Perhaps the real highlight of the Emira is still its steering. Lotus has retained a hydraulic set-up for its sports car, and this in combination with the grippy tyres and hi-tech dampers delivers excellent feedback that tells you everything that’s going on with the nose of the car. Quick responses and a more agile feel allow you to press on without issues.
It’s on the track where the Emira 420 Sport can really strut its stuff. Activate Track mode (which can only be done when parked, mainly because you have to press OK on a number of confirmation screens), and the car feels sharp and alert. A few laps of Lotus’s Hethel test track demonstrated that the 420 Sport is a consistent performer, while the amount of grip on offer with the Cup 2 tyres and the agile steering set-up help to inspire confidence in the car’s abilities.
Approach and pass the limits, and the Emira reacts progressively, while the electronic systems allow you to toy with these limits without them activating. The brakes deliver strong stopping power and didn’t show any signs of fading. A broad spread of torque means you don’t need to hunt through the gears to maintain your pace, either.
At £110,475 (or £123,375 with the Lightweight Handling Pack), the Emira 420 Sport is closing in on Porsche 911 territory. Having said that, a track-focused GT3 is nearly £50,000 more than that, and the Emira isn’t going to be too far behind in terms of performance. With models such as the Alpine A110 and Porsche Cayman no longer available new, it’s down to the Emira to cater for track-day enthusiasts who want a car that will get them there and back, while also putting a smile on their face when running hot laps.
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Model:Lotus Emira 420 SportPrice: £110,475Powertrain:2.0-litre, turbocharged 4cylPower/torque:416bhp/500NmTransmission:Eight-speed twin-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive0-62/top speed:3.9 seconds/186mphEconomy:30.7mpgEmissions:209g/kmSize (L/W/H):4,413/1,895/1,230mmOn sale:Now
