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 have claimed the sports suspension was to firm and twitchy. I find it to be rather compliant and very comfortable. Couldn't timagine shooting for something softer.

 

[scv]

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.

Agree wholeheartedly; essentially same ride as Evora GT………...

 

[CHEESE]

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

Yikes, that's quite an overreaction, and nowhere did I directly equate the driving dynamics and feel of a Lotus to a Tesla. I simply stated that a Plaid is way faster and more practical, for those who are OK with automatics. No need to be so offended to the point where you even made a personal insult. Yes, I own an Emira among many other cars. Should I stoop to your level and question whether you've ever driven a manual?

 

[Lotus F1]

Personal Insult? What the heck are you talking about? Asking if you even own a Lotus or not is a question and not a personal Insult. There are many people on car boards who Don't actually own the car but are fans of the car. To ask me if I ever owned a manual car would be fine I would simply say, yes I've driven my Lotus Elise for over 22 years (including driving across the country several times). No insult there. Sorry but you made a strange reference that if you want an automatic Lotus you might as well just get a Tesla which completely undermines the many other car dynamics of the car and how it is to drive a Lotus. it made me question if you even had one to make such a odd suggestion. Driving my 500hp DCT Emira is completely different experience then driving a heavy sedan EV

 

[yk793]

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.

a manual GT4RS would have been dreamy.. imo that car is the best rs car in Porsche line.. drove the new gt3rs too and easily i can say the gt4rs is a better enthusiast car.. those induction noises are nsane in cabin..
However price wise is it a two times more of a car than an Emira? hell no.. at $220k its comparing apples and almonds..

 

[allenyao09]

a manual GT4RS would have been dreamy.. imo that car is the best rs car in Porsche line.. drove the new gt3rs too and easily i can say the gt4rs is a better enthusiast car.. those induction noises are nsane in cabin..
However price wise is it a two times more of a car than an Emira? hell no.. at $220k its comparing apples and almonds..

Manual RS cars will be fantastic but also super rare like the 911 R and ST and come with an insane price tag. I don't think Porsche will ever release a manual for 718 platform as it's coming to an end, even if they could use the manual transmission from GT3.