📓 Journals Ft's Emira Adventure

[Ft.S]

I continue to benefit from many of the journals posted here, and I sincerely appreciate people taking time to share their experiences. In hopes of returning the favor to the community, I thought I start one of my own. I don't make many modifications to my vehicles, so I doubt this journal will be as comprehensive as the others I have been reading.

The start of the adventure is here:
2025 Emira V6 Manual Touring

https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/hello-again.6862/

 

[Ft.S]

I have driven the car just about 150 mi. during the last 5 days, and we are getting acquainted.

There are two track events left this season that I am registered, one with the local (Washington DC region) PCA and the other BMW CCA. To get ready, I planned few changes: Tires, brake pads, brake cooling, brake fluid and alignment.

First off was the tires. Ordered Contin ECF in stock sizes. They arrived in two days from trackdaytires.com. They really have superb service, including consultation over the phone.

Starting to Understand "Add lightness and Simplify"

Car on the lift for the first time and wheels off, I marvelled on the work of art that is the suspension on the Emira. It looks so simple, yet so effective. It appears there are only just enough parts that are needed, no crowding, no wires, just few key connectors with the control arms. Compared to my previous M3, which had MacPherson strut up front and multi-link in the rear with all sorts of electrical wires criss-crossing, the Emira's wheel wells were so clean and simple. I am getting my first glimpse of the "simplify."

I know many of you already seen similar pictures, but I'll still add few of my own, in comparison to a typical MacPherson/Multi-link car (M3).

Emria Front Suspension:

M3 Front Suspension (the orange ducts were added later for brake cooling):

The Emira Rear Suspension:

The M3 Rear Suspension:

Also, the wheel locking bolt is nothing new to many of you, but it was the first time I came across such simple and effective solution against theft. The locking bolt has a spinning outer sleeve, so it cannot be tapped-broken HAHA! I am sure theeves have other ways, but it is just another simple approach to making it harder on them. Why other manufacturers do not do it?!?

 

[Ft.S]

Finally, break-in is complete, took nearly 6 six weeks, sheesh!
I have been enjoying driving it as a regular car for daily needs, going for groceries, running errands, and just driving for the sake of driving. I am also looking forward to my first track event in 10 days at Summit Point. I have apprehensions about how it will hold up.

Based on many notes on these forums and others, my expectations have been really low for my first Lotus. Here are some of my initial experiences and observations:

• The car’s built quality is better than I was expecting. There are no rattles, no misalignments or other weird noises, except two things: (1) the left front proximity sensor is overly sensitive, as reported by others,and needs to be realigned, (2) there is a strange noise above 50 mph when the throttle pedal is pressed partially or kept steady; it is like a thin card board flapping rapidly in the wind, pirr-pirr-pirr.
• Trunk and door close with minimal push and make solid sounds
• Visibility is superb.
• Although I do like the feel of the steering, I do not like the wheel itself. I still haven’t gotten used to it. If the ratio was shorter and I could have my hands mostly stay on 9-and-3 positions, I would not mind the shape of it, but right now I nearly detest it.
• We all know how good Lotus has always been with the chassis and suspension tuning. What I am experiencing during street driving is more than just good, it is nearly perfect. The shocks just absorb the undulations and bumps, without compromising directional changes or becoming harsh or crashing. The spring set up is also so well matched for street driving that the car nearly never feels over sprung even on rather rough roads.
• I hadn’t realized how distracting all of the screens and heads-up displays were in my previous cars. When manufacturers started adding these screens, initially I thought it is cool. I thought I will miss those in the Lotus. Surprisingly, I am so glad they are not in the Emira. I pay much more attention to driving, seeing the details outside as I drive and enjoy the lack of constantly something on the screen asking for my attention. Even the small Emira screen feels perfect in size and so very easy to operate intuitively. If the sun light directly hits the screen it is invisible; otherwise, it has been a good experience.
• CarPlay works nearly every single time. The only times bluetooth does not connect is when I do three or four stops during short trips.
• Storage space is limited for sure, but it hasn’t been an issue to visit the grocery stores, get take out (the meals stay warm in the trunk), or going to the hardware store.

