2025 Lotus Emira V6 Manual Here’s My Brutally Honest Review originally appeared on Autoblog.
Still a delightfully tactile machine
The 2025 Lotus Emira is a unicorn. In an age of electrification and computer-controlled everything, this car is an unapologetic love letter to internal combustion and the simple, tactile joy of driving. It’s a true car person's car, laser-focused on its singular mission: to be a lightweight, agile, and utterly engaging sports car. Everything else is secondary. It’s stunningly beautiful from any angle, delightfully rare, and hailing from Britain, it has a unique charm you just don't get from its German or American rivals.
The heart of the matter
At the core of any Lotus is the engineering philosophy laid down by founder Colin Chapman: "simplify, then add lightness." While the Emira is certainly more "grown-up" and feature-rich than its spartan ancestors like the Elise and Exige, that core DNA is still there.
The real magic begins with the chassis. It's built on Lotus's signature lightweight bonded aluminum structure. This process involves using industrial-strength adhesives and rivets to bond aluminum extrusions together. The result is a chassis that is incredibly stiff and incredibly light, providing the perfect, unyielding platform for the suspension to do its work. It's the kind of technology pioneered in aerospace and high-end racing, and it's fundamental to the car's nimble character.
Bolted to that chassis is a purebred performance suspension: double wishbones at all four corners. This is the gold standard for handling. Unlike more common MacPherson strut setups, a double-wishbone layout allows engineers to precisely control the tire's camber angle as the suspension compresses and rebounds. This keeps the tire's contact patch flat on the road during hard cornering, maximizing grip and stability. The hardware is top-shelf, with Eibach springs and Bilstein monotube dampers. You can have it in two flavors: the road-optimized 'Touring' spec or the stiffer, track-focused 'Sport' setup (part of the Lotus Driver's Pack).
But the most critical component, the feature that truly defines the Emira's identity, is its steering. Lotus made the unique and expensive decision to forgo a modern, fully electric power steering (EPS) system. Instead, they fitted an electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS) system. An EPS system uses an electric motor to assist your steering inputs, but this often filters out the subtle vibrations and forces coming back from the tires, resulting in a numb, disconnected feeling. However, Lotus's use of their EHPAS system preserves the rich, textured feedback from the road surface, telegraphing every nuance of the grip and tarmac directly to the steering wheel.
Powering the Lotus Emira V6 is a Toyota-sourced 2GR-FE 3.5-liter unit paired with an Edelbrock 1740 supercharger, which provides a significant power boost. A supercharger is driven directly by the engine's crankshaft, meaning there's no lag; the power is instant and linear. This gives the Emira a potent 400 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at a very usable 3,500 rpm. This translates to a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. The V6 is paired exclusively with a proper six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels through a standard mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD).
In terms of the gearbox, the clutch action is heavy and precise, just how I like it. It demands that you be intentional, rewarding smooth and deliberate inputs. The gear lever itself moves through its gates with a unique, mechanical-feeling action that's almost reminiscent of driving a classic car with a gated shifter. It’s a satisfying, weighty throw. I will say, the shifts aren't lightning-fast; you have to take a moment with each change, which likely adds a tenth or two to its 0-60 time compared to a Porsche's slicker 'box. But the trade-off is a deeply engaging experience. As a fantastic visual treat, the gear linkage mechanism is partially exposed at the base of the center console, a cool nod to the car's mechanical soul.
The baby supercar
The Lotus Emira is a stunningly gorgeous vehicle. Penned under the guidance of design chief Russell Carr, its lines are heavily inspired by the multi-million dollar, all-electric Evija hypercar. This gives the Emira the visual drama and street presence of a car costing three times as much. The front is dominated by striking vertical "blade design" LED headlights that create an unmistakable signature. The hood is sculpted for more than just looks; those two large vents are fully functional. They extract high-pressure air from under the front of the car and channel it over the body, generating real downforce that plants the nose at speed.
Its mid-engine layout dictates the classic proportions: a low nose, a compact cabin pushed forward, and powerful haunches that swell to accommodate the engine and large rear tires. The side profile is just stunning, with deep scallops in the doors that feed air into the huge intakes mounted just ahead of the rear wheels. The rear is just as purposeful, with C-shaped LED taillights, a prominent diffuser, and a fantastic-looking titanium-tipped dual exhaust system. From every single angle, it’s a cohesive and breathtaking piece of design.
An interior built to impress
For decades, a Lotus cabin was the price you paid for the driving experience. The Emira throws that entire history in the bin. The first thing you notice is the quality of the materials. Supple Nappa leather or rich Alcantara covers nearly every surface, from the seats to the wraparound dashboard that flows into the door cards. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is also a nice touch.
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More importantly, this is the first Lotus designed for actual human beings. Getting in and out is relatively easy thanks to lower, narrower sills and wider door openings. And then there are the creature comforts, things that would be sacrilege in an old Exige. You get twin cupholders, a dedicated phone slot, door bins that can actually hold a water bottle, a proper glovebox, and a central armrest with USB and 12v charging ports.
Little details add to the sense of occasion. That exposed gear linkage is a constant reminder of the mechanics at play. The start/stop button is hidden beneath a flip-up, red protective cap, similar to the missile-launch button in a fighter jet. It’s a bit of theater that never gets old.
2025 Lotus Emira V6 pricing
The Emira's newfound quality and exotic looks come at a price. The official MSRP for the V6 manual starts around $112,900. This positions it squarely against the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. It's not a bargain, but for the level of standard tech and the exotic presence, it feels like a fair fight.
The Emira has all the right tech
In front of the driver sits a customizable 12.3-inch display that changes its layout depending on whether you're in 'Tour', 'Sport', or 'Track' mode. In the center is a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen for all your infotainment needs. Crucially, Lotus didn't go all-in on touch controls. Below the screen sits a row of physical buttons and knobs for the climate control. It's a fantastic ergonomic choice that lets you adjust the temperature or fan speed without taking your eyes off the road; something other manufacturers should take note of.
Connectivity is top-notch and, importantly, standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with Bluetooth and multiple charging ports. The standard audio system is a 7-speaker setup, but the test car I had was equipped with the optional system developed with British hi-fi KEF. It's a 10-speaker, 560-watt system featuring KEF's signature Uni-Q driver technology. However, the system sounds somewhat flat and not very representative of what a high-end audio system should be. I know KEF makes excellent speakers, but the ones in the Emira need some adjustments.
Final thoughts
The 2025 Lotus Emira V6 Manual isn't perfect. The shifter could be slicker, and it's heavier than the featherweight Lotuses of old. But these are minor footnotes. It’s a car you buy with your heart, not a spec sheet, won over by the notes of its supercharged V6 and the sublime feedback through the steering wheel. The Emira is an emotional, exhilarating machine. It is, without a doubt, a car built "For The Drivers."
2025 Lotus Emira V6 Manual Here’s My Brutally Honest Review first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 7, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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