Lotus Emira Will Be Last Petrol Model Launched By Lotus Cars

The new mid-engined Lotus Emira will be the last petrol model to be launched by the UK auto manufacturer before moving to electric models.

Lotus has unveiled the all-new mid-engined Emira sports car as its final petrol combustion model, building on the design legacy of the Elise, Exige, and Evora.

Pronounced as “Eh-Meer-Ah,” the sports car is its first (and last) all-new petrol combustion model to be delivered under the Lotus Vision80 strategic plan, as the brand moves towards electrification by its 80th anniversary in 2028.

The Emira will be available with two different petrol engine options: The Lotus 2.0 liter turbocharged “i4” from AMG or the 3.5 liter supercharged Toyota based V6 engine as used by the Exige and Evora and will be capable of producing between 360 – 400hp for a 0-62mph sprint time of less than 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 180mph.

“The 2.0-litre is the world’s most powerful production in-line four-cylinder unit mated to AMG’s acclaimed DCT with paddleshifts and driving modes,” commented Gavan Kershaw, Lotus Director of Vehicle Attributes. “It’s high-performance, hugely efficient thanks to cutting-edge technology, and delivers low emissions and linear performance. On top of all that, it’s been tuned in-house by the hugely experienced Hethel engineers to deliver that distinctive Lotus experience.”

Built on the new Lotus Sports Car Architecture, the Emira features an exterior inspired by the Evija hypercar with its sculpted surfaces, technical detailing and vertical all-LED headlights and an all-new lightweight bonded aluminum chassis with two different chassis and suspension settings: “Tour” mode for everyday road use and “Sports” mode for a stiffer suspension set-up for enhanced dynamic capability.

“The Emira captures the visual drama of an exotic supercar, with great proportions, wide footprint, and a cabin that sits low down between muscular haunches,” shares Russell Carr, Lotus Design Director. “Add in that it’s practical enough to be useable every day, of the highest quality and accessibly priced, and it’s undoubtedly a compelling and seductive alternative to the existing sports car competition.”

Starting price of the Lotus Emira is £60,000, with production taking place at the all-new factory in Hethel and deliveries set to begin in Spring 2022.