[ourlee]

Wow, so gorgeous

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by MUSASHI66

I have to say - wifey has great taste! For a while, we considered going to a 2-car household, and swapping the X3 M40i for an X3M or X5M, but I really wanted to have a manual. We maybe should have replaced the X3 fort the X3M and kept the Abarth, but I already sold it and try not to think about it much :/

I honestly didn't know that BMW PHEVs have such bad trade in values. I guess I did look into X5 PHEV because it has almost 500HP and prices on new after incentives were low enough where they overlapped with my M40i.

Wife has always liked fast cars & had a M3 convertible when she was in high school that got t-boned by a red light runner & totaled.

It's an expensive habit to have both of us into cars. My 330e stickered at $50,200 & with 30k mi after 17 months of ownership two local BMW dealers offered me $24k & $27k respectively. I received $36k from the Chevy dealership where I picked up the M2.

I owned a Fiat 500 Sport back in the day & sometimes that was just as fun as my Z06 because you could zip around at 10/10 & not get in trouble. I swapped out the sport interior for the Abarth interior, which looked really nice.

[MUSASHI66]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

Wife has always liked fast cars & had a M3 convertible when she was in high school that got t-boned by a red light runner & totaled.

It's an expensive habit to have both of us into cars. My 330e stickered at $50,200 & with 30k mi after 17 months of ownership two local BMW dealers offered me $24k & $27k respectively. I received $36k from the Chevy dealership where I picked up the M2.

I owned a Fiat 500 Sport back in the day & sometimes that was just as fun as my Z06 because you could zip around at 10/10 & not get in trouble. I swapped out the sport interior for the Abarth interior, which looked really nice.

Sweet! Slow car fast is a lot of fun... I have to admit, I do have concerns about my incoming M2 being so capable, that it will be boring unless I am really on it. My Abarth made so much noise and you had to shift so much, it was always involved. The M2 can rev 2-3k higher... come to think of it, this M2 might be my highest revving car ever. I had a 2003 Civic Si (EP3), and that one did not rev too high.

[Veteran1]

Originally Posted by MUSASHI66

Interesting, I thought RS3 would be a little torque-monster with the I5 engine. Due to no manual, I never researched it seriously.

I feel you on the Mustang opinion. I felt the same about it and the Camaro.

RS3 is dead below 3500 rpm. Once it spools it’s really alive though.

[DSTR]

The link OurLee posted is a good start to see the daily issues owners are having with the Emira and the support system from Lotus. Expect long waits for approval and parts that only come from the UK.
Constant software updates needed to cure annoyances/issues. Way too many and its indicative of poor testing done for the platform. Cheap plastic parts near the seat base that break that came over from other Geely platforms.
A major problem is Geely the Chinese owner of Volvo, Lotus and others. Lotus itself is in dire financial straits.
Paint problems persist with bubbling along given panels. Some owners, way toooooooo many in fact are suffering with new bubbling in parts/doors replaces. Id you look at a new or used Emira pay attention to the paint. Again those parts come from the UK.
Ive passed on 2 here in Germany. 1 new and 1 ever so slightly used. They are not at all as reliable as they should be and given the low volume produces way too many have been sold/bought back or literally dumped by Lotus on the market after being returned and still contained issues.
Ive owned 3 different Esprit Turbos and all utterly reliable. Im a big Lotus fan. Go into Emira ownership with eyes open. Pay attention to what the company is doing and going through financially as well. They have laid off staff and sales are down. They are struggling.
The car is beautiful but the quality is not at all what is should be given the low volume. Lotus went from very low production to a target of 10k cars per year. They have not achieved it at all. They hired quickly new staff to ramp up for production increase etc. Poor execution. Lotus have never ever been a volume production company until now.
Getting approval from Lotus to repair is absurd for a car under warranty. Cars sitting at dealers for weeks for parts or approved repair is not unusual at all. See the link OurLee posted and research this. This amazing car deserves better support.

[DrewNewM2]

Originally Posted by MUSASHI66

Sweet! Slow car fast is a lot of fun... I have to admit, I do have concerns about my incoming M2 being so capable, that it will be boring unless I am really on it. My Abarth made so much noise and you had to shift so much, it was always involved. The M2 can rev 2-3k higher... come to think of it, this M2 might be my highest revving car ever. I had a 2003 Civic Si (EP3), and that one did not rev too high.

