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Thread: Lotus Emira launch

  1. #1
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    Lotus Emira launch

    Anyone else exited about this?

    https://www.lotuscars.com/en-GB/emira
    Last edited by Middo; 5th July 2021 at 22:20.

  2. #2
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    Yep, replacement for 3 models and their new underlying architecture. Really hoping they’ve stuck with the add lightness philosophy and it looks like a mini Evija.

  3. #3
    Master mr noble's Avatar
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    Yes!

    Tried to order a Final Edition Elise but missed the boat on them, so am hoping that the Emira is still naturally aspirated (or supercharged) and manual.

    I also hope the roof comes off, but today’s teaser video made it look as it its a fixed coupe only.

    Will be tuned in tomorrow!

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by mr noble View Post
    I also hope the roof comes off, but today’s teaser video made it look as it its a fixed coupe only.
    It has already been confirmed as coupe only, I’m afraid.

    Engines are AMG i4 (with DCT) and Toyota V6 (with manual or auto). Size (and weight) wise, it’s the same length and a little wider than an Evora. Dynamically better though.

  5. #5
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bravo73 View Post
    It has already been confirmed as coupe only, I’m afraid.

    Engines are AMG i4 (with DCT) and Toyota V6 (with manual or auto). Size (and weight) wise, it’s the same length and a little wider than an Evora. Dynamically better though.
    At least they stand a chance to be a little watertight...
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bravo73 View Post
    It has already been confirmed as coupe only, I’m afraid.

    Engines are AMG i4 (with DCT) and Toyota V6 (with manual or auto). Size (and weight) wise, it’s the same length and a little wider than an Evora. Dynamically better though.
    Wonder how heavy the AMG 4 pot is?

  7. #7

  8. #8
    Grand Master AlphaOmega's Avatar
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    Looks good to me.

    Is it really the last combustion-engined Lotus?

  9. #9
    Master Kirk280's Avatar
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    Watching the launch instead of the football…that’s how excited I am!

    I think it looks great, especially from the back. I think it’ll suit darker colours best.

  10. #10
    Quite nice. Presumably not cheap?

  11. #11
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    £60k isn’t that bad

    https://youtu.be/F1H_Wd1tN-A

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by Middo View Post
    £60k isn’t that bad

    https://youtu.be/F1H_Wd1tN-A
    60k for the V6 launch edition?

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Justin Case View Post
    60k for the V6 launch edition?
    The i4 AMG engine. I've never considered a Lotus before and I've only recently sold my Cayman, due to relative lack of use, but I find myself wanting one of these really quite badly. I doubt they will be able to build them quick enough to satisfy demand.

  14. #14
    Grand Master GraniteQuarry's Avatar
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    Pretty thing indeed, hope they sell a boatload.

  15. #15
    Grand Master AlphaOmega's Avatar
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    Love Jenson's throttle blip at 54.05.

  16. #16
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    Did someone say 1,400kg?
    "A man of little significance"

  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by AlphaOmega View Post
    Is it really the last combustion-engined Lotus?
    Yep.

  18. #18
    Grand Master AlphaOmega's Avatar
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    Didn't think this time would arrive so soon.

    I remember the arrival of the 959 and thinking that performance was as strong as it was ever going to be in a road car.

    Got that slightly wrong.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Foxy100 View Post
    Did someone say 1,400kg?
    Yep, almost two S1 Elise's, although it was clear they'd abandoned the whole light and simple ethos after the Geely takeover.

    It does look a very nice place to sit though and a it's direct competitor to the Cayman in power and weight. If it goes as well as it looks they'll have no shortage of buyers and I'm guessing a stripped and aero'd GT4 rival is already in the works.








  20. #20
    Craftsman Lazydonkey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dynam0humm View Post
    Yep, almost two S1 Elise's, although it was clear they'd abandoned the whole light and simple ethos after the Geely takeover.
    Mainly cos no-one actually buys light and simple cars anymore. It's all about BHP and gadgets. The Alpine is getting amazing reviews but it's not setting any sales records.

    People always loved my vx220 until they found out it "only" had 150bhp. Similar to the evora i had for 5 years - wasn't the supercharged one so everyone just assumed slow and pointless.

    1400 isn't too bad when you consider a poverty spec mini will be close to 1300kgs.

    With two young kids and a WFH job i can't see me buying one any time soon but i think they're on the right track.

  21. #21
    Master blackal's Avatar
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    A great-looking car!

  22. #22
    Master paneristi372's Avatar
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    Amazing looking car.

  23. #23
    Craftsman
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    I agree, never been that interested in Lotus but that is a great looking thing.

  24. #24
    Quote Originally Posted by Dynam0humm View Post
    If it goes as well as it looks they'll have no shortage of buyers and I'm guessing a stripped and aero'd GT4 rival is already in the works.
    I'd put my house on Lotus preparing one or more Cup versions, you only have to look at the details they've released to see where weight can be stripped and aero addenda added.

    I haven't read every news article or viewed every video however does anyone know what the body material is?

