i4 Software Update/transmission

Just got the email from Lotus that there is a significant software update for the i4 that should improve the transmission. Paddle shifting is so delayed that using the paddles on track is not an option, and I remember this (correctly) being the major criticism in some of the initial reviews of the i4. Hopefully, this will be a meaningful upgrade:

Faster and smoother gear shifts

· Enhanced overall drivability and refinement

· Optimised performance characteristics

· Potential improvements in fuel efficiency
 
Ahh ok so no new update
 
Ahh ok so no new update
It is a bit...silly the back and forth, we really need those downshifts to be crisper. It's strange there are times the downshifts are instantaneous but I can't reproduce it at all, maybe one out of 50 lol
 
I’m obviously new at this.

communication regarding a software update.


A CORRECTION TO OUR PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION
This email was sent in error and is not applicable to vehicles in your market. Please disregard the previous message.

No action is required from you, and there is no impact to your vehicle.

We apologise for any confusion caused and thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,
The Lotus Team
I just got the same. False alert. :(
 
Telling everyone an expected and long awaited update is here, then next minute pulling it back... That's beyond ridiculous🥲
 
Might be a good idea to start a messaging campaign via the Lotus Contact channel. If they receive enough feedback they will take action,

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT*
Select - other
 
It seems to me there is one but not in all markets. For some reason we aren't getting it yet and others are (other countries)
 
Which region is it for then. If no one else has gotten it.
 
Just spoke to my dealership on an unrelated issue, but asked about this. Response was: Nothing at the UK dealerships as yet. My car is up to date as of mid-May for software and has no outstanding updates pending.

Whatever that email was about, it either was in error, or too soon.
 
Well I can understand an error of region but I can't understand an error of the whole email. That would imply that someone completely made it up at Lotus lol
 
No tranny update for China market as well.
 
As an op had suggested. It might be time we all contact our dealers, lotus online and lotus engineers if you have their contact. It was a sin that the i4 was initially released with the past dct software. It's better now but its still a mechanical ahole compared to its competitors.
 
I know, ill pay for it for christ sakes
 
I wonder will this update also be offered to the SE Turbo too, mine in going into the dealer in a fortnight to try and sort the creaking/rattle I’m hearing at the left side of the dash so will ask them to check for updates too.
 
The lingering unknown is comparing a 2026 I4 with 2024/25 and seeing if there are differences. I tried to test drive a 2026 and my local dealer was sold out of them...will see next time I go if there are any in stock at that time. A simple 5 minute drive should unveil everything. But yes...either this is a real update, or something completely fabricated which I guess both are highly likely with Lotus (!). I also don't think there are any regions out there that have NOT received the last transmission update which did tighten things up from the initial launch software. But that was so long ago I don't see how they would create an email campaign for that now.
 
. Speaking of transmissions. I was told that usually on any dual clutch transmissions including Ferrari, mclaren it is normal for gear shifting inconsistencies in low gear and on takeoff. Like a momentary power loss or fuel pump issue. I was able to reduce this just by learning the car, applying the right amount of throttle, but if anyone else drives it, it will be evident. Does anyone else have this issue?
 
The lingering unknown is comparing a 2026 I4 with 2024/25 and seeing if there are differences. I tried to test drive a 2026 and my local dealer was sold out of them...will see next time I go if there are any in stock at that time. A simple 5 minute drive should unveil everything. But yes...either this is a real update, or something completely fabricated which I guess both are highly likely with Lotus (!). I also don't think there are any regions out there that have NOT received the last transmission update which did tighten things up from the initial launch software. But that was so long ago I don't see how they would create an email campaign for that now.
Should have mine back next week. You are welcome to compare!
 
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Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share a summary of the warranty work, software updates, and service campaigns completed on my 2024 Emira i4 during a recent trip to Galpin Lotus.

If anyone is heading in for service soon, here is the exact list of bulletins, software modules, and physical work addressed on my invoice:

Software Updates & Campaign Bulletins
  • QBR-131-25002R – VDDM (Vehicle Dynamics Domain Module) / VDM Updates: Software updates performed under campaign to refine vehicle dynamics logic, stability control calibrations, and eliminate phantom check engine codes / warning lights.
  • QBS-131-25011 – CEM (Central Electronic Module): Software update to improve electrical power management protocols and deep-sleep standby cycles.
  • QBS-131-26003 – TEM (Transmission Electronic Module): Software update for transmission electronics. Focuses on low-speed clutch behavior, shift smoothness, and transmission logic.
  • QBS-131-26010 – DIM (Driver Information Module): Global software update for the digital display cluster. Resolves cluster bugs and false positive warning pop-ups (such as erroneous telematics/SRS error messages).

