We get behind the wheel of the 3.5L supercharged Lotus Emira With A 6-Speed manual gearbox
We have come to realise that for a lot of new sport cars (like this Lotus Emira) arriving in Malaysia in recent times, their exterior design is a love or hate feeling at first viewing.
However with this latest fuel fed Lotus it is love at first sight, and after driving the Emira for 24 hours we could only come to one conclusion; we loved it!
We tried really hard to find negative points and aside from a few minor gripes, we ended up falling in line with the rest of the crowd that got a glimpse of this Seneca Blue sports car in and around Selangor state.
So, the name Emira. What does it mean? Well, it means ‘worthy of merit and esteem’ in Latin or in Turkish it means ‘Princess’.
We prefer to call it Princess and it is royally a beautiful looking vehicle.
Lets look at the facts first.
Emira Physical
Well proportioned seductive lines with the perfect amount of presence gives this new Lotus massive curb-side attention.
The Emira comes with 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels fitted with specifically formulated Goodyear tyres. They are diamond cut to create a premium two-tone finish, though silver or gloss black versions are available as a no-cost option.
Two-piece brake discs with branded callipers are part of the 1st Edition spec, plus a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Emira Cabin
The Emira comes equipped with well sculptured seats that feature 12-way adjustability and two memory pre-sets linked to the door mirrors (driver’s seat only). Climate control, cruise control, keyless fighter plane inspired ignition and 3 selectable drive modes. ‘Tour’ for city driving, ‘Sport’ for motoring media (like us) to abuse and ‘Track’ for drivers who know what they are doing as stability control is reduced a fair bit.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation (in selected markets) are integrated into the Emira V6 First Edition, supported by Bluetooth and USB/12v sockets. The 10-channel/340W premium audio system has been developed in partnership with well –known British brand KEF and includes DAB digital radio.
All functions are accessed through a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen which is easy to use and has a very premium look to it, with driver feedback through a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster ahead of the flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel.
The driver gets a very comfortable driving position and easy view out with the large curved windscreen.
Touch points in the cabin have a premium feel and you might notice some familiar knobs and switches.
Emira Engine
Under the rear cover is a Lotus tuned 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine (from Toyota) and it is mid-mounted behind the two seats.
This engine delivers 400hp and 420Nm of torque and will provide a 0-100km/h acceleration of just 4.3 seconds if you know how to work the clutch and close ratio gearbox well.
The 6-speed manual gearbox comes with a visible gear-change mechanism (on the side) and there is hydraulic power-assisted steering.
Emira Drive
Get in and after a few minutes you realize that the Emira is a very well put together sports car that has enough luxury to challenge much more expensive rivals from Germany.
From ignition the engine is quiet and composed and there is little drama. Snaking in city traffic the audio notes from the engine is more from the supercharger working.
The ride quality is very good even on the rather unsettling roads around Petaling Jaya. No matter the road surface, there was no skipping when it got a little unsettled in mid-corner.
The combination of a quick and direct steering and well defined suspension means you are getting all the feedback you could ask for whilst enjoying a composed ride.
When traffic reduces and the roads open up, switch to ‘Track’ mode and you will be surprised to learn that feedback is delivered with immediate effect, too.
The power delivery is smooth, very quick and you need to be alert to ensure you brain keeps up with the surge. Its mid-range power delivery brings a smile to any driver who knows how to extract the 420Nm of torque.
Emira Conclusion
This might be one of the most exciting driver’s cars ever to come from Hethel. The mid-range punch is almost immediate and the only power lag if any comes from the driver’s indecisiveness to go fast forward.
Weaving in and out of traffic can be fun with its precise steering inputs and quick reaction to turns. Just flick left and right with eyes on the mirrors and you will see many road warriors trying to chase you.
Test drive it before dismissing it.
Lotus Emira Specification
Engine: V6-cylinder DOHC 24-valve dual VVT-I Supercharger
Capacity: 3,456cc
Max power: 400hp @ 6,800rpm
Max torque: 420Nm @ 4,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
0-100km/h: 4.3secs
Top speed: 290km/h
Selling Price: RM478,800 Duty Free and RM1,205,800 Duty Paid
