Dan Neil, a car columnist for the Wall Street Journal, reviewed the 2022 Lotus Emira, declaring it the best road car Lotus has produced to date. He highlighted its luxurious styling and a "rowdy" 3.5-liter V6 engine. This model holds significant importance as it is Lotus's final gasoline-powered vehicle.
Neil's positive review resonated with readers, with one commenter on a Lotus enthusiast forum expressing gladness to have an Emira order locked in, suggesting that positive reviews of the production cars could drive demand. Another reader noted Neil's enthusiasm for the new Lotus, calling it a "very happy breakfast today enjoy.
The Emira is available with either a supercharged V6 or a turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine. The V6, sourced from Toyota and tuned by Lotus with an Eaton/Edelbrock supercharger, produces 400 hp (300 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque, allowing it to reach 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Pricing for the V6 starts at $102,250, with the reviewed model, including custom options like Isotope Green paint ($4,500) and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires ($500), totaling $116,950.
Despite its high praise, some critiques of the Emira involve its manual transmission. While appreciated for being a rare feature, the shifter is described as "notchy and clunky at times," requiring practice for seamless shifts. Other minor inconveniences include small cupholders and limited cargo space, with a 5.3 cubic foot (150 L) trunk positioned over the exhaust system, making grocery runs impractical without using the passenger seat.