This is a valid concern. M2 manual hits triple digits in 3rd gear, meanwhile my STi is geared much lower, requires more shifts and more engaging to drive especially since very modified.

[ChipXpert]

So I crossed shopped a C8 Vette and 718 4.0.

AI came from a series of Bimmers including an early E12 Euro 530i, E30 M3, E36 M3, FBO E90 335i and currently an i4 M50.

I had to have a manual so the C8 was out. I didn't bother with G80/82 because they look too much like my i4.

The Porsche was okay, but two seat and the Porsche tax. The 718 4.0 was $120k-ish fully configured. Pass..

So the M2 and it had to be TP since my E36 was techno violet.

M2 has the buckets and every other think you can have an still have a manual.

Most fun car I've owned out of the bunch of Bimmers. The E30 was fun and it was my daily driver for 11 years

[MUSASHI66]

Originally Posted by ChipXpert

So I crossed shopped a C8 Vette and 718 4.0.

AI came from a series of Bimmers including an early E12 Euro 530i, E30 M3, E36 M3, FBO E90 335i and currently an i4 M50.

I had to have a manual so the C8 was out. I didn't bother with G80/82 because they look too much like my i4.

The Porsche was okay, but two seat and the Porsche tax. The 718 4.0 was $120k-ish fully configured. Pass..

So the M2 and it had to be TP since my E36 was techno violet.

M2 has the buckets and every other think you can have an still have a manual.

Most fun car I've owned out of the bunch of Bimmers. The E30 was fun and it was my daily driver for 11 years

You should update your signature

I just read this yesterday - https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...on-test-review

Spoiler - identical performance on everything measurable. On subjective stuff, the M2 won, at $50k cheaper. Porsche tax is just insane.

I went with Frozen Pure Gray. TP is such an amazing color, but my wife thinks I would look like a drug dealer if I had one of those


My one wish for the M2 is more interior options. I hate black interiors, especially without cooled seat option. I would have the Yas Marina or Oslo Blue in a heartbeat... If anyone ever confirms that M4 seats fit in the M2, I might have to browse forums and ebay a lot more often.

[ChipXpert]

Originally Posted by MUSASHI66

You should update your signature

I just read this yesterday - https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2023-bmw-m2-vs-porsche-718-cayman-gts-40-comparison-test-review

Spoiler - identical performance on everything measurable. On subjective stuff, the M2 won, at $50k cheaper. Porsche tax is just insane.

I went with Frozen Pure Gray. TP is such an amazing color, but my wife thinks I would look like a drug dealer if I had one of those


My one wish for the M2 is more interior options. I hate black interiors, especially without cooled seat option. I would have the Yas Marina or Oslo Blue in a heartbeat... If anyone ever confirms that M4 seats fit in the M2, I might have to browse forums and ebay a lot more often.

You are right!
I'll change it.

The interior is like Henry Ford - "Any color you want as long as it's black".

The M4 front seats definitely fit but what would you do with the rest of the interior?

[Dave07997S]

I came out of an E92 M3 than onto a S550 Mustang, love V8s. I was considering an S650 Mustang. Its just they were a stone throw away in price and leased terribly, made the G87 a no brainer. Im glad with my choice.

[EstorilM]

Quite a few different cars. 718 GT4, NA2 NSX, 997 Turbo. Unfortunately all of these (outside of 718) are time consuming to find the right one. Starting considering the M2 as a shorter term option with warranty/maintenance included. Never really considered the CS as an option as I figured all current allocations were spoken for. After reading a bit on the forums and emailing 20 dealers, found the allocation/deal I wanted and put a deposit down on a CS in Velvet Blue.

Edit for clarification.

[MUSASHI66]

Originally Posted by ChipXpert

You are right!
I'll change it.

The interior is like Henry Ford - "Any color you want as long as it's black".

The M4 front seats definitely fit but what would you do with the rest of the interior?

