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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDavid C. Hayman’s July 13, 2025 first drive found a compelling Lotus chassis paired with a four-cylinder engine and dual-clutch transmission that did not feel as cohesive. He praised the Emira I4 First Edition’s hydraulic steering, ride, chassis communication and brake feel, but criticized the powertrain’s character and the gearbox’s inconsistent responses. Those are initial impressions from a restricted Goodwood Festival of Speed drive—not a long-term verdict or comprehensive road test.
What the “oil and water” verdict means
Hayman’s phrase describes the contrast he perceived between the Emira’s rewarding chassis and its AMG-sourced turbo-four/DCT pairing. It is a subjective judgment from one short event drive, not a claim that Lotus engineering and AMG hardware are inherently incompatible. Hayman cautions that “First Drive events provide our initial impressions of a vehicle in a restricted environment under certain time constraints.” DrivingOnRoad’s July 13, 2025 review said a fuller drive would follow; the existence or findings of that follow-up are not established here.
What Lotus specified for the I4 First Edition
The Japan-market First Edition specification published by Lotus on April 22, 2022 describes a two-seat, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe with a Mercedes-Benz AMG M139 1,991 cc turbocharged inline-four and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Lotus listed 269 kW (365 PS) at 7,200 rpm and 430 Nm between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm. The same document gives a DIN kerb weight of 1,405 kg and hydraulic power-assisted steering. These are figures from that dated market-specific specification, which itself warns equipment and specifications may change and says its figures derive from UK-published values. Lotus Cars Japan First Edition specification.
Do not conflate that First Edition sheet with Lotus’s later lineup. The current press page lists the Emira Turbo at 360 bhp, 0–62 mph in 4.4 seconds and 171 mph, and the Turbo SE at 400 bhp, 4.0 seconds and 181 mph. Those are separate later trim specifications, not interchangeable First Edition numbers. Lotus’s current Emira press specifications.
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- 2023 Lotus Emira Heritage Edition - 5456D Model Vehicle
- 1/34 Scale Collectible Model Sports Car
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How the car felt from the driver’s seat
Steering, chassis and ride
Hayman’s clearest praise is for the steering and chassis. He found the hydraulic steering communicative, the overall balance neutral and confidence-inspiring, and the brakes reassuring in feel. He also liked the Touring setup’s firm but tolerable ride. These are his subjective impressions of the car at Goodwood, not measured performance claims.
That emphasis is consistent with Car and Driver’s broader description of the Emira’s hydraulic steering and communicative character, though its findings concern separate model-year coverage. Car and Driver also noted grabby brakes in its account. Car and Driver’s Emira overview and test data.
Rank #2
- AUTHENTIC REPLICA: Die-cast metal 2012 Lotus Exige S model car in its pristine color, perfectly crafted at 1:32 scale with impressive detail
- INTERACTIVE FEATURES: Functioning doors that open and close, plus exciting pull-back action mechanism for dynamic play
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Built with durable die-cast metal body, rubber tires, and detailed plastic components for lasting performance
- PRECISE DETAILS: Authentic racing design elements including the number 3 decal, aerodynamic body styling, and detailed wheel rims
- SPECIFICATIONS: Compact 5-inch size perfect for collectors and play, suitable for ages 3 and up, no batteries required
Engine and DCT
The complaint is about character and response rather than a demonstrated lack of straight-line speed. Hayman found the turbo-four less appealing in sound than the Emira V6 and described the DCT as taking noticeable time to shift among neutral, reverse and drive. Paddle-shift responses, in his account, could be quick on one occasion and hesitant on another. The short drive cannot establish a defect, reliability pattern or how the transmission behaves across ordinary daily use.
Cabin technology and luggage
Hayman also reported touchscreen lag and interruptions to wireless Apple CarPlay. For practicality, he pointed to the absence of a front trunk, limited rear luggage room, heat around the rear luggage area and water entering the trunk when opened wet. These are observations from his brief drive, not a comprehensive usability or weather test.
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Rank #3
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Goodwood impressions versus other test figures
Performance numbers from other publications describe other cars and test conditions; they do not verify Hayman’s event impressions. Car and Driver’s model-year page includes a separate 2024 Emira 2.0T test panel listing 400 hp, 354 lb-ft, an eight-speed DCT, a 3.4-second 0–60 mph run and 21 mpg combined EPA. Those figures belong to Car and Driver’s 2024 test car, not the 2025 First Edition driven at Goodwood. Car and Driver’s 2025 Emira page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to weigh before comparing or buying
The drive suggests a clear evaluation checklist: whether the engine’s sound and response suit you, whether the DCT behaves predictably in the situations you use, and whether steering, chassis balance, ride and brake feel outweigh the reported infotainment and luggage compromises. For a Porsche 718 Cayman comparison, check local prices and warranty or ownership support as well as those driving and practicality factors; Hayman’s price discussion is time- and market-sensitive, so it is not a current quote.
Rank #4
- AUTHENTIC REPLICA: Die-cast metal 2012 Lotus Exige S model car in its pristine color, perfectly crafted at 1:32 scale with impressive detail
- INTERACTIVE FEATURES: Functioning doors that open and close, plus exciting pull-back action mechanism for dynamic play
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Built with durable die-cast metal body, rubber tires, and detailed plastic components for lasting performance
- PRECISE DETAILS: Authentic racing design elements including the number 3 decal, aerodynamic body styling, and detailed wheel rims
- SPECIFICATIONS: Compact 5-inch size perfect for collectors and play, suitable for ages 3 and up, no batteries required
For tires, Lotus’s Japan First Edition sheet lists Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 LTS or Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport LTS, with 245/35 R20 front and 295/30 R20 rear sizes. Confirm the individual car’s market specification, wheel and tire setup before ordering replacements; do not assume every First Edition has the same configuration.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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