    Interesting that it's coupe only, I suppose that would have made it less costly to develop. When I bought my S2 Elise 13 years back IIRC there were approximately 250 available on the pre-owned market via the usual online channels, last time I looked a couple of months back or so it was maybe 10% of that and asking prices had climbed. Most/all of that was as a result of Lotus announcing that the Emira was on its way, now that they no longer produce a soft top and their lightest car will be 400kg or so heavier than their previous lightest I can't see S1/S2 prices dropping...

  25. #25
    Tricky to edit my post via my mobile so I'll add here that there may be a couple of other reasons for coupe only; that Lotus (or Geely) thought the global market to be much larger and coupes are usually stiffer than convertibles with that chassis stiffness enabling better body control and handling.

    The S1/2/3 chassis/tub was always designed with a soft top in mind, maybe the new Emira tub (built using the same methods as its older sibling) isn't.
    Last edited by CardShark; 7th July 2021 at 12:39.

  26. #26
    Is it an British sports car, or a sport's car made from kits made in china?

  27. #27
    Quote Originally Posted by adrianw View Post
    Is it an British sports car, or a sport's car made from kits made in china?
    The aluminium tub is made here, that's been made clear, and we know the vehicle is assembled here as well. Of course parts are going to come from all over though it's great to hear that whatever that spread is Lotus/Geely are investing a reasonable whack of money in the UK for the Emira, Evija and beyond.

  28. #28
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    It certainly looks fabulous, and given that it is a Lotus, I would expect it to drive brilliantly as well.

    A lot of very stylish and sophisticated car for 60k - although I wonder how many options will be pretty much essential.


    At that price point it could almost fill the gap in the market left by the demise of TVR.
    So clever my foot fell off.

  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by CardShark View Post
    The aluminium tub is made here, that's been made clear, and we know the vehicle is assembled here as well. Of course parts are going to come from all over though it's great to hear that whatever that spread is Lotus/Geely are investing a reasonable whack of money in the UK for the Emira, Evija and beyond.
    Lots of UK suppliers have been canned, it is the same with the Electric Taxis,


    If you look at the interior shots you can see that its all Volvo parts bin.
    Last edited by adrianw; 7th July 2021 at 12:53.

  30. #30
    Grand Master AlphaOmega's Avatar
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    Well done Harry.

    Captured one of my favourite icons (Type 72 F1) at 7 minutes in.


  31. #31
    Quote Originally Posted by CardShark View Post
    does anyone know what the body material is?
    GRP.
    Last edited by Bravo73; 7th July 2021 at 14:25.

  32. #32
    Quote Originally Posted by adrianw View Post
    Lots of UK suppliers have been canned, it is the same with the Electric Taxis,


    If you look at the interior shots you can see that its all Volvo parts bin.
    Given the parent company that wouldn't surprise me, better than some old Vauxhall parts that are used S3 Elise and Exige that made their first appearance decades ago (I'm talking about indicator/wiper stalks here).

    It's simple economies of scale, given your line of work you'll understand that. If it allows Lotus to thrive then I really can't see an issue. As for being a British brand and outsourcing parts from outside the UK I can't see many people caring either, "Swiss" watches aren't necessarily composed of Swiss components.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Bravo73 View Post
    Aluminium. No more GRP cars.
    Ah, thank you.

  33. #33
    Quote Originally Posted by CardShark View Post
    The S1/2/3 chassis/tub was always designed with a soft top in mind, maybe the new Emira tub (built using the same methods as its older sibling) isn't.
    It's probably the same issue with the Evora tub - there is a substantial roll hoop behind the B pillar. The situation (ie potentially removing the roll hoop) was exacerbated when the 400 tub was introduced in 2015. To improve access, the sills were slimmed down and lowered slightly from the original 2009 tub. This reduced the stiffness of the overall tub so the roll hoop had to stay. Hence no Evora convertible in the end.

  34. #34
    Quote Originally Posted by CardShark View Post
    better than some old Vauxhall parts that are used S3 Elise and Exige that made their first appearance decades ago (I'm talking about indicator/wiper stalks here).
    £100k+ Exiges have still got wing mirrors from an Austin Rover Metro!
    Last edited by Bravo73; 7th July 2021 at 14:27.

  35. #35
    Quote Originally Posted by CardShark View Post
    Ah, thank you.
    Apologies. I stand corrected.

    I doublechecked and it looks like I was given a bum steer, I'm afraid. They will be plastic/GRP after all.

  36. #36
    Quote Originally Posted by Bravo73 View Post
    Apologies. I stand corrected.

    I doublechecked and it looks like I was given a bum steer, I'm afraid. They will be plastic/GRP after all.
    I did wonder, TBH. Those body panel shapes from aluminium wouldn't have been cheap to produce and given that the starting price of around £60k is less than many expected I'd have thought GRP would have remained. I just hope they've sorted the bubbling issues...

    Ref the Metro mirrors - I'd forgotten about those!

  37. #37
    Quote Originally Posted by CardShark View Post

    It's simple economies of scale, given your line of work you'll understand that. If it allows Lotus to thrive then I really can't see an issue. As for being a British brand and outsourcing parts from outside the UK I can't see many people caring either, "Swiss" watches aren't necessarily composed of Swiss components.


