Today we’re welcoming Adrian Elford to our ‘Car In The Spotlight’ feature. Adrian answers our questions to reveal what he loves so much about his Lotus Emira V6 First Edition. The video above is from his YouTube Channel ‘RevMonkey’, where he shares more on this car and many others.

Before we get to Adrian’s answers, let’s take a look at why the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition is such a remarkable car. It’s actually a farewell to an era, considering it is Lotus’s final petrol-powered model. It embodies the brand’s storied heritage in handling, performance, and driving purity.

Launched in 2021, this car is designed for enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and engineering precision. With its sharp looks, superb handling, and a powerful V6 engine, the Emira brings the thrill of a supercar at a much more attainable price point.

Let’s explore what makes the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition such an iconic, captivating choice for driving enthusiasts today.

Design and Aesthetics

The Emira’s design draws instant attention. With flowing lines, sculpted side intakes, and an aggressive stance, it’s an elegant tribute to Lotus’s sports car lineage. Inspired by the aesthetics of the Evija hypercar, the Emira balances sophistication and raw athleticism. Its low profile and aerodynamic curves are crafted to enhance airflow, ensuring optimal performance at high speeds.

Its interior is equally impressive, pairing premium materials with a driver-focused layout. Leather sports seats, an ergonomic steering wheel, and minimalist controls make it both comfortable and intuitive. Unlike many Lotus models before it, the Emira offers a high level of refinement, signalling the brand’s commitment to enhancing comfort while staying true to its roots.

Engine and Performance

Powering the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition is a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine sourced from Toyota, delivering 400 bhp and 430 Nm of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of just over four seconds, it’s quick but not overly aggressive, striking a balance between thrilling speed and everyday usability.

While it’s available with an automatic transmission, many enthusiasts opt for the manual gearbox, which brings an added level of engagement. The manual complements Lotus’s signature handling, allowing drivers to feel each gear shift and fully connect with the road. Combined with hydraulic steering, the car offers precise feedback, making even short trips exhilarating.

Handling and Dynamics

Handling is where the Emira really shines. Lotus has a reputation for creating cars that feel planted, responsive, and agile – and the Emira is no exception. Built on a lightweight, bonded aluminium chassis, it boasts incredible rigidity, enabling it to handle corners with confidence. The suspension is firm but not punishing, and thanks to the finely tuned damping, it absorbs road imperfections effectively.

The Emira’s hydraulic steering offers a level of precision and feedback that is increasingly rare in modern sports cars. It provides an intuitive sense of connection between driver and machine, making each corner an experience to savour. This dynamic setup is a key reason many drivers are choosing the Emira over its German rivals, such as the Porsche Cayman.

Practicality and Daily Usability

Unlike some of its predecessors, the Emira has a surprisingly practical side. It features 208 litres of boot space behind the seats and an additional 151 litres in the rear, allowing for a couple of weekend bags or a load of shopping. The interior is thoughtfully designed, offering more legroom and headroom than previous Lotus models, making it a viable option for daily driving.

While it does command a premium for service and insurance, its reliability is a significant advantage. Many owners report using the Emira as a daily driver without any major issues, attesting to its practicality. And with running costs at around £450 annually for service and tax, it’s a reasonable commitment for such a high-performance machine.

An Owner’s Viewpoint

1. What do you love the most about your car?

It looks like a supercar, but at a sports car price. Indeed, I believe it’s one of the prettiest cars ever made. The looks are backed up by Lotus handling dynamics, a great engine, awesome sound, and decent speed, make it feel like a steal. I find myself laughing at my good fortune.

2. When and where did you buy the car?

I put down the deposit in 2021 and was among the first 50 orders. It was only available directly through Lotus.

3. Why did you buy this particular car, as opposed to another model or manufacturer?

As soon as I heard that Lotus was taking deposits on their last ever petrol car, I put down two deposits. At that point, only Lotus employees had seen the car in person, and it was kept very secret. I knew it would be something special since both the Evora and Exige were brilliant.

4. What was the purchase price of the car, and what is its current value?

It cost just over £78,000, but with the first year’s tax, it came to around £80,500. I added full paint protection film for £4,500 and a Larini sports exhaust system for £3,500. Like most things, it has depreciated slightly due to over-supply, so it’s likely worth around £60–65k now. Interestingly, the new price has moved up to £88,500, so used Emiras are a bargain. I expect values to stabilise or even rise for V6 models.

5. How much does it cost to service and tax?

About £450 for each.

6. How does it feel to drive?

Amazing. Lotus delivers that signature feel and connection. The manual gearbox, improved sound, and confidence-inspiring handling make it a joy.

7. How often do you drive it?

It’s my daily driver – three times a day for around 20 miles and sometimes longer on the weekends, although I do own three other cars.

8. Has it been on any eventful journeys? Please share.

I had planned to drive to the Nürburgring, but it didn’t happen. My best drive was on the way to and around Croft Circuit.

9. How do you look after the car?

The paint protection film makes cleaning easier, and it keeps the car looking mint. I also have alloy insurance, which is essential. It’s parked outside in all weather conditions and never has issues.

10. Is there another classic or supercar you’d like to buy, and why?

Ha! The list is endless. I already own my favourite car, an Integrale Evoluzione, and a few other nice cars. On my list are an Alfa Romeo RZ, McLaren 600LT Spider, Porsche 911 Targa 4S (997 or 993), Porsche 911 GT3 or RS, BMW E30 Evo, Audi UR Quattro, Ferrari 599 GTB or F12, Gallardo Superleggera, Dallara Stradale, Mercedes-Benz SLS, and Ferrari 458 Spider.

11. What advice do you have for anyone looking to buy this model of car?

At current second-hand prices, you’re getting a car prettier than any modern Ferrari, with handling on par with one, for a steal.

12. How does it compare to newer models, or other cars you’ve driven?

It’s a better car overall than my Integrale and Ferrari F430 Manual Spider, though it doesn’t quite match the Ferrari’s experience or the kudos of the Integrale. I much prefer it to any Cayman/718, and I think the Jaguar F-Type is the closest in terms of looks.

13. How is the current market for this car, and how do you see this evolving?

The market’s challenging right now – there’s been an oversupply, and it hasn’t generated much hype. I expect prices to level out over the next 18 months and eventually rise as a future classic, especially as electric vehicles become more common and the Emira stands out even more.

14. Is the car a keeper, or can you see a time when you’d sell it to another custodian?

I’ve always kept it up for sale as my plan is to work through my wish list, but I keep overpricing it! It’s worth so much to me, and as I rarely buy new cars, it’s incredibly special. I’m more than happy to keep it, and I may even pass it down one day to my son.

To conclude

We would like to say a big thank you to Adrian into his insight to his ownership of his cool Lotus Emira V6 First Edition. It’s always so very cool to hear from a passionate owner about their car.

Do you have a car of interest? Would you like your car featured in our ‘Car in the Spotlight’ Series? If so, please do get in touch with us, send us an email to info@mycarheaven.com with a subject line: Featuring my car in your “Car in the Spotlight”.

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The post Car In The Spotlight: Lotus Emira V6 First Edition appeared first on My Car Heaven.