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

 

[Milk242]

Depends when the last time these people got updates. There was a DCT release back in maybe 2024 or early 2025 to fix some of the slow shifting. The 2026 supposedly has some new version of software that is even better and that’s what we are waiting for

 

[jebudd]

Does the 26 model already have the updates included. Just purchased this week.

 

[TheMotizzle]

After two days of driving, here are my initial observations. Keep in mind I’ve only driven in sport mode so far. I drove 25 miles on the freeway home from Galpin. I’ve also done a little bit of city driving, but not a ton. I’ll update if things change.

• The car is way more responsive under throttle in sport mode. Kinda reminds me of how track mode is. The traction control is definitely less aggressive. I’ll have to put it in track and compare. This is definitely an upgrade.
• I can’t say I notice a difference in the DCT when manually shifting, but it always felt pretty snappy to begin with. I got my car in March 2025 fwiw.
• I don’t drive full automatic a lot, but I’ll try to keep an eye on the shift logic. I know it held 2nd gear too long sometimes around town.
• The low speed lurching is still present in sport mode. Bummer. I was hoping this would be fixed.
• Android Auto still disconnects. I was hoping this would be resolved. The good news is, it seems to reconnect faster.
• I think the infotainment screen loads faster at startup, but will need more time to be sure.
• I haven’t seen a turn signal fault yet.
• Galpin told me the software updates would address the check engine light coming on. So far no light, but I’ve only ever had it go off twice during ownership and usually during hard driving. These are the codes I scanned before software updates. The check engine light cleared itself after 5-7 starts.
  • 1.P0133 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1
    Sensor 1
    Current
    2.P0133 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1
    Sensor 1
    Pending
    3.P0133 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1
    Sensor 1
    Permanent
    4.00,00,13,c2(P13c2) Please refer to manual
    Current
    5.P246B Vehicle Conditions Incorrect For Particulate
    Filter Regeneration
    Current

Not perfect, but some nice improvements!

 

[Lotus F1]

I don't know I have a 24 model with all the latest updates and I have zero issues.

 

[Lotus F1]

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.

Well technically you are right. There has been an update The question is is it the latest update that the DCT of the 2026 has. I don't think that particular update has happened yet. However there was an update in the past just not the latest one that I think we are all wanting

 

[Kaz]

Ok here is the latest Emira 420 Sport being whipped around Hethel. If you listen to the downshifts the delay from the click to the actuation of the gear change is the same as my launch edition with all the updates as of today - which is to say it's still slow on the downshifts so there is no magical new transmission tune it seems the same as what we all have right now.

 

[spats]

Yes still seems slow to respond to the downshift, I think the aftermarket will be our only saviour if the CPC is ever fully unlocked. I was told I had the 2026 gearbox update uploaded to mine a month ago, the only change I noticed was slightly better shifting logic for sport mode but no discernible changes elsewhere that I could tell.

 

[F1 SML8R]

I was having a conversation with a friend about this. It's important to note that the occasional delay (in this video) is only on downshifts. I have a theory on this. I don't think this is related to any signal delay, but a safety feature instead.

Watch the video and specifically look at the downshifts that are delayed with special attention to the tach. The delay only appears to happen (hence why described as "sporadic") under super quick back to back downshifts when initiated above 5 to 5.5k rpms. Why would this matter? My theory is it's a safety feature to ensure you don't blow the engine on downshifts. This is the same reason when you floor it, many of us quickly hit the redline/fuel cut-off in like a second or two.

These turbo engine wind up fast. So, on some downshifts, this is still problematic when it comes to overdriving. A better way to see this would be to pull up old Pre-'24 review videos and look at those early reviews and the lag in shifting under even normal driving and on both upshifts and downshifts. the shifting was in fact delayed at all levels early on. which is very different from what's in the current video (most shifts seems instantaneous). Unfortunately, this "sporadic" split second delay is likely here to stay because of how quickly these motors spin to redline and the safety measure needed to minimize damage.

 

[Kaz]

These turbo engine wind up fast. So, on some downshifts, this is still problematic when it comes to overdriving. A better way to see this would be to pull up old Pre-'24 review videos and look at those early reviews and the lag in shifting under even normal driving and on both upshifts and downshifts. the shifting was in fact delayed at all levels early on. which is very different from what's in the current video (most shifts seems instantaneous). Unfortunately, this "sporadic" split second delay is likely here to stay because of how quickly these motors spin to redline and the safety measure needed to minimize damage.

