Auto only: Turbo vs V6?

[Lotus F1]

As an I4 owner, I'm having a bit of trouble with the above logic....Plaid, used Mclarens, etc. over the 100k I4 just because buyer has appetite for a DCT? The absolute only reason to buy the V6 is that you like to row your own gears, that is it! Every other objective measure leans towards the I4 and with the addition of JB4 (1k), there's no contest. Sound is subjective and if you spend a bit of time in the I4, you will come away giggling like a school boy (confirmed by all US reviews). Find an i4 to test drive, not a dealer drive at 50mph around the city. I mean WOT in track mode and then let's hear some thoughts. Lotus did an absolute horrid job in releasing the 360hp variant in the UK - The US car is not that one. As far as issues with said car, only a small handful has had the casting sand issue and thermostat/flush has remediated most (according to US Lotus Engineer). August of this year another DCT software upgrade is coming that will further improve the trans.

Well stated 100% agree...and Im coming off from owning an Elise for over 20 years.

 

[OppositeLock]

We dinosaurs who like manual transmissions are a dying breed, and have to accept that some people simply _prefer_ a good automatic transmission. At a recent track day, I talked with a bunch of young guys who were driving Porsches very quickly, and they all got into driving real cars on the track by coming from simulators, where they learned to love paddle shifters.

To each their own. I can imagine having a good dual clutch transmission, the gas pedal is as responsive as in a manual transmission because that's what it is mechanically. The torque converter automatics (or god forbid a CVT) are what saps the peppiness out of an engine.

 

[Lotus F1]

We dinosaurs who like manual transmissions are a dying breed, and have to accept that some people simply _prefer_ a good automatic transmission. At a recent track day, I talked with a bunch of young guys who were driving Porsches very quickly, and they all got into driving real cars on the track by coming from simulators, where they learned to love paddle shifters.

To each their own. I can imagine having a good dual clutch transmission, the gas pedal is as responsive as in a manual transmission because that's what it is mechanically. The torque converter automatics (or god forbid a CVT) are what saps the peppiness out of an engine.

DCT feels like a clutch car. I just won't be balked out of any gears. Deal with a clutch of a thousand pushes a weakened or have to rev match. Urban life isn't fun with a manual. Out of town and open curvy roads makes better sense

 

[geoffbland]

I test drove the V6 and the i4 back to back. I'm old fashioned and was dead set on the manual - mainly for traditional reasons. But the DCT really tempted me. The i4 is faster and a lot of fun to drive. As you get the 400bhp version in the US and you prefer a automatic - the i4 is a no brainer. Go test drive one - if you are the sort of driver that wants the kind of engaging drive that a Lotus provides - you will know you want one just 5 minutes into your test drive.

 

[Lotus64]

V6 wins based off the emotion (exhaust sound, linear power delivery), yet I4 wins based off performance (quicker, lower cog).

If emotion was the main objective, V6 manual is the choice. Yet if manual is out of the question and that feedback / connection is no longer a priority, the I4's acceleration advantage and more enjoyable DCT is difficult to ignore in comparison to the V6 AT, even when considering the V6's superior exhaust note.

V6 MT > I4 DCT > V6 AT

 

[Lotus F1]

THe good thing is everyone can get what they want lol.

 

[Rayjoedef]

THe good thing is everyone can get what they want lol.

I agree, however, you were very generous there...lol

 

[Lotus F1]

I agree, however, you were very generous there...lol

We all know a yellow Turbo Lotus is the fastest

 

[yk793]

I'm really trying to understand how one can equate the driving dynamics and feel of a Lotus being the same driving experience as a Tesla based on a transmission being auto or not. As if a Lotus is purely defined by the mediocre stick shifter. Are you really serious? Do you even own a Lotus? It's almost an unbelievable argument

I just dont think Lotus is about being fast.. its about chassis, engagement and weight/power ratio.. I personally love manual cars.. and no way i could get an Emira that is not manual.. I think what he was trying to say , “get the I4 is much faster” shouldnt be the reason to choose the I4. Because sub 100k there are plenty faster, we all know that.. Plus i drove the I4 and its not MUCH faster lmao, it has the lower rpm punch due to turbo set up thats all.. well the V6 fun starts when I4s powerband dies.. its all preference of the manual vs paddles.. engine wise I4 sounded ok to me nowhere near how great the sc v6 sounds.. at all.. its all personal preference you know..

 

[Teshoo Lama]

I'm really trying to understand how one can equate the driving dynamics and feel of a Lotus being the same driving experience as a Tesla based on a transmission being auto or not. As if a Lotus is purely defined by the mediocre stick shifter. Are you really serious? Do you even own a Lotus? It's almost an unbelievable argument

I might not put it so bluntly, but I do have some sympathy with this view. The Emira's exterior, interior and chassis is a pinnacle of automotive modernity. It seems aesthetically wrong to define it by its aged powertrain variant, rather than the ultramodern M139.

Of course, if you love a manual, there is no alternative. And I own a car with a 2GR series engine and love it, so I wouldn't ever knock the V6. But to me, the I4 is the better expression of the Emira concept.

 

[NJemira85]

at this point lotus ownership is a coalition of lotus purists and homeless manual enthusiasts with less brand loyalty.

To the latter, a manual gt4RS may have been preferred.

If the i4 was offered with a manual, in 420hp tune state, that might have been preferred over the v6.

One gentleman here said the sport suspension was too firm, and he didn’t want a manual. If that’s the case, there truly are many auto cars which ride more comfortably, are much faster, and may even impress your mistresses more. There’s no arguing this.

 

[Lotus F1]

at this point lotus ownership is a coalition of lotus purists and homeless manual enthusiasts with less brand loyalty.

To the latter, a manual gt4RS may have been preferred.

If the i4 was offered with a manual, in 420hp tune state, that might have been preferred over the v6.

One gentleman here said the sport suspension was too firm, and he didn’t want a manual. If that’s the case, there truly are many auto cars which ride more comfortably, are much faster, and may even impress your mistresses more. There’s no arguing this.

I am baffled at how many people I have claim the sports suspension was to firm and twitchy. I find it to be rather compliant and very comfortable. Could timagine shooting for something softer.