Lotus Emira
Lotus has released the pricing of their new Emira. In launch edition spec, the US base price is $93,900. Launch edition is equipped with a 3.5L V6 sourced from Toyota. If you remember correctly, that isn’t much of a surprise for Lotus. The Lotus Elise, Exige, and the outgoing Evora were all powered by naturally aspirated Toyota engines. The Evora in fact was also fitted with a 3.5L V6 putting out 416hp. The V6 of the Emira puts out just 400. Later on, Lotus will put out an entry-level version featuring a 2.0L turbocharged Inline 4 from Mercedes AMG putting out 360hp - coming in at $74,900.
My thoughts and opinions
For this price, I think there are probably better things out there. While Lotus has been known to use naturally aspirated engines, with where the car world is going, I feel like they left a lot on the table. With this being said, If you’re wanting an Emira, the 2.0L Turbocharged engine feels like the way to go. With tuning and bolt-ons, it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to see that engine making 450-500hp, which I believe that car would benefit greatly from.
From a looks perspective - it’s fantastic. Lotus has always been known to have barebones interiors - saving as much weight as possible. The Emira however seems to have quite a few “creature comforts” - including a 10.25 inch touch screen, LCD gear cluster, and a very nicely situated cockpit. It also has LED lights and large side vents, mimicking what we would see out of a modern day supercar.
As far as what competes with it goes, the Toyota Celica GT (umm I mean Supra), 400z, or G82 M4 come to mind. The first two feature similar power numbers at a much lower price. The interior also seems to be of the same quality, but in my option, the exterior styling isn’t quite up to the standards the Emira has set. The G82 M4 sits in the same price range as the Emira, but in my opinion, you get much more out of the M4. Interior quality is better with a more modernized design and 510hp from a turbocharged power plant.
Vortic Watch Co.
Meeting with a buddy for dinner, I got to talking about my newsletter. He told me to check out this watch company and I am so thankful I did. Vortic is a company that was founded by two younger guys out of Penn State. While in college they worked with 3D printers and found the patina that came from their 3D printers matched the patina of old pocket watches. Having had an interest in watches since they were young, they took this finding to start Vortic.
Vortic creates watches from old pocket watches, these are a few of of them:
Military Edition
Made from salvaged antique American pocket watches which were originally manufactured for the United States Army Air Corps and built into custom wristwatches called the Military Edition here at Vortic Watch Co.
with the sale of each of these watches, $500 is donated towards the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative which provides training for U.S. Military Veterans who wish to become professional watchmakers.
Convert Your Own Watch
Another option they have is to convert your old pocket watch into a wristwatch! Keeping the original movement, dial, and hands, the watch is fitted with a weathered patina case and choice of strap. What an awesome way to utilize a family heirloom!
Artisan Watches
If you don’t have your own pocket watch to convert, there is still an option for you! Taking old pocket watches, once again, they keep the movement, dial, and hands to create a wristwatch. Watches are completely unique, no two are the same, and can be found on their website for 2-3k. Once they sell, they sell though, so scoop up what catches your eye quick and watch for new inventory!
You can visit their website at this link, and I highly highly recommend it!
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