Lotus Emira

[VBhak]

Anybody have any experience with both a 5V-BW and Emira? I'm thinking about adding an Emira to the mix, and/or trading in the 5V-BW. I'm very very hesitant due to reliability issues? Emira forums themselves recommend adding the vehicle and not replace the 5V-BW.

FWIW, the reason for the replace is because I'm about to become an empty nester and don't need all 4 seats AND don't want a 'Vette (yet).

 

[KnightI2]

No comment on the Emira.

You have time to want that Vette though. My parents were empty nested in their late 50s by the time my siblings left.
My dad has had plenty of cars and motorcycles. His first Vette was the end of last year, a convertible C5, and he is 83.

 

[VBhak]

No comment on the Emira.

You have time to want that Vette though. My parents were empty nested in their late 50s by the time my siblings left.
My dad has had plenty of cars and motorcycles. His first Vette was the end of last year, a convertible C5, and he is 83.

That was my thought process too!!! Wasn't ready for the all white new balances and jean shorts just yet!

 

[ajamils]

Anybody have any experience with both a 5V-BW and Emira? I'm thinking about adding an Emira to the mix, and/or trading in the 5V-BW. I'm very very hesitant due to reliability issues? Emira forums themselves recommend adding the vehicle and not replace the 5V-BW.

FWIW, the reason for the replace is because I'm about to become an empty nester and don't need all 4 seats AND don't want a 'Vette (yet).

I have looked at them and saw few in person couple weeks back at local dealer. They are nice cars but I wouldn't trade 5BV for it. To me it is a big downgrade. Depending on which version you get (hopefully manual) they come with either Toyota (V6) or AMG build (i4} which are reliable engines but there are other small annoyances like electrical issues that are common. Also one major drawback is the lack of dealer network, you will probably have only one dealer near you where you can take your car. Hopefully he is good otherwise you are SOL.

 

[NorCal Blackwing]

A 5BW and an Emira sounds like an amazing 2-car solution.

I'm sure you already know if you're on Emira forums but Lotus seems to be restructuring ownership.

Lotus reunified: what it means and why it matters

Two become one (again). Critical milestone or additional nail in the coffin?

www.pistonheads.com

The party line is that it 'simplifies the company ownership' but in my view this looks like a prelude to divesting or selling the company, or shutting down the UK based operations and keeping only the badge to sell EV SUVs made in China. So there is some long-term risk there in terms of dealers and warranties in the US.

 

[AtrociKitty]

It's too spartan for some people, but I pair my 4BW with an Alfa 4C. Same performance ballpark as the Emira, but lighter and more "Lotus-y" than the Emira is. They're a bargain at current prices too, you can get one for half what an Emira costs. It's definitely a second or third car though, in terms of practicality.

 

[5VBW Nick]

I have driven the Emira and I recently sold a 2020 lotus Evora GT, which is very similar. I didn't buy the Emira because they seem to have more issues as a new vehicle and my nearest dealer is 4 and 1/2 hours away. They are fun cars, though they feel super slow compared to the caddy. A few guys on the forums just found that with the JB4 piggyback tuner on it they were able to get close to 100 horsepower extra from the car, though it would certainly void your warranty.

The manual transmission leaves a bit to be desired on them, the shift from one to two is pretty lousy and you can't really do it quickly. Also, the pedal box on the manual cars is very tight if you have bigger feet.

 

[rdollie]

I like them on paper but with what I've read, I'd probably get a GT4 and be done with it (real dealer network, much more reliable, much better resale.) Only big downside is it won't feel as light as the Lotus

 

[ajamils]

It's too spartan for some people, but I pair my 4BW with an Alfa 4C. Same performance ballpark as the Emira, but lighter and more "Lotus-y" than the Emira is. They're a bargain at current prices too, you can get one for half what an Emira costs. It's definitely a second or third car though, in terms of practicality.

My cousin owns an Alfa 4c and it is a nice vehicle but I could not get over not having power steering.... it was like turning a 18-wheeler. Also, inside it feel like you are sitting in a tub.

