2023 Lotus Emira First Edition Malaysia review – last call for ICE + MT combination of rawness and usability; RM1.2 million

Our caption asks, is the Emira the most complete Lotus sports car ever? The short answer is yes, but that’s not the whole story. Here’s a rundown of what Emira is, why it’s not the ‘regular Lotus’ – even taking into account Hethel’s previous efforts at a ‘GT’ – and why it’s a different beast with such Porsche Cayman. Lots to answer, so let’s go.

revealed in July 2021Emira’s first deliveries start at the end of 2022 and we showed you the details of the first Production Edition in March, when Lotus Cars Malaysia brought back a sexy red model. Before, we have detailed a pre-production unitthe exact car driven by former F1 champion Jenson Button at Laguna Seca for press coverage.

The Emira is a mid-engine rear-wheel drive sports car that replaces all Elise, Exige and Evora in Lotus’ lineup. This was the last Lotus sports car equipped with an internal combustion engine and the last to come with a manual transmission. The lotus is changing along with the car world, and Emira is the car that will bring Lotus – as we know it – into the sunset. Ultimate success, last call – this car is all of that.

The Emirate is special not only because it is the ‘Last Lotus’, but because it is made differently. We’ve heard the phrase ‘comfortable, usable, more luxurious’ in the past with the Europa S and Evora, but unlike Hethel’s previous efforts with the ‘GT’, the Emira To be significantly more comfortable, functional and luxurious than its predecessors. As you’ll learn from Hafriz Shah in the video above, the Emira can be easily piloted on a daily basis.

He’s not a tough guy and neither am I, but we can honestly say that Emira is ‘fixable’. Contributing to that verdict are much easier entry and exit, good ergonomics, a completely modern and well-equipped cockpit, the nature of the power delivery and the driving comfort is astounding. surprised. All explained in the video.

Maybe everyday, if you can craft. Behind the Emira’s cabin is a 3.5-liter V6 with an Edelbrock 1740 supercharger. The Toyota 2GR-FE is an engine Hethel is very familiar with and here it makes 405 PS (400 hp) and 420 Nm with a 6-speed manual transmission, as specified here. There’s a six-speed torque converter automatic option with an extra 10 Nm, but you wouldn’t want that, would you? Right? Insert the Anakin-Padme meme.

Both Aisin transmissions will take the Emira to 290 km/h, but the automatic is one-tenth faster in the 0-100 km/h sprint (4.2 seconds) than the manual transmission. DIY (4.3 seconds). The automatic version comes with paddle shifters and the manual comes with Lotus’ exposed gearshift mechanism, though here it’s covered by mesh panels and is therefore nowhere near as spectacular. original idea. Eventually, there will be a 2.0L AMG turbocharged engine with DCT, but it won’t come so soon.

With the Emira, Lotus promises a “paradigm shift in levels of practicality, comfort, function and technology” and that change is immediately apparent in the list of cabins and equipment – this Lotus is equipped like a senior operator. On the outside, LED front and rear lights, automatic lights with LED daytime running lights and a welcome home light are standard, along with a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-folding door mirrors and rear parking sensor.

The first version is fully equipped with four optional packages, and one of them is the Lower Black Package, which means that the front bumper spoiler, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser are all fitted. glossy black.

Emira’s cockpit still has a minimalist design but is far from the spartan style. In front of the multifunction flat-bottomed steering wheel (smooth leather or Alcantara, your choice) is a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster and to the left is a 10.25-inch central touchscreen. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has Bluetooth and USB/12V sockets for charging.

The 340W 10-channel sound system was developed with the famous British audio brand KEF and the speaker is the company’s signature Uni-Q device.

12-way power-adjustable seats, 4-way lumbar and 2 driver memory modes are linked to the auto-dimming rearview mirror (so does the rearview mirror). Look around and you’ll also find automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless start (under the red hood for some Lambo-style dramas) and driving modes can choose. Ambient light is also white.

Buyers can choose from seven interior colors at no extra cost – red, black, gray or brown Nappa leather; or Black Alcantara with red, yellow or gray stitching. Satin chrome trim and Lotus-branded door sill panels complete the look, which is quite luxurious for a Lotus.

By the way, Lotus is now owned by Geely and has some interior parts that Proton X50 owners may be familiar with – look for the display, AC controller and wipers/lights in the gallery below. .

As mentioned, the First Edition comes with all option packages and the Design Package adds privacy glass, sport pedals, a black Alcantara roofline and color options for the brake calipers (black). , red, silver or gold of this vehicle). Lotus brand foot mats are also fitted. The Utility Package adds front parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic wipers with aerodynamic wings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a rear luggage net. Of course, there’s the First Edition badge on the outside and on the dashboard.

Last but not least for Lotus is the Drivers Pack, which allows customers to choose either Tour or Sport. The more comfortable Tour suspension is paired with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tires, while the Sport suspension is mated with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. Our Seneca Blue tester sat on the Tour suspension, more than capable of being driven on the road, while providing a more comfortable ride than most ‘normal’ European cars.

There’s more. Remember asking to change the model? Emira is Lotus with ADAS and a suite of driver aids including adaptive cruise control, anti-collision system, fatigue warning, sign information, vehicle speed limit, lane departure warning, warning rear cross-traffic and lane change assist.

There aren’t many options left, but First Edition buyers can add in the automatic transmission (RM15,000), Black Package (RM8,000 for black roof, rails, mirror caps, Front Lotus badging) rear and exhaust finisher – as seen here) and the Scorpion vehicle tracking system for RM5,800. The Emira First Edition has a list price of RM1,205,800, which may come as a shock to some, but keep in mind that this is not a toy car; instead, it’s a fully loaded rival for Porsche Cayman GT4, starting at RM 1.06 million.

A big part of the RRP is tax, as the tax free price is just RM478,800 (UK price of £77,795 translates to RM458,000 in our current weak ringgit). One way to avoid the tax barrier is to keep the Emira in Langkawi for a year or two (notice our tester’s KV license plate?), then bring it home for significantly less than it’s worth. of Peninsular Malaysia. The The process is detailed hereand if you want to know more about logistics and warehousing in Langkawi, ask Lotus Cars Malaysia.

Wait a minute, what about the drive? Emira may be comfortable and usable, but it is still a raw sashimi with a natural flavor next to Porsche aburi – You hear much turbocharger noise from the engine behind your head, and then the DIY transmission. Also, effort is needed to squeeze the performance out of the V6 – to be honest, some hot hatches feel quicker. Not the most effort then, but ‘For the driver’, which is a good thing. Full explanation in video.

If the driving experience feels different from most things sold today, the Emira is like nothing else on the road. The movie – with all the spoons and vents – and the proportions of a miniature supercar, and this Lotus attracts attention everywhere it goes. Seen from above, the pinched waist is very sexy and the image of the rear butts in the wing mirror adds to the feel of the occasion. Meanwhile, the Cayman looks like a Porsche.

The emirate is a high point and a milestone, for both Lotus and those who love to drive.

LIBRARY: 2023 Lotus Emira V6 First Edition