If I can get the seats (comfort ones) and the armrest, I’d be ok. Maybe run rear seat delete so colors don’t clash. Besides - I had the Abarth, that one has red leather front seats and black rear seats, so I’m sort of used to it.
Fjord blue would be the best - it would work with the M colors on the armrest.

[baege]

Originally Posted by BackOnBlack

I hope we are not hijacking the thread.

Let's get the bad stuff out first:

- 2023/24 cars have had more issues than 2025, no doubt. Vast majority are minor stuff, not like the G8x radiator being open to road debris or GT3 engines dying prematurely, but annoying still. It is even more annoying if you don't have a dealer near by of course.

- Scheduling service with dealers is more cumbersome and time consuming. I call and schedule 4-5 weeks ahead. They tell me they sold more Emiras than anticipated in the US, hence they are still in catch up mode. ~3350 Emiras came to the US thus far.
- Servicing an Emira or Lotus is more expensive in every way. An oil change: $400, alignment is $330. This is for good reason, but still stings.
- Finding factory parts is very difficult. However, aftermarket stuff is superb IMO.
- It attracts a lot of attention. My wife won't ride in the car any more, I wish I was kidding. Every traffic light, shopping parking, etc. someone wants to say something or talk about it. This is not the attention one would get while driving a Ferrari, McLaren or Lambo, it is more down to earth conversations. It is an accessible sports car, not a supercar.
- Rear trunk gets hot. Don't carry ice cream there, and there is no frunk. There is a very nice shelf behind the seats that is very usable.
- Seats are meant for long cruises, not track days. There is no lateral support.
- There is no oil pressure or temp gauge (this one drives me nuts)

The good stuff:

- Everything important mechanical part is protected. The whole front has high-quality mesh grill. The underside is completely closed for aerodynamics.
- Suspension is a gem. Double wishbones on all four corners, and shock/spring tuning leaves BMW in the dust. They managed to have supple ride, while keeping it aggressive enough that it reminds you it is a sports car. It is never jarring or crushing. Amazingly, it has more ground clearance than my former M3 CS.
- Chassis is height adjustable. The strut body has three allocations for you to move the spring perches within 20 mm range.
- I heard and watched the extruded and bonded aluminium chassis. You can actually see and touch it. Nothing is hidden behind some plastic stuff.
- Aero works, and you can feel it even on the Interstate. No need for unsightly wings or other stuff.
- There are intakes for brake cooling on all four corners. And there are exhaust openings provisioned for the hot air to escape the wheel well to reduce/eliminate lift. Just real engineering stuff.
- Leather interior is superb, as good as BMW. Simpler looking, but just the right amount. Alcantara headliner is also very nice.
- Electronics done right. Nothing distracts you from driving; a simple center screen that is intuitive and displays just the right information, save for oil pressure and temp info.
- Steering, brakes are all hydraulic and mechanical. I had forgotten how nice it is to have this frankly. I can sense everything from steering wheel and brake pedal, just a big smile on my face.
- I hadn't driven a manual for 12 years. The one the Emira is a gem in my book. Some prefer the Porsche manual (my last manual was a 997.2 GT3), but I prefer the Emira's. I can tell the shape of the gate as I am putting it into gear, and I know which gear I am going into before I release the clutch. Depending on how easy or difficult to get it into gear, I can tell if the transmission fluid is up to temp to push it or not. Now, that's 'engagement,' not necessarily the act of changing gears myself.
- Gear ratios are very well setup. Daily suburban driving, you do use first four gears, close ratios, but not too close. On the interstates, you get to use all 6 gears. There aren't any overly-long gears, they are just spaced to my liking.
- Visibility cannot be better in a two-seater, I think.
- The engine, Toyatus V6, is no S55 or S58. However, it is one of the most developed engines, lasts forever. Push it all day long without worry. ~370 to the wheels is good enough for me. And it sounds just superb, both the engine and stock exhaust. When you put down the driver window, you truly hear a hard rock tune that combines the engine noise with that of the supercharge, then the exhaust and the intake suction sounds. You really need to experience it at above 5K RPM to appreciate it.
- It weighs 3,277 lbs with full tank of gas.

