, only one he really called out was misting up due to aircon problems but other than that was fine.

The replacement is a MSO McLaren 650S Spider an example of which he enjoyed when he did a road trip in one on his channel. He also called it out as being what he thinks Lotus should be. Thing is though I don't agree with him on that point, if the Emira had been comparable to a 650S I would not own one then the cost would have been significantly higher and I wouldn't have one on my drive!

Harry obviously has more resources than most. Which I don't begrudge anyone. But I don't think the Emira and any McLaren are comparable, simply based on cost. The 650S is not an exchange of like for like, but an upgrade most couldn't afford. Let's be honest, maybe not everyone, but most people think paying 100K for an exotic is a bargain price, and that comes with some compromises. I wish I could afford the 250K 'alternative', but...

 

[Cutting42]

Harry obviously has more resources than most. Which I don't begrudge anyone. But I don't think the Emira and any McLaren are comparable, simply based on cost. The 650S is not an exchange of like for like, but an upgrade most couldn't afford. Let's be honest, maybe not everyone, but most people think paying 100K for an exotic is a bargain price, and that comes with some compromises. I wish I could afford the 250K 'alternative', but...

In the UK a 650s is very similar in cost to a new Emira. My Emira was going to be around £84k and my 650s was only £3k more than that. Always the risk of a big bill with a supercar but so far so good. I was parked next to an Emira at a car show last weekend and the Emira still looks epic.

 

[Biggles of Norwich]

In the UK a 650s is very similar in cost to a new Emira. My Emira was going to be around £84k and my 650s was only £3k more than that. Always the risk of a big bill with a supercar but so far so good. I was parked next to an Emira at a car show last weekend and the Emira still looks epic.

I take it you mean a second hand 650s since they stopped production in 2017? Hardly a reasonable comparison, although I sort of understand to your feeling about it.

 

[EMG]

In summary, the reason he switched seems to be twofold, firstly he was finding himself gravitating towards other cars in his collection and secondly with his test drive of the Eletre and the various delays Lotus was having (such as Emira still being First Edition and seeing delays to the i4) he feels Lotus under Geely is not what he wanted to be a part of compared to what he thought at the time of ordering his car. There doesn't seem to be any major technical issues, only one he really called out was misting up due to aircon problems but other than that was fine.

The replacement is a MSO McLaren 650S Spider an example of which he enjoyed when he did a road trip in one on his channel. He also called it out as being what he thinks Lotus should be. Thing is though I don't agree with him on that point, if the Emira had been comparable to a 650S I would not own one then the cost would have been significantly higher and I wouldn't have one on my drive!

Harry’s Garage is a YouTube fantasy.
The Emira is truly a great sports car on many levels. It is far more entertaining than any other automobile in its niche and punches well over it’s weight class- especially as a manual driver. All cars have some quality issues… good luck with that 650S. I’ve experienced no quality issues other than a slightly cocked steering wheel at delivery, that was corrected by a complimentary 4 wheel alignment. My ‘24 M2 has been to service 4 times for minor issues: window seals, rattles, air conditioning, and high beam adjustment. Lotus built an approachable enthusiast sports car with supercar styling, a sublime suspension, more than adequate horsepower, and a reliable drivetrain at a real world price- you can’t say that about Porsche anymore. I hope Lotus survives- the pandemic and tariffs have wreaked havoc on the industry in general and Lotus in particular.

 

[Cutting42]

I take it you mean a second hand 650s since they stopped production in 2017? Hardly a reasonable comparison, although I sort of understand to your feeling about it.

Yes of course, new they were a £250k+ car so in pure cash terms they are only comparable as long as you don't mind a 10 year old car vs a new one, My insurance was less with the Mac, road tax is more and service costs so far about the same. As a weekend toy they are also both comparable, similar space inside and for luggage, attract similar levels of attention and can work on the track as well as fast road driving. Absolute performance is a different level of course with the Mac but the handling and road drivability is very similar.

So yes a reasonable comparison I believe with some caveats, YMMV as the US folks might say.