What to expect from the Lotus Emira Driving Experience
The first new Lotus in a generation features a stonking V6 engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, sending all the power to the rear wheels - the perfect combination!
The Emira marks the beginning of a new era for Lotus, and the last to be offered with an internal combustion engine. The Emira's 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine develops 400bhp and 420Nm of torque. That’s enough to fire it from 0-60mph in a rousing 4.2 seconds and a plenty quick enough top speed of 180mph.
Looking at the Emira parked in the pitlane, it's unmistakably a Lotus, it looks fantastic and is on another level to previous Lotus models. In profile, it’s low and hunkered down in the right places. It’s got a proper sense of the exotic about it.
Getting into the Emira is a refreshing change. The super high sills from previous Lotus models are gone. Once seated low in the cabin, the environment is on another level from the Elise and Exige era of Lotus models. Hit the starter button, wait for the engine to catch and fire into life. Heading out on track, there's a sense of occasion that only comes from driving a Lotus.
It builds speed quickly. You're travelling at three-figure speeds effortlessly, the powertrain blends into the background as the rest of the car demands your attention as you attack the fast sweeping corners at Thruxton. Direction changes are instantaneous; there’s roll, but always controlled, the movement helps you feel what’s going on. The Emira loses speed just as quickly as it gains it. The confidence-inspiring brakes combined with less mass than other cars in its class, result in a fantastic driving experience and an uncontrollable smile from the driver, eager to find the next corner to tackle.
It only takes a few metres to dial yourself into the Emira and after a few miles you won't want to get out.
Before driving the Lotus Emira you'll learn the layout of the race circuit with an ARDS-qualified race instructor, initially as a passenger and then driving the Alpine A110S. A great car that gives the driver lots of confidence behind the wheel.
