New Lotus Emira

[Twinspark]

The MC20 is still in a different league. Carbon fiber monocoque, bespoke engine and generally a lot higher quality materials. The gearbox is shared with the newest Corvette but then again gearboxes have been homogenized more than ever these days.

Yes it does have Alfa Romeo parts possibly for parts like the infotainment and hvac system but thats a similar case to say the Audi R8 and the lesser models. Infamously most of the Ghibli III electronic system and HVAC is straight out of the Chrysler parts bin.

The Emira in comparison is a parts bin special, its really a highly modified evora with the option of having that AMG drivetrain.

 

[Andyk]

Rather like most of Maseratis range at present... apart from the older engine 4.2 4.7 from Ferrari, most of the bits are from all over the car world and not of the best quality.

Also, most parts are made in China and Korea, so all cars must share said bin.

Was going to say that Pete….and aren’t the engines Chrysler units as well. Not many companies are all their own work these days as it is cheaper to share.

 

[Nayf]

Agree it’s no MC20 but that’s too fast for the road and too expensive to park in many places. The Lotus has a lot going for it especially when a typical base 911 is £95k+ once a few basic ‘extras’ are added.

The V6 one is £90k mind

 

[Dan!]

Anyone that says they don't like it for this, that, or the other reason is obviously wrong. But this is a good thing!

A car that strongly divides opinion is better than vanilla bland-mobile that gets a "meh" reaction from everyone.

It's probably best to also remember that this applies to Masers too; they're quite niche and not as popular as many other alternatives. Those that like them generally "love" them. Some people have one for a little while and declare it the worst car they've ever owned.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Yeah but me & my mates wouldnt be seen dead in Romford, soz!

If you said that there you might be, though.

 

[Delmonte]

This has inspired me to look at prices of used evoras. There aren't many around are there. And they seem really expensive! Am sure when I last looked (2 years ago maybe?) there were loads under 30k now everything seems mega expensive. Have they been going up in value??

 

[Felonious Crud]

The V6 one is £90k mind

True... but to make a massive generalisation, you might assume the guy that bought the Lotus over the Cayman / Boxster / 911 is far more of a car guy rather than getting the obvious choice. The Lotus feels like the path less trodden.

Blue, V6, no roof, please. Alcantara on the inside, yellow callipers.

 

[Nayf]

True... but to make a massive generalisation, you might assume the guy that bought the Lotus over the Cayman / Boxster / 911 is far more of a car guy rather than getting the obvious choice. The Lotus feels like the path less trodden.

Blue, V6, no roof, please. Alcantara on the inside, yellow callipers.

I’d still take the Lotus, and with the V6.
I’m sure the Merc four pot can easily be mapped for more power, but that’s not the point

 

[Dan!]

True... but to make a massive generalisation, you might assume the guy that bought the Lotus over the Cayman / Boxster / 911 is far more of a car guy rather than getting the obvious choice. The Lotus feels like the path less trodden.

This is very true!

Only a couple of weeks ago, as some of you know, I drove a new Exige 410S and a 4 pot 300BHP Cayman back to back. My conclusion was that I'd buy neither of them, and that my rattly, unreliable, pocket rocket of a modified S1 Elise was a far better car for the need it fulfills. Which makes no sense to a non-car guy.

In this example, the non-car guy was my 22 year old salesman that owns the Cayman. And for him, the Cayman is absolutely the right car. Because, he wants the Porsche badge and the comfort. Out and out performance is not what he wants as he openly admits he doesn't have the talent or the taste for that kind of thing.

 

[safrane]

More details on price and comparison.

 

[Chrisb2015]

I think it looks fantastic and I wish them well with it......I am toying with the idea of ordering one. The only slight disappointment is the reduced power compared to the Evora 410 and 430. I can only assume it is to do with tightening regulations and particulate filters. There are some reputable Lotus tuners who will probably liberate a little more power but it's a shame they haven't kept the power comparable.

 

[Hawk13]

I'm being told that a V6 manual with black pack and other options I want is going to be 90k plus - so 50% of the cost of an MC20 in reality.

Still looks like an effing bargain to me

 

[safrane]

I'm being told that a V6 manual with black pack and other options I want is going to be 90k plus - so 50% of the cost of an MC20 in reality.

Still looks like an effing bargain to me

Pretty sure a few options on the MC will push it well over £200k

 

[Dan!]

I think it looks fantastic and I wish them well with it......I am toying with the idea of ordering one. The only slight disappointment is the reduced power compared to the Evora 410 and 430. I can only assume it is to do with tightening regulations and particulate filters. There are some reputable Lotus tuners who will probably liberate a little more power but it's a shame they haven't kept the power comparable.

There will inevitably be special editions with 410, 430, and possibly more in due course

 

[Andyk]

The V6 one is £90k mind

Depends where you read. Although the above from Pete shows the V6 quicker on one review they said the V6 is the launch car and the faster AMG version is coming late 2022 so the V6 may just be the cheaper car. The thing with the AMG engined car is that it has more modern tech with its gearbox etc so could see it being more expensive as they had the V6 and it’s gearbox already from the Evora etc.

 

[safrane]

EVO states <£60k for the 4 cylinder and £70k+ for the V6

 

[D Walker]

The V6 one is £90k mind

Is it. I have asked but not had a response yet.

 

[Felonious Crud]

As a man with limited talent but a keen ear for a car what sounds good, I'd take the V6.

 

[Dan!]

Photoshop of Cup version looks purposeful

 

[Andyk]

Is it. I have asked but not had a response yet.

No one knows yet Dave….All speculation as they haven’t even confirmed that the AMG engine will have 360/400 or 420 BHP. Shown us the car to get the juices going and now all the questions.