meccanisti
Well-known member
Yet another DV here. Here's a little write up I did on Insta (https://www.instagram.com/meccanisti/) which summarises my first week's ownership experience (600 miles in). Pics from Elan Valley/Devil's Bridge/Aber drive
First thoughts on my Emira...
Let's get the bad bits out of the way first. The temperature control is on the wrong side of the car (you have to reach around the gearstick), the wipers don't work properly, one door seal is a bit wonky in the corner and it would be nice if the screen in front of the driver mimicked some proper dials (Stack setup from an Elise S1 anyone?)
And although it's very strong in the midrange, another 30 horses and an extra 700rpm wouldn't go amiss either. But the aftermarket will take care of that, and I'm sure there will be an S version along in a minute....
So let's get to the better bits. Firstly, just look at it. Is there a better looking sports car today? Looks are subjective of course, but it's got to be up there.
Secondly, the drivetrain. A lot of people seem to be caught up on the fact that it is just a Toyota Camry engine with a supercharger (the gearbox is from an Avensis diesel) but the fact is it sounds great, feels special and the character suits the car. Apparently, Lotus have worked hard on the gearshift (a problem in the Evora) and whilst maybe not quite as good as the very best, the gearbox is fun to use, accurate and in this example at least, not notchy.
The interior also feels like a special place to be, the "systems" are well integrated - and VW take note - Apple Car Play works instantly and flawlessly. I think anyone coming from a Porsche product won't feel short changed. And crucially - it doesn't creak or smell of glue - and everything works (save the wipers).
It feels small and easy to place on the road, you don't need to avoid high kerbs or speed bumps, and the ride is fantastic over poor road surfaces.
Finally, the very best bits.
A lot has been said about this car's steering and its hydraulic rack.
Let's make one thing clear from the outset - we are not talking Caterham, Elise or hotrod aircooled 911 type steering feel here. It's still a modern car weighing 1400kgs and running a 20" 245/35 front tyre.
But... When you start threading it down a proper road, it really does come alive in a way anything else built since the year 2000 would struggle to match. Like all the best Lotus chassis it's compliant, makes use of its suspension travel and flows down the tarmac. For a relatively "heavy" car, the agility is simply amazing. It simply won’t understeer.
The absolute best part of all of this is it does so whilst being such a benign companion when you're not in the mood. At home doing hundreds of miles on the autoroute, or on a mountain pass or commuting into the city.
Its range of usability is its most impressive attribute.
I am sure there are faster ways to get round a track (Cayman GT4 or even a GTS) I am sure there are lighter more dainty sportcars (Alpine A110) and of course nearly anything else you could buy would have better manufacturer support and customer service.
But remarkably, Lotus really have managed to make something special out of an "Evora in a fat suit" by toning back the extremes and not competing on numbers (weight, bhp, 0-60, laptimes).
The end product is something you could grow old with, which is a good job, seeing as its the last old-skool sports car they'll ever produce.
First thoughts on my Emira...
Let's get the bad bits out of the way first. The temperature control is on the wrong side of the car (you have to reach around the gearstick), the wipers don't work properly, one door seal is a bit wonky in the corner and it would be nice if the screen in front of the driver mimicked some proper dials (Stack setup from an Elise S1 anyone?)
And although it's very strong in the midrange, another 30 horses and an extra 700rpm wouldn't go amiss either. But the aftermarket will take care of that, and I'm sure there will be an S version along in a minute....
So let's get to the better bits. Firstly, just look at it. Is there a better looking sports car today? Looks are subjective of course, but it's got to be up there.
Secondly, the drivetrain. A lot of people seem to be caught up on the fact that it is just a Toyota Camry engine with a supercharger (the gearbox is from an Avensis diesel) but the fact is it sounds great, feels special and the character suits the car. Apparently, Lotus have worked hard on the gearshift (a problem in the Evora) and whilst maybe not quite as good as the very best, the gearbox is fun to use, accurate and in this example at least, not notchy.
The interior also feels like a special place to be, the "systems" are well integrated - and VW take note - Apple Car Play works instantly and flawlessly. I think anyone coming from a Porsche product won't feel short changed. And crucially - it doesn't creak or smell of glue - and everything works (save the wipers).
It feels small and easy to place on the road, you don't need to avoid high kerbs or speed bumps, and the ride is fantastic over poor road surfaces.
Finally, the very best bits.
A lot has been said about this car's steering and its hydraulic rack.
Let's make one thing clear from the outset - we are not talking Caterham, Elise or hotrod aircooled 911 type steering feel here. It's still a modern car weighing 1400kgs and running a 20" 245/35 front tyre.
But... When you start threading it down a proper road, it really does come alive in a way anything else built since the year 2000 would struggle to match. Like all the best Lotus chassis it's compliant, makes use of its suspension travel and flows down the tarmac. For a relatively "heavy" car, the agility is simply amazing. It simply won’t understeer.
The absolute best part of all of this is it does so whilst being such a benign companion when you're not in the mood. At home doing hundreds of miles on the autoroute, or on a mountain pass or commuting into the city.
Its range of usability is its most impressive attribute.
I am sure there are faster ways to get round a track (Cayman GT4 or even a GTS) I am sure there are lighter more dainty sportcars (Alpine A110) and of course nearly anything else you could buy would have better manufacturer support and customer service.
But remarkably, Lotus really have managed to make something special out of an "Evora in a fat suit" by toning back the extremes and not competing on numbers (weight, bhp, 0-60, laptimes).
The end product is something you could grow old with, which is a good job, seeing as its the last old-skool sports car they'll ever produce.
