LOTUS was founded and owned for a number of years by Colin Chapman who was perhaps best known for his involvement in F1 via Team Lotus which won the World Championship on seven occasions.
After his death there was a period of financial instability, the company was bought by General Motors, then followed a number of owners, currently it is owned by a majority-owned Chinese company Geely.
Throughout its history there have been a number of very well-known cars, including, the Seven, Elan, Esprit and Elise.
Currently in the line-up is the Emira, a combination of style and performance and by all reports it could be the last Lotus to be powered by an internal combustion engine, sad to report.
Not only does the Emira deliver on the afore mentioned style and performance but is can boast of best in class ride and handling.
The Emira certainly has on road presence aplenty with its wide stance, muscular proportions and a low slung cabin in true sports style.
A plus factor for the Emira it is both practical and refined; a car that you could use and enjoy every day of the week.
Recently Lotus took the wraps off the Emira V6 SE and in parallel with the arrival of this latest addition to the line-up a number of refinements across the range have been introduced.
To add further on road presence, two very striking colours, EOS Green and Purple Haze metallic and there is now a new entry point to the Emira family, the Turbo.
With the V6 SE the six cylinder supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine with a useful 400bhp, mated to a six speed manual gearbox with LSD.
That’s enough to whisk you from rest to 100kph (62mph) in 4.3 seconds; this figure refers to the optional automatic transmission.
One of the changes which will be warmly welcomed more precise gear changes which will certainly add to the enjoyment factor with this car.
There are two defined chassis and suspension settings, Tour is for everyday use and Sports provides a slightly stiffer set up for enhanced dynamic capability and feel.
There is a standard colour, Zinc Grey and it rides on twenty inch forged alloy wheels.
There are also red brake callipers and the interior has a touch of luxury finished with Alcantara and sports pedals add that racing touch.
A number of options are available, such as fifteen exterior colours and seven interior themes, in addition a choice of four braked calliper finishes and eight wheel designs.
For those who desire an even sportier look, Lotus has launched the Emira Racing Line; this is an option which is available on the Turbo SE and V6 SE.
In the looks department there is a subtle lower pinstripe in in yellow, red or silver matched to the colour of the brake calipers and the mirror caps get the same accent colour.
Moving to the interior, it is further enhanced by a special interior badge and stitching in the chosen accent colour.
The Emira range is hand built at the historic facility in Hethel where there have been cars produced there since 1966.
I recall with fond memories driving a Lotus Carlton around the Hethel test track.
Ian provides motoring content to the Newsletter, JPI Media Newspapers, ontheroad.ie and motorsport.ie
Email: Lynas@btinternet.com
