Iconic British sports car manufacturer Lotus unveiled Emira that features a striking design and offers thrilling dynamic performance, and outstanding aerodynamics. The all-new mid-engined premium sports car has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminum chassis and its architecture is inspired by a sculpted design of the Evija.
The Emira will be powered by a choice of two petrol engines, a Lotus-engineered 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit from technical partner AMG, and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Exige and Evora. Each is calibrated by Lotus to provide a unique and distinctive character for maximum driver engagement.
From summer 2022, the first new Lotus sports car engine for more than a decade makes its debut, with the Emira powered by AMG. The new-to-Lotus AMG unit is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘i4’ from the performance division of Mercedes-Benz. Delivering rear-wheel drive, the car has been modified with a new air intake system and new exhaust. The second engine is the 3.5-litre supercharged Toyota V6 that is so loved by drivers of the Exige and Evora. Cars will be available with a manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
Across the Emira range, power output will between 360 and 400bhp at launch, with 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 4.5 seconds and top speeds of up to 180mph (290km/h). Maximum torque will be 430Nm and CO2 emissions will start below 180g/km.
Inside, the car boasts a contemporary design and an increase in storage space.
The dashboard blends into the door trim to create a cossetted feeling. The soft-trimmed surfaces showcase premium British craftsmanship and blend perfectly with modern technical finishes. Examples include the positioning of the gearstick on manual cars, which echoes that of the iconic Esprit, and the semi-exposed gear linkage visible at the base of the centre console on V6 manual cars, as on the Elise and Exige. The two seats have been designed to combine exceptional lateral support for high-speed cornering. There is four-way electric adjustment on the standard seat, with the option to upgrade to a premium sports seat with 12-way electric adjustment for both the driver and passenger. The flat-bottomed sports steering wheel has metallic spoke detail and integrated controls.
Lotus retailers around the world are now taking deposits for the Emira, with first customer cars will start to be delivered from next spring. The car will be unveiled for public during the Goodwood Festival of Speed (8-11 July).