[PRMD]

Watching some of these other videos you can clearly see 500-1000rpm lags in gear shifts and the visible lag in the display/revs its kind of crazy they would release this to any reviewer or customer. Hell I think the IPS shifts up and down faster than what I am seeing in these videos.

The most embarrassing part has to be the reviewers crashing into the rev limit on the I4's acceleration runs because the transmission isn't responding fast enough to shift after the dash shows the shift light.

 

[driftwood]

The most embarrassing part has to be the reviewers crashing into the rev limit on the I4's acceleration runs because the transmission isn't responding fast enough to shift after the dash shows the shift light.

You guys just dont get it... its not about how well the car performs anymore... its only about how cool it sounds leaving a "Cars & Coffee".

 

[mbrunner]

I wonder how resale will be on the i4 models after warranty runs out. Mercedes loses value like a giant stone due to how expensive those engines and transmissions are to repair / replace once they grenade.

I hope Lotus did a good job negotiating warranty repairs on the engines during the period or they may once again go on the brink of bankruptcy with or without Geely

Let's not bring up warranty... I just assume a Lotus doesn't have a warranty given their spotty dealer network and the hassle some may have taking it to a dealer. So going into the purchase I have to assume that I will be fixing everything. I think what concerns me most is anything on these new cars that will require software updates in the near term, probably more reason to hold off purchase until they have been on the road a few years and a lot of the issues are ironed out if you don't live in a major metropolitan with access to a Lotus dealer.

They already don't have a competitive warranty compared to other makes in that price bracket. I think warranty/powertrain is still only 3 years/unlimited miles, compared to 4 years/50k for say Porsche or Mercedes. In addition, Porsche has a great in-house extended warranty option (as do other manufacturers) that you just won't get with an aftermarket warranty. (again if Warranty is important to you)

 

[MichaelHK]

Assuming there is no warranty is the right outlook to have with a lotus.

My dealer, 3 hours away, told me I would need to drop my car off (for an undetermined amount of time) and then they could reach out to lotus for approval of warranty work for parts that they know are not in stock and will take at least a few weeks. How do you expect to compete with any of the competition?

 

[Catsailr27]

Let's not bring up warranty... I just assume a Lotus doesn't have a warranty given their spotty dealer network and the hassle some may have taking it to a dealer. So going into the purchase I have to assume that I will be fixing everything. I think what concerns me most is anything on these new cars that will require software updates in the near term, probably more reason to hold off purchase until they have been on the road a few years and a lot of the issues are ironed out if you don't live in a major metropolitan with access to a Lotus dealer.

They already don't have a competitive warranty compared to other makes in that price bracket. I think warranty/powertrain is still only 3 years/unlimited miles, compared to 4 years/50k for say Porsche or Mercedes. In addition, Porsche has a great in-house extended warranty option (as do other manufacturers) that you just won't get with an aftermarket warranty. (again if Warranty is important to you)

Dealers can make or break a warranty as well. I was just reading last night about a Macan owner with bad wheel bearing that Porsche won't repair under warranty even though he bought it CPO. They said nvl not covered. Even after it went up the chain of command not covered yet I've read of cars getting items covered by warranty by dealer even when out of warranty. With so few Lotus Dealers I would be hesitant on new car purchase until they've worked out the kinks.
As for software updates extended warranty has saved my butt many times with my Dell XPS. Weekly software updates and they've replaced the laptop several times all under extended warranty

 

[Toms]

Just dropped: Lotus Emira i4 vs Emira V6, which is best? Father & son review - YouTube

You can definitely hear the difference in sound between the two (mentioned here), and it doesn't bode well (IMO) for the I4 crowd. And that I4 lump looks super unappealing once the cover comes off. But a good look either way, and it's good to have choices.

Personally there is no way a 4 banger will out perform this Toyota Supercharged V6 with performace driveability reliability and the sound. Great for the people doing the test thats it though

 

[whowasat]

Can someone explain to me the rationale behind the I4? Less performance, increased cost. Much modification to fit. And the worst part, when a bystander asks what engine is in your beautiful car, you have to sheepishly say, Oh it's a 4 banger.
Having had an Esprit S4s for 18 years, everyone loved the looks but was underwhelmed when I answered, "Well it's a turbo 4".
So tell me why this variant exists.

 

[PRMD]

Can someone explain to me the rationale behind the I4? Less performance, increased cost.
So tell me why this variant exists.

One word: China. Geely intends to make Lotus their Chinese market luxury sport brand and the V6 was never going to meet regulations there. Selling it in other markets is more just about opportunity after developing the car.

 

[Jamesey]

One word: China. Geely intends to make Lotus their Chinese market luxury sport brand and the V6 was never going to meet regulations there. Selling it in other markets is more just about opportunity after developing the car.

Also keep in mind Mercedes makes engines for Aston Martin. They could be transitioning away from Toyota engines. Lotus can sell cars for more money marketing them with AMG engines, plus they will break more often, which will help dealers make more money fixing them 😂

 

[stroem]

I kind of wish Lotus sourced the 5 cylinder out of the Audi TTRS or RS3. It is more robust, full of character, has a better transmission, and makes a lot of power. There aren't many transverse engine options out there at the moment.

