2022 Lotus Emira, the last ICE for the brand.

[Irace86.2.0]

I think there are a number of other common build issues unrelated to the mechanical powertrain, Toyota stuff like electrical issues, switch failures, AC failures, windows that can’t roll up, etc. TO BE CLEAR, that was a speculative list of examples of quality issues that have nothing to do with the powertrain, but still can leave someone stranded or unable to drive the car in all conditions. I’ve read about issues that seem to be much more common than other brands, but I don’t have REAL details. In general, I don’t know if the online complaints are reflective or bloated.

https://www.osv.ltd.uk/are-lotus-reliable/

[Sapphireho]

Lotus used Rover motors for first 2 gens of Elise. Rover is the worst car company ever. It is unbelievable that they are in business, much less legally able to sell such crap. Luckily, they weren't able to sell Rover powered Lotus in North America.

I had a '60s lotus Elan in the '80s for a brief time. It had a Ford block with a real fancy 2 cam head. it was worn out. Unfortunately it needed work which was well beyond my pay grade. I flipped it and made a couple bucks.

My Exige has had Not a single problem in the 4+ years I've owned it. Yes Toyota drivetrain. Only problem is over oil cooling for street driving. They really are made just for track.


I would have never bought one with a Rover drivetrain. I wouldn't buy a shopping cart with a Rover drivetran.
I wouldn't take anything Rover for free.

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

Lotus used Rover motors for first 2 gens of Elise. Rover is the worst car company ever. It is unbelievable that they are in business, much less legally able to sell such crap. Luckily, they weren't able to sell Rover powered Lotus in North America.

I had a '60s lotus Elan in the '80s for a brief time. It had a Ford block with a real fancy 2 cam head. it was worn out. Unfortunately it needed work which was well beyond my pay grade. I flipped it and made a couple bucks.

My Exige has had Not a single problem in the 4+ years I've owned it. Yes Toyota drivetrain. Only problem is over oil cooling for street driving. They really are made just for track.


I would have never bought one with a Rover drivetrain. I wouldn't buy a shopping cart with a Rover drivetran.
I wouldn't take anything Rover for free.

I always wondered why they paired themselves with Rover of all makes (before Toyota...which they had to partner with to get into the North American market).....
Is just cuz its a british brand and they've been around?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

I always wondered why they paired themselves with Rover of all makes (before Toyota...which they had to partner with to get into the North American market).....
Is just cuz its a british brand and they've been around?

Yep
And price of course.

[Ohio Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

I always wondered why they paired themselves with Rover of all makes (before Toyota...which they had to partner with to get into the North American market).....
Is just cuz its a british brand and they've been around?

The Rover K series engines were the lightest they could find (which suited the add lightness over power ethos, even more so for the Elise). The fact that both were British probably helped, though.

[jkamelo]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Was wondering how long before somebody made this very important clarification.


"exactly what I'd look for in a daily-drivable sports car."

I should’ve clarified, I’m aware the GT4 is a race car. I’m excited about the regular, street-legal Emira.

[CedN]

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast

The Rover K series engines were the lightest they could find (which suited the add lightness over power ethos, even more so for the Elise). The fact that both were British probably helped, though.

Its one of the lightest four cylinders ever produced, and the gear box is pretty light aswell. People that own them rate the highly from a driving perspective aswell, they rev very nicely and sound pretty nicely, and they respond pretty well to tuning.