I reviewed basically every video I have ever recorded and I get about a 2% success rate on an instant downshift, unrelated to rpm or load. I'll try more experiments this weekend but basically I think even going into a corner conservative and down shifting at a much lower rpm doesn't change the shift actuation time...and the AMG cars don't do this either so this is Lotus tuning. But again, I will get a few instant downshifts randomly and I have yet to figure out the pattern. Just cruising around town or going hot doesn't seem to affect the downshift speed. For clarity I'm talking about manual downshifts in both Sport and Race. Touring is usually run it in auto when stuck in traffic or something and it's super smooth.

 

[F1 SML8R]

BTW, another experiment to try, run the car on an open canyon road or track (preferably) in track mode but automatic shifting. You'll see under hard braking/Decel the shifting is perfect but initiated at lower RPMs that bring the next gear close to redline but not over. Best place to see this is off a long straight and heavy braking into a tight turn where you will absolutely need to go down a couple of gears in fast sequence. The TCU does it in the most perfect way to keep the revs high but not past redline.

 

[F1 SML8R]

Here's a better video of the same drive. Go to 1.01/1.02. Listen to the downshift "click" but look at the tach. You actually see it flash like it does when you redline but it doesn't redline. Instead, it just delays the shift. You then see/hear him click it a second time and it downshifts.

 

[Rayjoedef]

Lotus protecting lotus - that's all it is...

 

[F1 SML8R]

Lotus protecting lotus - that's all it is...

Seems like it. In their defense, this might be part of the AMG agreement as well. "Hey, we'll only warranty these if you do XYZ safety parameters..."

In any case, it's good to see that in most cases now, the shift logic is largely instantaneous sans what appears to be a rpm specific shift delay.

 

[Rayjoedef]

Regardless of the tranny, no place i'd rather be - what wasn't suppose to be a daily NOW IS,

 

[Kaz]

BTW, another experiment to try, run the car on an open canyon road or track (preferably) in track mode but automatic shifting. You'll see under hard braking/Decel the shifting is perfect but initiated at lower RPMs that bring the next gear close to redline but not over. Best place to see this is off a long straight and heavy braking into a tight turn where you will absolutely need to go down a couple of gears in fast sequence. The TCU does it in the most perfect way to keep the revs high but not past redline.

ok lots of time testing this weekend and any variation of speed, G's, steering input, rpm, engine speed, vehicle speed, etc. does not change the downshift actuation speed in any drive mode in manual. I would still get a random instant shift like every 100th shift or so, no idea what is happening for that to happen lol. I've just adjusted like everyone who has an I4 to be just slightly ahead of the click when entering hot into a corner and it's fine we're splitting hairs here but, one can dream! It will be up to Brent to tune the tcu once all the cpc stuff is out of the way

 

[abel1789]

my car is a 2024, and i got the update last week via Lotus dealership. The difference isnt night and day to be honest. The most annoying part which was the delay between going to Drive to Parking and Vice Versa is still there. Sometimes i would still need to shift the gearb knob twice just to tell the transmission to go either reverse or drive.

If only they had BMW's F80/F82 7 speed dct in it. Its lightning fast and engaging, instantaneous shifts and u even get to feel that slight jerk when shifting up that you feel so connected to the car. The lotus i4's downfall is still the transmission. AMG's just dont make good transmission i would say. I have had several BMW M cars and Porsche PDK's and these 2 makes the best Dual Clutch transmissions.

 

[Lotus 2024]

Ok here is the latest Emira 420 Sport being whipped around Hethel. If you listen to the downshifts the delay from the click to the actuation of the gear change is the same as my launch edition with all the updates as of today - which is to say it's still slow on the downshifts so there is no magical new transmission tune it seems the same as what we all have right now.

Did they upgrade the paddles?? Clicks and bigger

 

[NE12SD8]

The only fault I am getting in the 2024 i4 is something about tail light. It then vanishes spontaneously. It must be erroneous. However, the biggest issue is the clutch shifting in low gears or when excelerating from a stop. This is hope there is a true fix for because its quite embarrassing when trying to impress a passenger or a guest test driving it. I will check with the dealership soon. Somehow I feel each will have a different answer.

 

[NE12SD8]

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.

 

[NE12SD8]

Did that jerkynes in low gear acceleration resolve after your update? This is quite annoying even though I got somewhat accustomed to learning the acceleration to minimize it. But for a guest test driving it, it is sure to come up.