Let’s see if I can find some items to complain about:

• It is loud inside the cabin. It is the perfect reason to send calls to voice mail.
• Wipers are not great, but do the job overall.
• First two days of driving, I had cramps on my left foot and frankly I was smiling in pain. It has been more than ten years since I drove a manual.
• Doing my on work on the car is challenging. I changed the brake pads that was easy, but took me a couple of hours. I haven’t flushed the brake fluid myself though. Changing the oils will be difficult, I might decide to buy a lift system.
• The Paid RSL29 pads dust at crazy levels. While changing the pads, I washed the wheels at detail level, then in less than 50 miles, I had bronze wheels. I think once I bed them in, the dusting might taper off or at least I hope so.
• Scheduling service with the local dealer is more than challenging. They keep asking me to leave the car with them for several days to complete my check list of items following break-in. So, I got some of the work done myself, some at another shop (Ross Service) and hopefully I can just wait for a couple items left to do.
• The shifter is notchy like I never had before. At the same time, I am really enjoying the purely mechanical feel. I’ll take notchy over the shifter pedals on the steering column.

Hopefully next update will be after the first track day with the sunny side staying up

 

[geoffbland]

• Although I do like the feel of the steering, I do not like the wheel itself. I still haven’t gotten used to it. If the ratio was shorter and I could have my hands mostly stay on 9-and-3 positions, I would not mind the shape of it, but right now I nearly detest it.

When I got my car I thought I would get used to the steering wheel, after about a month and the first few thousand miles I was really starting to dislike it. But I now have got used to it and to be honest now really like the shape of it. When I drive other cars I am missing the feedback of the shape of the wheel under my hands. I've done a 360 on the wheel

 

[Ft.S]

When I got my car I thought I would get used to the steering wheel, after about a month and the first few thousand miles I was really starting to dislike it. But I now have got used to it and to be honest now really like the shape of it. When I drive other cars I am missing the feedback of the shape of the wheel under my hands. I've done a 360 on the wheel

Thank you for your note, gives me hope

 

[seriously]

I hated the steering wheel at first. Now I enjoy it. It’s part of the car’s design and I know instinctively where to grab it depending on how much I want to turn the car. At first it was awkward.

I was looking forward to static suspension (I really dislike adaptive dampers) yet I am surprised how much I like it. I think they did a fantastic job.

The design of the cockpit is minimal and purposeful. But good materials. Again amazing job.

 

[Ft.S]

First track day done. Came away with a lot of mixed feelings.

I am an intermediate driver, and I don't focus on lap times and trying learn as best as I can. I do track events for fun, the social atmosphere and to get away from daily grind.

The event was at Summit Point Main circuit.

We started the day at 38 degF, and our group was out first on track to clean it up and lay some rubber for the faster guys. I had much apprehension before getting on track, I was hoping the car would perform, not give me any mechanical or electrical issues. I was worried for nothing. The car performed very well. Me on the other hand... I need a lot of work, and that's part of the adventure and excitement

I'll start off with the negatives:

