The Lotus Emira is a big deal. A new Lotus certainly gets the attention of enthusiasts as fewer and fewer cars like this are produced today. Plus, if you want a lightweight mid-engine sports car it tends to cost quite a bit more than where Lotus positioned the Emira.


Top Gear being British somewhat fittingly is the first to do a true review of the Emira even though this is not a production version albeit very close to one. They tested the manual transmission version mated to to the supercharged Toyota 3.5 liter V6. Not a bad way to go but the dual clutch version with an AMG M139 2.0 liter I4 is really what we want to see.

It will come later but the manual trans V6 version certainly appeals to purists. Top Gear agrees there and absolutely recommends the manual.

Really, it's more a preview than review as we do not get test numbers. It's subjective impressions on the Emira which Top Gear absolutely loves. They state the choice between the Emira and the Cayman GT4 is a tough one and that is quite an endorsement.

We are starved for Emira information so enjoy this 'review' of sorts. The Emira is going to be a hit and the last of a dying breed.