Lots Of Traffic, Usually Slow. That’s an acronym by the way, a lost art in modern society and yes it spells out LOTUS. There was a time when pundits would joke that it actually spelled “lots of trouble, usually serious”, but that was largely undeserved. Especially since for the most part, more so recently as in the case of the Emira First Edition, they’re powered by Toyotas.
The Lotus Emira is a mid-engine sports car that was first unveiled in 2021. It’s the successor to the Elise and Exige, and I recently had the opportunity to drive one around Table Mountain in Cape Town. I wish I could say it was a perfect day for a drive, with clear skies and warm temperatures – but it was none of this. Instead, I picked up the car from Lotus Cape Town on a gloomy day and headed out onto the moist open road, during peak hour. The plan was simple, rise above the city and into the twisty mountain roads.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Emira is its stunning design. Lovely in blue, but paint it ref and you’d be forgiven for expecting to find a prancing horse on its bonnet. It’s a low-slung, sleek car with a long hood and short overhangs. The headlights are sharp and angular, and the taillights are connected by a thin strip of light. The overall effect is both aggressive and elegant.
I got behind the wheel and started the engine. The V6 fired up with a throaty growl, and I immediately felt a surge of excitement. I slotted the six-speed manual transmission into first gear and pulled out of the parking lot. The Emira is incredibly easy to drive. The clutch is light and progressive, and the shifter is smooth and precise. The steering is also very responsive, and the car feels planted in corners. I drove the Emira up the Tafelberg Road, which is a winding road that leads to the top of Table Mountain. The car handled the curves with ease, and I was able to maintain a good pace. The engine is full of life, powerful, and pulls strongly throughout the rev range. It does the zero to hundred dance in just 4.3 seconds and will max out at 290kph.
I reached the top of Table Mountain and parked the car. I got out and took in the stunning views of Cape Town and the surrounding area. It was an incredible moment, and I was grateful to be able to experience it in the Emira. After a few minutes, I got back in the car and started the drive back down the mountain. The Emira handled the descent just as well as it handled the ascent. The brakes are powerful and progressive, and the car felt stable and predictable.
I reached the bottom of the mountain and returned the car to Lotus Cape Town. I was sad to see the drive come to an end, but I was also grateful for the opportunity to experience the Emira. It’s a truly special car. At circa R2.4mil, it is hard to quantify it or qualify it. A BMW M2 would keep pace with its 298kW and 420Nm powertrain and for notably less money. And Porsche have some truly special metal at this very price. But few cars can match the Emira for exclusivity and sheer ability to shake one’s viscera. And in a sterile 2023, that is worth quite a lot.