 

[PRMD]

I kind of wish Lotus sourced the 5 cylinder out of the Audi TTRS or RS3. It is more robust, full of character, has a better transmission, and makes a lot of power. There aren't many transverse engine options out there at the moment.

My understanding is that China heavily incentivizes engines staying at 2.0L or less displacement. Given that constraint, the AMG engine is far and away the most capable option, going by factory ratings.

 

[VV00RA]

If the Chinese market (that is only getting the i4) is getting a 400bhp tuned variant, I do agree that they are short chaining everyone else. The choice should really be between a V6/Manual and a i4/DCT.

Watching some of these other videos you can clearly see 500-1000rpm lags in gear shifts and the visible lag in the display/revs its kind of crazy they would release this to any reviewer or customer. Hell I think the IPS shifts up and down faster than what I am seeing in these videos.

The V6 IS definitely being sold to China. I was at the Hethel factory two months ago and witnessed quite a few (nearly all yellow!) "Lotus Nyo" (the branding Lotus is forced to use in China) Emiras being readied for export to China.

 

[Alan Smithee]

Can someone explain to me the rationale behind the I4? Less performance, increased cost. Much modification to fit. And the worst part, when a bystander asks what engine is in your beautiful car, you have to sheepishly say, Oh it's a 4 banger.
Having had an Esprit S4s for 18 years, everyone loved the looks but was underwhelmed when I answered, "Well it's a turbo 4".
So tell me why this variant exists.

Others have missed the key reason, and that is emissions. Harry mentioned the difference at the beginning of the video. It impacts road tax in the UK, and the ability to pass upcoming EU7 regs. The V6 is a dinosaur and being phased out by Toyota. Lotus/Geely needed a new drivetrain to move the Emira forward. Taxes in China (and other countries) were no doubt a factor in the decision on engine size. The AMG drivetrain is modern, the brand has cache, it has headroom for significantly more power, less weight, and Geely owns part of MBAG. Ticks all of the boxes. No-brainer, really.

 

[Toms]

Can someone explain to me the rationale behind the I4? Less performance, increased cost. Much modification to fit. And the worst part, when a bystander asks what engine is in your beautiful car, you have to sheepishly say, Oh it's a 4 banger.
Having had an Esprit S4s for 18 years, everyone loved the looks but was underwhelmed when I answered, "Well it's a turbo 4".
So tell me why this variant exists.

Just a cheaper alternative for people to sell more cars. To me it was unnecessary to bring Mercedes in the mix PER GEELEY sales sales LOL

 

[Toms]

Also keep in mind Mercedes makes engines for Aston Martin. They could be transitioning away from Toyota engines. Lotus can sell cars for more money marketing them with AMG engines, plus they will break more often, which will help dealers make more money fixing them 😂

I hope your wrong JEEZ Look what Toyota did to the company I would not want this car without Toyota

 

[Jamesey]

I hope your wrong JEEZ Look what Toyota did to the company I would not want this car without Toyota

Agreed 💯

 

[concept24]

Can someone explain to me the rationale behind the I4? Less performance, increased cost. Much modification to fit. And the worst part, when a bystander asks what engine is in your beautiful car, you have to sheepishly say, Oh it's a 4 banger.
Having had an Esprit S4s for 18 years, everyone loved the looks but was underwhelmed when I answered, "Well it's a turbo 4".
So tell me why this variant exists.

How about those BMW i8 owners: "Well, it's a 3 cylinder engine from the Mini, but there is battery boost!"

 

[Toms]

LOL Now you see the value of the Lotus V6 the Ford GT and NSX has a V6 The Ferrari has one but it is a Hybrid like NSX. Emira 360 HP is strong for 4 cyl great value
Look at the BMW Supra yuck is not Exotic and I worked 25 years as a Service Manager at Toyota dealers its a Toyota mistake for $$$

 

[brightoncorgi]

Also keep in mind Mercedes makes engines for Aston Martin. They could be transitioning away from Toyota engines. Lotus can sell cars for more money marketing them with AMG engines, plus they will break more often, which will help dealers make more money fixing them 😂

Engines breaking under warranty sinks the manufacturer and the dealer doesn't get as much an hour as out of warranty bill rate. I'd be nervous going with the AMG for the long haul. Mercedes is not known for reliability compared to Japanese engines. The heat from the turbo engine could prove to be an issue. Working on that engine could get expensive. I'd stick the V6 for now.

 

[Jamesey]

Engines breaking under warranty sinks the manufacturer and the dealer doesn't get as much an hour as out of warranty bill rate. I'd be nervous going with the AMG for the long haul. Mercedes is not known for reliability compared to Japanese engines. The heat from the turbo engine could prove to be an issue. Working on that engine could get expensive. I'd stick the V6 for now.

I don’t think the engines will blow within 36k miles, but after that it’s a real crap shoot!