Physical Fixes & Inspections
  • HVAC Resistor Water Shield (Fuse Box Membrane): Dealership submitted a technical ticket with Lotus and replaced the old HVAC shield with the updated water shield to prevent windshield/cowl rainwater runoff from hitting the front electronics bay and HVAC resistor.
    • Part installed: 8898764866 (ASO HVAC Resistor Water Shield)
  • QBS-131-26014 – Tail Lamp Harness: Installed brand new left and right link lead harnesses for the vehicle’s tail lamps per the technical bulletin.
    • Parts installed: 8904408720 (Link Lead RH) & 8904408655 (Link Lead LH)
  • QBS-131-26015 – Seat Belt Pretensioner Inspection: Inspected the SRS seat belt pre-tensioner connectors. Verified all locking tabs are fully secure and undamaged.
  • Steering Wheel Centering & Wheel Alignment: Steering wheel was slightly off-center to the right from delivery. Dealership confirmed a slight pull to the right and completed a full four-wheel alignment back to factory specs (approved as a one-time goodwill gesture).

Total Cost: $0.00 (Covered under Warranty / Campaign / Goodwill). Shoutout to John at Galpin Lotus for taking good care of me!

--------

I asked Gemini to tell me what the software updates should address:

1. Transmission Electronic Module (TEM)

Since your i4 uses the AMG-sourced 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), the TEM software governs how the clutches interact with your throttle input.
  • What changed: Lotus updated the shifting maps, low-speed clutch engagement logic, and gear-selection timing.
  • What you'll notice:
    • Smoother stop-and-go behavior: Reduced "jerkiness" or hesitation when pulling away from a stoplight or creeping in traffic.
    • Crisper gear changes: Faster, more predictable paddle-shift responses during spirited driving and smoother downshift rev-matching in Sport/Track modes.

2. Vehicle Dynamics Domain Module (VDDM / VDM)

The VDDM is the brain behind the Emira's handling electronics—it manages traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), and dynamic chassis feedback.
  • What changed: Refined sensor calibration and stability control intervention thresholds.
  • What you'll notice:
    • Fewer "phantom" check engine or traction lights: The previous software had overly sensitive sensor tolerances that would throw false error codes even when nothing was wrong.
    • More natural stability intervention: Under hard cornering, traction control interventions feel far less intrusive and smoother when feeding power back in.

3. Central Electronic Module (CEM)

The CEM acts as the central hub for the car’s electrical power grid, keyless entry, lighting, and "sleep mode" logic.
  • What changed: Optimized power management protocols, ECU sleep cycles, and CAN-bus network timing.
  • What you'll notice:
    • Better battery retention: The update forces deep-sleep states more reliably when the car is locked, reducing the high standby power drain when parked in your garage.
    • Consistent keyless entry: Reduced chances of the car failing to detect the key fob upon entry or ignition startup.

4. Driver Information Module (DIM)

The DIM controls your main digital gauge cluster right in front of the steering wheel.
  • What changed: Firmware bug fixes, cluster display stability, and telematics communication updates.
  • What you'll notice:
    • Faster startup: The instrument cluster boots up more reliably when starting the car.
    • No false warning pop-ups: Eradicates spurious warning symbols and "telematics fault" messages that previously triggered on the digital display without an underlying mechanical issue.

Summary

Overall, your Emira should feel noticeably smoother at low speeds, experience fewer glitchy dashboard warnings, and do a better job managing its battery while parked in your garage.
 
Sigh... Gemini is just making stuff up - half of that is nonsense...
Emiras don't have keyless entry, when have you ever seen a "telematics fault" message, where do the patch notes detail faster bootup etc etc.
AI is not intelligent, it just parses the most repeated text on the internet to form some text that statistically matches your request. It has no concept that this is correct.
You have check anything that AI tells you, especially if you are going to post this to a wider audience.
 
I was in B&C last week for the replacement door handle, there were some updates and apparently one was to the gearbox but i`m waiting for them to confirm what it actually was.

Car is a 24 I4 and was serviced in Feb so no updates since then.

But, the car does feel better and easily noticeable on the drive home. Smoother, quicker changes and a heavy right foot drops it much quicker and to a lower gear than i`d had before.

I struggled at times with it picking the right gear if i was coming up to a junction and needing to then accelerate away, that`s gone so far despite me trying to encourage it to get it wrong (just to see if I was imagining things)

So either i`ve convinced myself it`s changed, it 100% feels like it, or it actually has. I`ll update if i hear back from B&C as to what was actually loaded.
 
I'm confused.
We have had 2 US cars, and a UK car say they received a dct update.
But this comes a week or two after people in the US, UK and Canada say the were told by Lotus that the update is NOT available. A previous email saying it was, was sent in error.
So which is it?
Lotus is saying it is not available.
But car owners/dealers are saying it is.
🤷🏻
 

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