2023 Lotus Emira Makes Jay Leno Smile From Ear to Ear, Gives It the Beans

At the time of writing, the Lotus Emira can be configured with two mechanical beating hearts – a supercharged 406-hp V6 and a turbocharged 365-hp inline four-cylinder. Only the Toyota-sourced V6 can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The four-banger borrowed from Mercedes-AMG is exclusively working with a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission.

The rear-wheel-drive sports car weighs 3,097 lb when equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 powerplant, which makes it considerably lighter than a current model-year BMW M2 or a Corvette Z06.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, with its naturally aspirated 394-hp four-liter powerplant and 2,976 lb weight, sounds like the better offer, but it's much more expensive than the Lotus. Plus, current delivery waiting times will make anyone anxious and feel like they're missing out on an extraordinary experience.

Granted, Lotus isn't much better at putting Americans behind the wheel of an Emira. But not having to spend much on one can be comforting.

But what's better about the Chinese-owned British marque is that it understood people want more from their sports cars. Today, driving isn't only about connecting with the machine. People spending in excess of $70,000 or $80,000 on a vehicle expect certain things from it. Jay Leno praises the brand for figuring this out and creating a welcoming cabin that's still not overwhelming visually.

Even though the Emira is not globally well-known, it's worth underlining that this Lotus is the brand's last gas-powered vehicle. However, the upcoming GT4 might be the one for collectors. But it'll also carry a hefty price tag of around $225,000. Prospective customers should figure out sooner what they want in their climate-controlled garages. The clock's ticking, and battery-electric vehicles are taking over.

The engine taken from Toyota and refined to fit Lotus' brand ethos paired with the manual gearbox might end up being the recipe with the same appeal to enthusiasts when we're all behind the wheel of electrified vehicles or sitting as passengers in robotaxis.

But as Jay Leno beautifully puts it, "The last days of old technology are usually more fun than the first days of new technology."

The comedian also appreciates that the mid-engine Emira is built without any exaggerated bodywork, which reminds us of how Ferrari used to design its cars. It's all about that integrated, pleasing, almost organic-like look. But we shouldn't enter McLaren's territory.

Jay Leno drives the Emira for the first time ever in the video below, and the primary thing that impresses him is the engine – Toyota dependability paired with Lotus tuning makes for a great recipe. Moreover, the exhaust system creates a beautiful sound that enhances the behind-the-wheel experience.

Jay Leno is all smiles while trying out the Emira, and we understand him. This Lotus is one of the few cars out there purposely built for enthusiasts.

But with only 576 cars sold in 2022, it's unsurprising that the Eletre is now the brand's most important model. Customers want crossovers and SUVs, and the incentives for all-electric vehicles are too good to ignore.