Wow - I might be going to the I4 Darkside

[Kalel]

Well, after years of placing deposits, canceling deposits, reading everything I can find, and watching every video on the internet, I finally got to drive two Emiras today. I am 6'6" and fit just fine. Okay, maybe a little snug, but I can't fit in the C8, the NSX (either Generation), or many exotics that I tried down at Speed Vegas. The only other fun cars I do fit well in are the 911 and the R8.

Most of my cars in the past have been manual transmissions and I have always sworn it's the only way to buy and drive a sports car. I started in the Seneca manual today and then jumped right into the Hethel Yellow DCT. I can't believe how different the experience was. I almost wish Lotus didn't offer a choice because I am torn. The manual felt raw and old fashioned and engaging. Much like my 2SS 1 LE Camaro that I never should have sold. The DCT felt modern and torquey and more supercar like.

I drove the 911 GT3 on track last month and loved the whole experience of paddle shifting. And this DCT, although not as quick and smooth, had a supercar vibe. I have driven my friend's Mclaren and Audi R8 and thought at the time that he had made mistake by not having a manual, but now I am torn.

I think I liked the AMG setup more and I never thought I would say that.

Mostly I am just thrilled that I even had adequate head and legroom.

Oh yeah, and size 13 shoes did make the manual driving experience a little tricky but it was totally doable for those who might also have skis for feet.

 

[MattG]

I owned an Elise for 20 years before getting my I4 Emira...it's an under-appreciated gem of a powertrain that gets dinged for no good reason. If people really want an engaging driver's car, get an Elise or Exige. Opt for an Emira and you're already sacrificing driving engagement for modern technology and comforts. If going that route, might as well go all the way and get the fastest, most technologically advanced Emira out there, the turbo with DCT.

 

[Medic518]

My son is 6'5" he has no issues fitting comfortably. Have been loving the i4. Great for road trips, and spirited driving, especially the mpg. I do need to get 5 software updates applied, but I have had no problems.

 

[Kalel]

I owned an Elise for 20 years before getting my I4 Emira...it's an under-appreciated gem of a powertrain that gets dinged for no good reason. If people really want an engaging driver's car, get an Elise or Exige. Opt for an Emira and you're already sacrificing driving engagement for modern technology and comforts. If going that route, might as well go all the way and get the fastest, most technologically advanced Emira out there, the turbo with DCT.

I test drove the Elise when it first came out but didn't pull the trigger. It was a fun car but a bit too small for me.

 

[F1 SML8R]

@Kalel Do it, you won't regret it. BTW, I've done the side by side on track and there's a clear winner, it's the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Oops, I meant the AMG powered i4 Emira.

 

[billjax]

I made that decision 6 months ago and am pleased with my decision to go with the AMG 4 Emira, this coming from a "manual only" guy in buying sport cars. Make sure you get to drive it with the driver's side (left) window down, that turbo sound is very entertaining!!!

 

[geoffbland]

Most of my cars in the past have been manual transmissions and I have always sworn it's the only way to buy and drive a sports car. I started in the Seneca manual today and then jumped right into the Hethel Yellow DCT. I can't believe how different the experience was. who might also have skis for feet.

Obviously you should get the i4, it's a no-brainer. Not anything to do with the transmission but because it is yellow of course!

 

[Aero]

I'm 6'6" with size 13 as well. Was relieved first time sat in the Emira demo and fit easily. Have never felt cramped or tight in the Emira. Except when attempted to wear a helmet. The pedals did seem a bit tight but have gotten used to them finally (with track shoes).
I had a NA1 NSX and had get a special seat cushion to fit comfortably. Also have a 991 and have plenty of room in it as well.
Might need to go drive them back to back again......for research purposes.

 

[Lotus F1]

I came from 20 years in a Saffron yellow Turbo Lotus Elise. When I got into my Hethel yellow Emira i-4 turbo it was clear to me it was time to move on. It is just so much more modern and supercar feeling compared to the old Camry supercharged 6 speed I test drove. Not to mention it is a good deal quicker.

 

[Black Ice]

I posted my thoughts in another thread, but I’m a manual guy through and through (or so I thought!). The Emira i4 though is too good to overlook in my opinion, it’s a great package. I’m very happy with mine and it’s “only” the 360bhp version!

 

[Wusah]

Agreed, and once you switch out the OEM paddle shifters with the aftermarket carbon fiber ones. The Emira definitely feels more supercar like. Best mod I made to my i4 yet.

 

[Lotus F1]

Agreed, and once you switch out the OEM paddle shifters with the aftermarket carbon fiber ones. The Emira definitely feels more supercar like. Best mod I made to my i4 yet.

Does the clickety click get annoying after a while ?

 

[Wusah]

Does the clickety click get annoying after a while ?

Not at all, if you're tired of the clicky sounds just drive on auto mode. But when on manual mode, it just feels good to hear a gear change.

 

[JonnyD72]

I drove a friend's V6 Manual and really liked it. I didn't get an opportunity to drive the V6 Automatic. I absolutely LOVE my i4 and would pick it every time. Sure, it might not sound as good (sounds good enough to me in sport and track mode) as the V6, but man is it a thrill to drive!

 

[Kaz]

Does the clickety click get annoying after a while ?

I also have the Aerie extended paddles, I don't even hear or notice them now - like anything in life it just gets zeroed out by your brain. Huge positive engagement, and you can even modulate your pull to keep the click quiet if you want. And yeah, in bumper to bumper traffic I just put the car in auto and touring - very convenient. In the canyons click away...

 

[Vampyre]

Choices are great, if you are looking to track then I would look at a DCT, but if you focused on tracking, there are way better choices for 100K+
As far as spirited drives and fun outings, you can't beat a manual for engagement and feel. If you want more add the JB4 tune and it is night and day!

 

[MickOpalak]

Choices are great, if you don't have the garage space for a dedicated track car and a GT, there aren't many better choices for 100K+ than a Turbo Emira. As far as spirited drives and fun outings, you can't beat snapping back to shifter paddles for super-fast shifts with the added bonus of excellent high mileage. If you want more add the JB4 and it is really, really quick.

 

[Lotus F1]

Choices are great, if you don't have the garage space for a dedicated track car and a GT, there aren't many better choices for 100K+ than a Turbo Emira. As far as spirited drives and fun outings, you can't beat snapping back to shifter paddles for super-fast shifts with the added bonus of excellent high mileage. If you want more add the JB4 and it is really, really quick.

I'm gonna try Map 5 today and see how close it gets to that supercar feel lol

 

[boisecrawfords]

I do need to get 5 software updates applied, but I have had no problems.

How do you know you need updates?