Fastest Emira in Real World: V6 Auto?!

Could the red-headed stepchild of the range actually be the fastest in real world driving conditions? I was intrigued to see the 49-74mph times published on the Lotus UK configurator:

I4 Turbo (360hp): 3.1s
I4 Turbo SE (400hp): 3.1s
V6 SE Manual: 3.3s
V6 SE Auto: 2.67s

I'd never seen this particular metric before, but it could be a useful proxy for a real-world overtaking manoeuvre. High-rev launch controls do distort real performance comparisons in my view.

I'd love to see a rolling race between the V6 Auto and 400hp I4, like the DragTimes video that showed the I4 outperforming the manual V6 quite handily. Would anyone with a V6 Auto be willing to make it happen, for science?

I have to admit, a 20 year old Toyota torque convertor doesn't have aesthetic appeal, but owners always seem to talk favourably about the later Evora IPS. Despite this, the Emira Auto is universally dismissed by YouTubers who haven't driven one. I wonder if they, and I, have been doing it a disservice?

That would be a typo. The V6 Auto, is in fact the slowest Emira variant made.

Exactly, it's the slowest of the variants

Lotus F1 said:

Exactly, it's the slowest of the variants

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In a contrived traffic light Grand Prix (0-60). Lotus data supports this:

I4 Turbo (360hp): 4.3s
I4 Turbo SE (400hp): 3.8s
V6 SE Manual: 4.2s
V6 SE Auto: 4.6s

We're all wired differently. Whenever I see a data point that challenges conventional wisdom, I get interested and see opportunity. Most people are naturally dismissive.

Anyone know what the I4 360bhp time is?

Beachbum said:

Anyone know what the I4 360bhp time is?

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Yes, the Lotus UK configurator for the Turbo (360hp) gives 4.3s for 0-60 and 3.1s for 49-74. I'll update my posts.

Come to the track and let’s see who is slow! V6 auto here.

In Track mode it’s super good, gear changes and everything, uphill and downhill, corners etc. Planning to change the ECU program (more torque) once the warranty expires, that’s the only thing I miss.

In road use even a BMW M2 is faster when overtaking, but at the track it’s a different story - I can easily follow a Porsche 911 GT3 with the Emira.

In any particular 25MPH band times will vary with hp/tq curves and gearing. All versions of the car are quick. Get what you like. The 400hp DCT will be the fastest in most cases, until something else is announced. I intend to keep my car a long time and like Toyota maintenance and parts bills over AMG, and I like to heel-toe so the V-6 manual is for me.

leofin said:

Come to the track and let’s see who is slow! V6 auto here.

In Track mode it’s super good, gear changes and everything, uphill and downhill, corners etc.

Planning to change the ECU program (more torque) once the warranty expires, that’s the only thing I miss.

In road use even a BMW M2 is faster when overtaking, but at the track it’s a different story - I can easily follow a Porsche 911 GT3 with the Emira.

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a lot of the "dynamic" performance is related to the track needs and speeds driven, Nürburgring vs. Italian Alps

Let's drive in the Alps or on a "narrow circuit" ... then the v6 auto isn't capable of going down to 1st gear and it takes a lot of time to get up to revs
I drove the V6 Auto for 110.000 km in the Evora and am happy now with the double clutch gearbox

RPM said:

In any particular 25MPH band times will vary with hp/tq curves and gearing. All versions of the car are quick. Get what you like. The 400hp DCT will be the fastest in most cases, until something else is announced. I intend to keep my car a long time and like Toyota maintenance and parts bills over AMG, and I like to heel-toe so the V-6 manual is for me.

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Ah, the voice of reason, thank you!

reneder said:

a lot of the "dynamic" performance is related to the track needs and speeds driven, Nürburgring vs. Italian Alps

Let's drive in the Alps or on a "narrow circuit" ... then the v6 auto isn't capable of going down to 1st gear and it takes a lot of time to get up to revs
I drove the V6 Auto for 110.000 km in the Evora and am happy now with the double clutch gearbox

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After the last software update from Lotus, the gear changes are pretty fast and down shifts are spot on Don't know about the Evora but that was released... 10 years ago? I have tested the Emira in only 3 tracks so far (Hungary, Estonia, Finland) and would like to visit Germany next.

PS. Toyota parts are cheap - but tires are expensive
PS2. Would like to add that a McLaren 570s was doing similar lap times