Auto only: Turbo vs V6?

[yk793]

V6: wins on incredible sound alone with all the goodies at the rear end (cat delete, open exhaust) - and assuming you can mod the shifter assembly and cables like on other Lotus (like Shinoo's entire assembly on the Elise) I am sure you can get the shift action to be notchy with good feel

I4: wins on tuning potential, speed and turbo theatrics, and the ease of driving in full auto in touring and relaxing in traffic or stick it in manual and paddle click away as quick as you can drive it.

I don't really know of that many of other sports cars where you can pick exactly what you want in terms of driving experience and engine package, and know you can tune and add/change parts to get EXACTLY what you want. Yeah they have issues and there some real deal breakers in terms of things going wrong, but once stabilized it's such a great platform...whichever you chose.

I chose turbo because I prefer the speed of not worrying about shifting while flying through space and time as fast as I can in the canyons - the sounds, and just tuning in general. In the other universe I am doing the same thing in the V6 and happily rowing away with that crazy sound.

Tunability of I4 is amazing.. Imagine that thing with just boot ons and a e85 set up! Sick

 

[Lotus F1]

Tunability of I4 is amazing.. Imagine that thing with just boot ons and a e85 set up! Sick

Its becomimg a lil rocket ship running E30 on JB4. Still have to do the exhaust and cat

 

[seriously]

Why did this become a manual vs auto convo? I thought it was auto vs auto/dct. Anyways, all the variants have merit in my eyes.

I’d imagine the dct i4 experience is much more similar to a Porsche where speed is so easy and smooth. I could find ways to make that entertaining no problem.

 

[PatrickJS]

To get back on topic regarding the V6 vs I4 decision:

The V6 auto is a great choice if:

• You appreciate its distinctive sound (f1 like sound that people pay a lot just to mimic it)
• Prefer the linear power curve (more control in corners).
  • I originally didn't like this since I prefer the German engine of high torque (I'm coming from the A90 supra with B58) but soon understood the value)
• You don't plan to modify for more power (or plan on dumping money in it to match i4)
  • You understand you have to spend $20k+ for the v6 to match i4 performance
  • DCT upgrade from JUBU being $20k
• Fuel economy isn't a priority
• The higher cost doesn't concern you (Lotus 3.99% APR incentives are for i4)
  • Less availability compared to i4
  • v6 generally cost more since it's more desired
• You much prefer hydraulic steering (for some people this is highly worth)
• both don't have LSD but with v6 auto you can install one (10-15k tho and i4 likely won't get one unless Lotus releases it in a special performance edition)

Otherwise, the I4 is likely the better automatic option in many ways


For quick reference:
• V6 = More track-oriented
• I4 = Better daily driver GT car

Something to consider: The 2026 Emira will cost more but includes adaptive cruise control, which is practically essential for daily driving in traffic. 2026 version will have better DCT tuning which is the only issue with current versions. And with the V8 release in the future, who knows - maybe that will discontinue both versions for a simplified V8 auto vs V8 manual lineup.

Personal experience: I daily drive a V6 auto and have been very happy with it.

 

[Lotus F1]

I would think that if there is a 2026 DCT tuning that that would be a computer upgrade flash for the previous i4 cars

 

[PatrickJS]

I would think that if there is a 2026 DCT tuning that that would be a computer upgrade flash for the previous i4 cars

yeah technically Lotus can just update it for others. I think its more work for them not to vs just giving it to every i4 owner

 

[yk793]

To get back on topic regarding the V6 vs I4 decision:

The V6 auto is a great choice if:

• You appreciate its distinctive sound (f1 like sound that people pay a lot just to mimic it)
• Prefer the linear power curve (more control in corners).
  • I originally didn't like this since I prefer the German engine of high torque (I'm coming from the A90 supra with B58) but soon understood the value)
• You don't plan to modify for more power (or plan on dumping money in it to match i4)
  • You understand you have to spend $20k+ for the v6 to match i4 performance
  • DCT upgrade from JUBU being $20k
• Fuel economy isn't a priority
• The higher cost doesn't concern you (Lotus 3.99% APR incentives are for i4)
  • Less availability compared to i4
  • v6 generally cost more since it's more desired
• You much prefer hydraulic steering (for some people this is highly worth)
• both don't have LSD but with v6 auto you can install one (10-15k tho and i4 likely won't get one unless Lotus releases it in a special performance edition)

Otherwise, the I4 is likely the better automatic option in many ways


For quick reference:
• V6 = More track-oriented
• I4 = Better daily driver GT car

Something to consider: The 2026 Emira will cost more but includes adaptive cruise control, which is practically essential for daily driving in traffic. 2026 version will have better DCT tuning which is the only issue with current versions. And with the V8 release in the future, who knows - maybe that will discontinue both versions for a simplified V8 auto vs V8 manual lineup.

Personal experience: I daily drive a V6 auto and have been very happy with it.

A V8 would be AMGs twin turbo set up.. doesnt interest me much.. Love the power and weight ratio of current both set ups.. That biturbo V8 and Lotus weight and chassis hust not a match. But if they source a NA V8, now that can be pretty cool.
Adaptive cruise control etc, wont do nothin for me, its a Lotus. I can get better performance and build quality for much less than Lotus price in other brands if i care for things like that..

 

[sixtyy]

I am very happy with V6 auto. I am in LA, and I drive on i10 and 405 often. It is either emira auto or manual (but I have to use another car for daily).

I am from:
- Porsche flat 6 turbo tuned with accessport.
- Lexus RCF v8 NA. Mod with q300 exhaust and many body kits.

I love the sound of v6 super charger. 3rd cat delete is a must have. I live in a quiet neighborhood in westside LA and I don’t want louder.

Turbo is objectively better tho, faster, nimble, sounds great too.

V6 sounds better and power is more linear.

Do test drive and decide yourself.

Btw: I made a horrible decision to sell my RCF. I am very regretful.

 

[PatrickJS]

Yes, I also went with the v6 auto and am happy with it.

Choosing the v6 means you value the driving experience and emotional connection over raw specifications. Anyone who selected the v6 should recognize this. If you're primarily focused on achieving performance numbers that the i4 hits effortlessly, perhaps the i4 would have been more suitable.

But if any of the characteristics I listed earlier matter more to you, then your v6 choice makes perfect sense. After all, sports cars are fundamentally emotional purchases. If decisions were based purely on practicality, we'd all be driving a hybrid Prius.

The key is to choose based on what genuinely matters to you personally, not just what looks better on a spec sheet.

 

[Rayjoedef]

Well then by your logic, 3 things can also be true at the same time for the turbo...

1. Driving experience
2. Emotional connection
3. Achieving performance numbers

I experience this everyday... well, mostly late at night!

 

[Milk242]

Driving experience is subjective. I chose the turbo because hearing the turbo sound with the window down makes me feel giddy, more so than a supercharged engine. Plus I was always gonna choose an auto and the DCT is better than a torque converter imo. Secondary to this, is the potential tuning capability of the engine and it being a newer engine with a closed deck design and forged internals.

All in all, I bought the car because of the sublime handling, newer tech, beautiful interior and exterior and I see too many Porsches in my area and wanted something unique. I also always admired the Exige and Elise and wanted to see what a Lotus was all about.

 

[seriously]

If I got the i4 I would definitely look for something that accentuates the boost blow off valve sound. It may be juvenile but that’s the fun part about turbos to me.