• I chose to put Contin ECF tires in stock sizes using stock wheels. And I chose to put on Pagid RSL29 pads with Motul 660 brake fluid. I also installed the Jubu brake cooling elements front and rear (they are so well designed, I am surprised it is aftermarket).
• The car has about 1300 miles on it and 8-900 miles on the ECF tires on the street. I don't think that was enough to scrub the tires before the track event. They did not perform well at all. The two reasons I chose them were that (1)I read and heard that they handle heat well, and they did, (2) they were at a discount, $600 cheaper than Cup2 tires. However, grip levels is either on par or slightly worse than PS4S tires.
  • Not just cornering grip was less than I was hoping for, but particularly the RSL29 pads were over-powering them under braking, engaging ABS quite often.
  • Going into T1, I would barely reach 130 mph (~20 mph lower than in the M3), and if I was a tiny bit too aggresive getting on the brakes, the tires would chirp and ABS would engage, making entry to the corner a bit dicey.
  • Same situation with the entry coming in to T5. If I tried to be a bit later in braking, the brakes felt as if I was getting "ice mode" and a couple of times I was at risk of driving straight into the grass and missing the turn.
  • As the day went on, I changed my braking more towards street braking. I would start smoothly, and gradually increase pressure. That worked a lot better, but it was slower. I think this is more related to the tires than the brakes or pads.
  • I need more testing the brakes to figure it out, but it may be that 265 front tires may be a better setup after I finish up the ECFs. Although, I have to accept that the ECF tires held up to 25-30 mins sessions much better than the PS4S or Cup 2 tires, and they barely show any abuse on them. They are going to last more than a couple of events. And maybe as they get worn, they'll perform better.
  • The most negative Gs under braking I managed to have was 1.4; very disappointing, especially when the car would register 1.4 G in the corners as well. I need to confirm this once Solo DL starts recording, I am not sure the car's G meter is working right.
• The power was underwhelming to say the least. On the front and back straight (T9-T10 section), the acceleration is so linear that it does not feel fast. Also, my top speeds were significantly lower than in my previous cars by 10-20 mph, but my cornering speeds were maybe 1-2 mph higher in most corners.
• The rev limiter really slaps you hard. Twice I got one-two punches, WHACK1..WHACK! and learned my lesson. But in a way, I am glad it is there of course.
• Even Though the weather was cool, it got really hot inside the car. I have to admit that the Emira made me work hard, but with the windows closed, I was sweating. So, I had to crack open the windows for human cooling.
• The alignment in the car is quite off, especially in the front. This made for some interesting braking and corner behaviours, sometimes, nothing to complain much about and easy fix.
• My AIM Solo DL 2 just did not want to record anything. It was reading the ODB2 just fine, shift lights worked perfectly, but it would not record, and it would turn itself off after about 10 mins, which meant I would get ECT readings and other info for about 1.5 laps, then it would shut off and not turn on again. I'll figure it out in the coming days.

That's about all that is negative, besides my driving. Now the positives:

• The car really performed flawlessly. Mechanically it never complained. We started at rather chilly temps, but it went up to low 70s as the day went on, and there were no issues with engine cooling or any sort of hiccups I could observe. The ECT, on track, never went above 194 degF, and it was reading 5 degrees higher than the ODB2 according to Solo 2 (while it worked).
• It drives really like a mid-engine and a rear-engine 911. The dynamics are a mixture of my old Cayman and 911 GT3. It felt very natural to me, and I had to remember the techniques I use to employ from many years ago.
• The transition from brake to throttle mid-corner is very smooth, it does not get upset or do funny things. Gradual inputs seemed to work best. In contrast, my M3 rewarded a bit of man-handling the car. Throwing it around and trusting it will grip yielded better results, which I never felt quite comfortable frankly. I like how the Emira behaves much more.
• Riding the curbs was no issue at all. They were smooth and actually helped me with the transitions during the T7-8 section going into T9. The M3 would struggle mightily in that section and the weight transfer would feel like an eternity.
• The more aggressive I was with the throttle at corner exits, the better the car responded. I felt very good modulating the brakes and throttle through a corner to either manage the under or oversteer. The car just responded so positively to those inputs, it was a delight.
• Visibility is superb. Placing the car where I wanted by being able to see out the windshield and sides is so welcome. In the M3, that was an issue, especially with the combination of the thick A-pillar and the gigantic side mirrors.
• The shifter is now buttery smooth
• The odd shaped steering wheel, it perfectly fine, got used to it in a hurry.
• This was a PCA event. The amount and value of the hardware people brought to the event, as expected, was astonishing. However, the Emira got a lot more attention that many of the Porsches. It generated unexpected conversations and connections.
• Driving home after a hard-day's work was also bliss. I love the fact that I can drive to the track in my daily with minimal preparation, run as hard as I can all day, and drive back the same way. No rattles, no unusual noises, no objections from the car. For me that is "mission accomplished!"

One happy owner here. God Speed.

 

[Mal-lotus]

Wondering -- did you run the car in Track mode with the Track ESC enabled, or fully off?

