Times have changed, and this year's Guangzhou Auto Show is like an electric car "competing for glory". But the launch of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and lotus EMIRA China premiere seems to have pulled back a round for the heat of the fuel car lineup.
Unlike Porsche, which is regarded as a "god car" by most domestic car fans, for most people, the name "Lotus" may be familiar and unfamiliar, only knowing that the Lotus team, which was formed in 2012 and has so far galloped on various F1 tracks in the world, or because of the publicity of a foreign authoritative car magazine, it has the aura of "the world's three legendary sports car brands" with Ferrari and Porsche. It was not until Geely's acquisition and with the top pure electric supercar Evija, which was also listed at the Guangzhou Auto Show two years ago, that the little-known sports car brand gradually became active in the public's vision.
Under the name of Geely, it seems to inject a new blood into Lotus, a stubborn British veteran car company. At the Lotus booth of this auto show, because of the addition of EMIRA, Evija is no longer as lonely as it was two years ago, but the price of EMIIRA's 858,000 yuan is much more accessible than Evija, and more importantly, it will become the best song of lotus family fuel vehicles.
The "atypical supercar" of the supercar shape
Elise, Exige and Evora were the main players in the family in the earlier Lotus lineup, but today, it has been a decade since the latest Evora starter. Therefore, the launch of the new EMIRA is bound to have subversive changes compared with the past.
Everything that serves performance is a unique mood that Lotus has always held. Specifically, the head of the EMIRA, like many supercars, has a very low downward pressure attitude, the front bumper shape is wide and thick, and divided into three air intakes to divert air, and in order to further reduce the wind resistance coefficient, the front cover is also designed on both sides of the concave device to further reduce the air resistance above the cover, thereby increasing the stability of the vehicle.
Of course, performance and aesthetics are by no means incompatible. For a sports car, through perfect line proportions, giving the vehicle a simple and symmetrical body shape is much more important than the ordinary family car with a variety of accessories to attract attention. EMIRA is not very large, 4412/1895/1225 mm of "three circumference", and 2575 mm wheelbase, even in a group of sports cars, can be regarded as a "small man" existence. However, the length of the car, which is more than 4 meters 4, is much larger than Elise, Exige and Evora, at least for lotus designers, the EMIRA has more room to play on the side.
Sure enough, while keeping the car at the same level, emira's side profile appears much more slender, and the surface adds a series of designs that serve aerodynamics: a sharply inclined A-pillar, a side skirt with undulating concaves, and a large air intake for drainage on the back of the door panel, and even a kind of big brother Evija.
In terms of details, the new car is equipped with a rim size of 245/35 R 20, the brand is Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport, and the custom-developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are also available. In addition, because it is the first version of the domestic model, the rear side of the B-pillar is also equipped with a corresponding exclusive logo as a reflection of identity.
The rear shape of the car also has many highlights of the "aerodynamic" angle, the top of the cocked ducktail is in a downward arc shape, embedded in the C-shaped taillight group; the two sides are connected with the side of the exhaust port; while the black area below is an integrated spoiler device, the shape is wide, and the bilateral double out of the barrel exhaust is wrapped in it, while playing a good diversion effect, the aesthetic is also more sporty and domineering.
To be fair, regardless of the power performance of the model itself, or the price level, EMIRA has not reached the "supercar" level recognized by the public, but this does not affect its ability to have a supercar-like soft body.
"Niche street cars" set the tone, changing the rough and stubbornness of the old era
Friends familiar with Lotus may know that whether it's Elise, Exige or the slightly higher-positioned Evora, there's basically nothing to be comfortable with. In order to pursue the ultimate lightweight and handling, the steel plate of the center console, the gear shift mechanism and the steering system in the car are basically exposed. It is precisely because of such a stubborn and rough style that Lotus's models are destined to be the favorites of very few fans.
However, the interior of EMIRA has been greatly improved, as the official statement says, "EMIRA is a sports car suitable for everyday driving". First of all, the entire cockpit is wrapped in a large number of leather, and the steering wheel and seat are also made of leather, in terms of functionality, the main passenger seat not only supports front and rear, up and down adjustment, but also can adjust the backrest and waist support, and the "exclusive" configuration such as seat heating and main driver seat memory is not absent. In addition, in terms of safety, the 2-seater cockpit is equipped with six airbags to ensure the unexpected safety of the driver and passengers.
Of course, the configuration of some practical functions is also essential. The 10.25-inch LCD central control screen in the car has built-in bluetooth/telephone, GPS navigation, car networking and other functions, and supports Apple CarPlay interconnection and intelligent voice recognition functions, rich multimedia applications at the same time, the new car is also equipped with front and rear parking radar, reversing image, cruise control, automatic parking, keyless entry/start, automatic air conditioning, etc., so that drivers can enjoy the need for speed while bringing a relaxed and comfortable driving experience.
The assists of the top manufacturers give a different driving experience
In terms of power, EMIRA is equipped with an M139 2.0T engine from Mercedes-Benz AMG, which is currently equipped on the Mercedes-Benz A45S AMG, known as the "strongest 2.0T on the surface", but in order to be more compatible with its own model, emira's 2.0T engine is "secondary tuning" by Lotus. It has a maximum power of 298 kW and a peak torque of 480 Nm, and the drivetrain is matched to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. With the joint blessing of the powertrain, its acceleration time of 0-100 km/h is within 4.3 seconds, and the extreme speed is controlled at 290 km/h.
In fact, in addition to the Chinese premiere, EMIRA also provides a 3.5L V6 mechanically boosted version, but the official has not yet confirmed the introduction of it into the country. This 3.5L V6 supercharged engine was supplied by Toyota and is matched with a more maneuverable manual version.
Editor's summary: I have to say that in the context of this comprehensive innovation of electrification, lotus can still launch a new fuel vehicle is a valuable thing. Unlike major brands who are competing to enter the era of electrification with the purpose of seeking to move, the emergence of EMIRA is nothing more than a more interesting candidate for consumers who have no choice but Porsche 718Cayman. Buy a fuel car and leave a thought for yourself who is about to say goodbye to the era of the internal combustion engine", this is probably the innermost thought of users who choose EMIRA.