 

[DCV]

I’m thinking of getting a Z06 with Z07 package and carbon package

 

[Exia]

I've never driven an Emira but I also thought about one. Ultimately I didn't do it because the nearest dealer is 2.5-3 hours away. If I was closer I'd have done it.

If you can swing the Emira and keep the 5VBW I would do that. I also understand the need to not have 4 doors, I also have zero need for extra seats or practicality as a single dude and I ended up selling both my C7Z and my 5VBW for a C8Z. So I understand wanting a sports car if you don't need 4 doors vs having a 4 door sport sedan.

If the manual is important I understand not wanting the C8 and in that case the Emira is the only car that makes sense to me so I think your on the right track. I wouldn't keep the Emira as an only car, go buy a Civic or something if you need something in case it has issues.

Or go buy a slightly older manual vehicle, a ZL1, GT500, a C7Z, 981 GT4 etc. if you want brand new with a stick and you have the same taste as me, the Emira or a 718 GTS 4.0 are basically your only options. The 911 now is to expensive and not worth the money in my opinion.

 

[VBhak]

I've never driven an Emira but I also thought about one. Ultimately I didn't do it because the nearest dealer is 2.5-3 hours away. If I was closer I'd have done it.

If you can swing the Emira and keep the 5VBW I would do that. I also understand the need to not have 4 doors, I also have zero need for extra seats or practicality as a single dude and I ended up selling both my C7Z and my 5VBW for a C8Z. So I understand wanting a sports car if you don't need 4 doors vs having a 4 door sport sedan.

If the manual is important I understand not wanting the C8 and in that case the Emira is the only car that makes sense to me so I think your on the right track. I wouldn't keep the Emira as an only car, go buy a Civic or something if you need something in case it has issues.

Or go buy a slightly older manual vehicle, a ZL1, GT500, a C7Z, 981 GT4 etc. if you want brand new with a stick and you have the same taste as me, the Emira or a 718 GTS 4.0 are basically your only options. The 911 now is to expensive and not worth the money in my opinion.

This is 100% where I'm at in my thought process (with the logistics of the auto vs manual). The want for a manual is keeping me in this realm, and I've honestly starting looking at GTS 4.0's due to all the forums pushing me that way. Love the idea of a 981 -- I didn't even entertain the option, my mind was stuck on 718.

My Lotus dealer is in town and 20 min away from me so that is definitely not what's keeping me from doing it.

I appreciate the feedback of making sure it's not my only car. Getting an Civic Si is not such a bad idea as a daily. Still shooting for just adding it to the garage.

 

[ajamils]

This is 100% where I'm at in my thought process (with the logistics of the auto vs manual). The want for a manual is keeping me in this realm, and I've honestly starting looking at GTS 4.0's due to all the forums pushing me that way. Love the idea of a 981 -- I didn't even entertain the option, my mind was stuck on 718.

My Lotus dealer is in town and 20 min away from me so that is definitely not what's keeping me from doing it.

I appreciate the feedback of making sure it's not my only car. Getting an Civic Si is not such a bad idea as a daily. Still shooting for just adding it to the garage.

If you want a daily which fun to drive (and you have the budget), I HIGHLY recommend Integra Type-S.

After I returned by 25 5BW, I was looking for something to get me by till I order another one. I picked up ITS. and after I got over the initial shock of having half power the power, I'm LOVING it. It is a blast to drive. Also, I find the 6MT to be better than both 4BW and 5BW, that I've driver.

 

[Likuid]

I have owned 3 Lotus. Elise (used), Evora S (used), and Evora 400 (new). I was excited for Emira (pre-announcement) until I saw the specs and felt it was too much if a lateral move from the 400. Was hoping it would be closer to 500HP. Awesome looking car though and I imagine is very similar to my 400 when it comes to handling and feel while driving. If they ever increase performance I may look into getting one someday.