I feel like the Emira holds power back if the steering wheel is not straight, even with Track mode, unless you fully disable the ESC.

 

[Ft.S]

Wondering -- did you run the car in Track mode with the Track ESC enabled, or fully off?

I feel like the Emira holds power back if the steering wheel is not straight, even with Track mode, unless you fully disable the ESC.

This is interesting. I ran in track mode, but did not disable ESC. If it is dry track, I'll try tuning off ESC completely next Friday.

Thank you for the tip.

 

[Ft.S]

The alignment has been off on the car, and it has had a bit of a pull to the right. I dropped it off at the dealer for alignment, explained what I am sensing and the alignment settings I would like to have.
The dealership tech has been superb thus far, carefully listening, taking notes, and doing really good work.

He got the alignment right on three of the corners on the car; the toe and caster settings were really off. However..! he could not get the left caster adjusted in conjunction with the camber and toe I want. The eccentric bolt used to adjust the caster on the lower control arm, inboard, gets stuck at 1/4 turn. It is supposed to go 1/2 turn to get into spec. Lotus US suggested to take the bolt out, clean the bushing, grease the bolt and try again. And if that does not work, replace the control arm.

For now, I am okay the way it is, although it is still pulling to the right slightly. I will be dropping the car off after my track days are done for this year. I'll provide an update on the final outcome here..

 

[MiamiBlue]

For now, I am okay the way it is, although it is still pulling to the right slightly. I will be dropping the car off after my track days are done for this year. I'll provide an update on the final outcome here..

Is this pull just under acceleration?
A few of us have noticed similar and been unable to dial it out with alignment/geo.

Thread here: https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/slight-right-pull-under-acceleration.5920/

 

[Ft.S]

Is this pull just under acceleration?
A few of us have noticed similar and been unable to dial it out with alignment/geo.

Thread here: https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/slight-right-pull-under-acceleration.5920/

No, it is constant. Initially, there was a pull or 'attitude change' when accelerating, particularly in 3rd gear, which was the reason I asked for alignment in the first place. That went away once the rear toe was fixed, which was way off.

 

[Ft.S]

I went to a NASA Mid-Atlantic event at my home track last weekend, the last of the season. We could not have been luckier in terms of the weather; it rained on Friday night, but Saturday and most of Sunday were dry, hitting around 70 degF. On Monday the arctic cold hit, back down to 30 degF.

I had a blast the whole weekend. I think I am starting to understand Emira's attitude. My AIM also worked, so I was able to collect some data, which I will look into as I find the time in the coming weeks.

One of my gripes with the tires are mainly gone, they performed really well. I am fairly sure that these Conti ECF tires will keep getting better as they wear down, similar to Toyo RA1s. They still won’t be the fast tires compared to the Falken Azenis, RE71RS or CRS, but for my driving level and objectives, they are more than acceptable. I kept trying to find the right pressures throughout the weekend. These tires did not feel or perform well when the hot pressures were above 31 psi. They felt really solid at 26 psi front and 28 psi rear. That translated to low 20s cold pressures, 21-23 psi.

Overall, the car felt really good. I also built up a lot more confidence in it. The more I pushed it, the more it gave. I still think with wider front tires, it will behave noticeably better. I could feel the front tires getting overwhelmed when I prolonged the brakes beyond the turn-in point a little too much on mid- to high-speed corners.

The Emira’s responses to throttle and brake modulations are just peachy. The car does not get upset. When I provide the right inputs, it almost talks back “thank you, that’s the way to do it.” When I give the wrong inputs, either with the steering, throttle or brakes, it says “Heck No! I am not doing that you silly, try better next time.” It just does not punish back, very gentle in all conditions, easy to drive dare I say.

It is not a fast car, but it is so satisfying to drive and enjoyable, I feel lucky having it. The best part is the drive back home, after all the abuse. It feels like a GT cruising the back roads without any issues, rattles or objections. Every mile on road or track is full of emotions. I cannot wait for 2026 season and discover more that’s under the skin.

A summary video can be found here.