    .
    It is becoming hugely frustrating, especially when most people thing these car companies a British, my wife's I-Pace is made in Austria by Magna, Geely are making most of these cars in China and a huge proportion of the new Range rovers are Chinese content, British companies who had been supplying for years didn't even get RFQ's.

    These huge conglomerates are turning the UK into an LCR and our government are sitting back and letting it happen.

    Yet most car plants and suppliers are currently closed or on short time because they cant get parts from China and Korea.

  38. #38
    Master mr noble's Avatar
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    It’s a British Sports Car company with decades of heritage.

    I don’t think anyone cares that the headlights and indicator stalks are made in China.

    I like it.

    A lot.

  39. #39
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    Lotus Emira launch

    Quote Originally Posted by CardShark View Post
    Given the parent company that wouldn't surprise me, better than some old Vauxhall parts that are used S3 Elise and Exige that made their first appearance decades ago (I'm talking about indicator/wiper stalks here).

    It's simple economies of scale, given your line of work you'll understand that. If it allows Lotus to thrive then I really can't see an issue. As for being a British brand and outsourcing parts from outside the UK I can't see many people caring either, "Swiss" watches aren't necessarily composed of Swiss components.

    - - - Updated - - -



    Ah, thank you.
    Balljoints from an allegro
    Rear callipers from a viper
    Rear number plate lights from a rolls Royce.
    Petrol cap internals from a jeep.
    Aerial from a corsa
    Metro mirrors
    Corsa/ vx stalks
    Pug 205 switches


    Love my S1 elise
    Last edited by Middo; 10th July 2021 at 20:32.

  40. #40
    Master Kirk280's Avatar
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    I like the McLaren F1 indicators / side lights on my Elan!

  41. #41
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by adrianw View Post
    Lots of UK suppliers have been canned, it is the same with the Electric Taxis,

    If you look at the interior shots you can see that its all Volvo parts bin.
    Last edited by Chris_in_the_UK; 10th July 2021 at 21:00.
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  42. #42
    Grand Master
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    I used to have a Scimitar SS1 and a Sabre. Apart from the chassis, there wasn't a part that couldn't be sourced from the dodgiest of scrapyards or fabricated from fibreglass

  43. #43
    I had a good look at this whilst at Goodwood. It really is a fantastic piece of kit. It looks to be very good value for money. My understanding was a very large amount of deposits were placec on Thursday so we will see. I am certainly keen in getting a test drive. It could be a viable daily for me. Whist the Ineos grenadier could become the family wagon. Again another very good looking piece of kit.


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

  44. #44
    Sorely tempted to stick a £2k deposit down and see how it goes.

  45. #45
    Master mr noble's Avatar
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    Do it! Nothing to lose.


  46. #46
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    What is the point of a fat Lotus? At least it looks good. Let's hope the quality is a few leagues ahead of their previous efforts. Bearing in mind this is going to cost 4.0l Cayman money, I honestly wonder if it will be the success some think once the novelty wears off.
    Last edited by Padders; 10th July 2021 at 22:31.

  47. #47
    Quote Originally Posted by Padders View Post
    What is the point of a fat Lotus? At least it looks good. Le'ts hope the quality is a few leagues ahead of their previous efforts. Bearing in mind this is going to cost 4.0l Cayman money, I honestly wonder if it will be the success some think.
    What does a 4l GTS Cayman weigh?

    The quality you desire comes at a cost, weight and financial.

    I love the cayman but this just looks so much better and will likely have a better standard specification. The £65k Porsche doesn’t even have LED lights as standard - and you will likely have to kiss the feet of the dealer to be allowed to buy one.

  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by mr noble View Post
    Do it! Nothing to lose.
    Nice one. Are you going for the V6 or the 2l?

  49. #49
    Master mr noble's Avatar
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    Manual. It’s got to be manual.

    Slight worry is that they’ve only mentioned a starting price of £60k. They could say that’s for the AMG engine and make the V6 £15k more and everything an option. So the end price might be £90k, like it is when you spec up a £60k Boxster.

    I’ll probably not pay that much for one, so it’ll be….”refund my deposit please.”

    Fingers crossed its still very well priced in V6 guise as they’ve eluded to.

  50. #50
    Quote Originally Posted by mr noble View Post
    Manual. It’s got to be manual.

    Slight worry is that they’ve only mentioned a starting price of £60k. They could say that’s for the AMG engine and make the V6 £15k more and everything an option. So the end price might be £90k, like it is when you spec up a £60k Boxster.

    I’ll probably not pay that much for one, so it’ll be….”refund my deposit please.”

    Fingers crossed its still very well priced in V6 guise as they’ve eluded to.
    The 3.5 V6 (it’s good, but a VERY old engine) will be c. £85k minimum which is, I feel, TFD.

    The AMG engined 4 cylinder version will be the headline “£60k” but in reality late 2022. So it’s another car launch to be avoided as an early adopter for sure.

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