My experience with Lotus is actually pretty positive overall. Elise was good, very few issues. Evora S was a bit of a nightmare to be honest, had some electrical issues, but luckily dealer was good and accepted it as trade-in towards 400 for basically what I paid for it. 400 was a great car, had no issues with it at all when I owned it. Honestly one of the best cars I have owned. Only reason I got rid of it because my son was born and I just barely ever drove it.

The major problem with Lotus is their dealership network. There are very few dealers and from what I have heard on the Lotus forums that there are only a handful of actual good ones. Auto Europe (Lotus of Detroit) is where I got my serviced (and where I bought them). They were great to deal with from my experience. I have heard good things about Gator Motorsport as well. I would not be comfortable taking it to some random place for service. Plus, many probably wouldn't touch it anyways.

Honestly when buying a Lotus I would buy it as far away from the launch edition as possible. Let them get the bugs out. The Evora is a good example of this. By the time the 400 rolled around and finally the GT they seem far superior when it comes to dependability from the original and the S. Honestly the Evora GT may go down as a classic when all said it done. It is a great car and it still used a double DIN radio so the tech can be upgraded. On top of that it uses a super common Toyota engine so at least engine parts will be easy to come by for a long time.

 

[white98ls]

I've owned an '07 Elise for almost 7 years, and my 5BW for more than 2 years. I'm not sure if that makes me the best or worst person to evaluate an Emira, but here's my take of a brief 15min drive of a manual V6 with comfort suspension.

Coming from the BW, it didn't feel all that quick or characterful (tough/unfair comparison), and coming from the Elise it felt much more insulated and less intensely raw (again, hard to match a 1,940lbs car from almost 2 decades ago with manual steering). This is what I mean about my experience possibly making me a bad evaluator, because the Emira can either be viewed as a happy medium or a compromise.

If it's an only car, or other car is something utilitarian, I could see the Emira being great - between looks, handling, engine, manual, etc. it has plenty to offer. I just prefer the two-fun-car approach but realize not everyone can do that. The Emira did feel like a refined, finished package which my Elise certainly does not, as much as I adore it.

Vs. the Boxster GTS 4.0 I drove a year prior, I liked that engine's sound and character more, but would prob side with the Emira for looks/uniqueness. I love how the 718 looks but the Emira is on another level.

 

[Exia]

This is 100% where I'm at in my thought process (with the logistics of the auto vs manual). The want for a manual is keeping me in this realm, and I've honestly starting looking at GTS 4.0's due to all the forums pushing me that way. Love the idea of a 981 -- I didn't even entertain the option, my mind was stuck on 718.

My Lotus dealer is in town and 20 min away from me so that is definitely not what's keeping me from doing it.

I appreciate the feedback of making sure it's not my only car. Getting an Civic Si is not such a bad idea as a daily. Still shooting for just adding it to the garage.

Adding to the garage is the best idea, no contest. If you can keep the 5VBW, do it (insert Palpatine meme here). If you can't, thats what the rest of my post was for. My buddy has a GTS 4.0, he likes it but also hates the interior, its old school porsche, bad tech, bad implementation. The powertrain is solid but he hates living with it.

If your lotus dealer is that close and you can keep the 5VBW, this thread is closed. Buy it.

 

[s4mmie_]

I own a 2025 BW and 2023 V6 Emira.

The Emira is a softer car than previous models, but I see that as a good thing. It's still plenty aggressive.

I wouldn't recommend it as a daily. The side sills are wide and the doors are long and thick. The combo can make it annoying to get in and out of the car in tight spaces. Not as bad as an Exige, but it can start to grate over time. I would use my wife's car if I just needed to duck to the shops or the gym so it was fine. The boot is small and no frunk--it's filled with radiators. I haven't had any electrical gremlins other than needing to have the TPM sensors replaced under warranty. The gearbox is notchy but loosens up over time and feels great now. It's a great car overall.

The 5VBW is such a good all-rounder. It's climbed to the top of my list as my favourite car I've owned and I've had a nice mix.