All of the above at the end, translates into a drive, each time you fire it up, an experience full of sensations. There are no distractions from screens, HUD, or anything else. There is minimal insulation from the road, engine or chassis. It makes you drive the car, work with it and just enjoy the act of driving. Each time.

I think if someone is looking for a sports car, and there is a nearby Lotus dealer, they should spend 15-20 mins in an Emira to understand how things can be and are. As much as I like BMWs, and I truly enjoyed my M3 CS on the road and track, thus far Emira has me blown away. I hope I don't jinx it and start having bunch of issues, and I'll deal with them as the price to pay for the driving enjoyment.

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great review, curious if you cross shopped the Emira with the GTS 4.0 or 718 GT4?

i seriously considered the emira, but the possible dependability issues and the supercharger whine (some like it, not me) kept me away

I have to admit your review, given your porsche past, has me thinking maybe I should at least give a 25 and up a drive...you clearly really like it and I am missing manual....

[ChipXpert]

Originally Posted by MUSASHI66

If I can get the seats (comfort ones) and the armrest, I’d be ok. Maybe run rear seat delete so colors don’t clash. Besides - I had the Abarth, that one has red leather front seats and black rear seats, so I’m sort of used to it.
Fjord blue would be the best - it would work with the M colors on the armrest.

Keep checking eBay
I got the M Sport seats for my i4 M50 in Tartufo for a great price. I ordered full leather but in US you can't get the "real" M seats.
So I have some from an X4 M.

You'll be able to find some.

[ourlee]

Originally Posted by EstorilM

Quite a few different cars. 718 GT4, NA2 NSX, 997 Turbo. Unfortunately all of these (outside of 718) are time consuming to find the right one. Starting considering the M2 as a shorter term option with warranty/maintenance included. Never really considered the CS as an option as I figured all current allocations were spoken for. After reading a bit on the forums and emailing 20 dealers, found the allocation/deal I wanted and put a deposit down.

997 TURBO!!!

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by ourlee

997 TURBO!!!

$$$

[sycd]

I was considering M3/M4 back when I bought my M2, and might have gone with the M3 if they had the right one in stock at the time. I'm more of an impulse buyer and don't have the patience to custom order.

Recently I've started to seriously like the manual Z4 M40i. I think I need to calm down and go for a drive so I don't impulsively trade the M2. But I would seriously consider the Z4 if I had to do it again.

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by sycd

I was considering M3/M4 back when I bought my M2, and might have gone with the M3 if they had the right one in stock at the time. I'm more of an impulse buyer and don't have the patience to custom order.

Recently I've started to seriously like the manual Z4 M40i. I think I need to calm down and go for a drive so I don't impulsively trade the M2. But I would seriously consider the Z4 if I had to do it again.

If I found $70K under a seat cushion tomorrow, I'd buy a Z4 Handshalter the same day. Unfortunately the Z4 will be discontinued before I am on the market again.

[MUSASHI66]

Originally Posted by sycd

I was considering M3/M4 back when I bought my M2, and might have gone with the M3 if they had the right one in stock at the time. I'm more of an impulse buyer and don't have the patience to custom order.

Recently I've started to seriously like the manual Z4 M40i. I think I need to calm down and go for a drive so I don't impulsively trade the M2. But I would seriously consider the Z4 if I had to do it again.

I drove the automatic version of the Z4, and it was pretty dang fun. Ultimately, I have a B58 car and wanted something more potent.

[ourlee]

Originally Posted by Squidget

$$$

how much? Post ims yes?

[ourlee]

Originally Posted by sycd

I was considering M3/M4 back when I bought my M2, and might have gone with the M3 if they had the right one in stock at the time. I'm more of an impulse buyer and don't have the patience to custom order.

Recently I've started to seriously like the manual Z4 M40i. I think I need to calm down and go for a drive so I don't impulsively trade the M2. But I would seriously consider the Z4 if I had to do it again.

When the z4 manual is $50k I’m buying one. I drove a white car with 15 miles on it, coming from Miata’s it was A+
Now if a perfect 718T Boxster shows itself at $50 without stupid miles, it’ll be that. But new the z4 manual is pure value.

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by ourlee

how much? Post ims yes?

You misunderstand. I don't have a 997 T, nor will ever have one because they cost so much $$$.