The Emira is an all-new mid-engined premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand . It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design , thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-inclass ride and handling , outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience ‘ For The Drivers ’.
Building on the legacy of the Elise , Exige and Evora , the Emira represents a quantum leap forward for Lotus . Those instantly recognisable brand signatures and core values have been combined with a paradigm shift in levels of practicality , comfort , functionality and technology .
Matt Windle , Managing Director , Lotus Cars commented : “ The Emira is a game-changer for Lotus . It stands as a beacon of everything we have achieved to date in the transformation of the business , the embodiment of our progress . It is a highly significant milestone on our path to becoming a truly global performance car brand .”
The Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis , technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company ’ s sports car DNA . That innovative vehicle architecture is wrapped with a bold and sculpted design using cues clearly developed from the Evija . Key dimensions of the Emira are length 4,412mm ; width 1,895mm ; height 1,225mm ; and wheelbase 2,575mm .
First customer cars will start to be delivered around the world from next spring . Powering the Emira will be a choice of two petrol engines , both globally respected for their performance characteristics . At launch , the first cars will be available as limited-production ‘ First Edition ’ models powered by the much-loved and Lotus-honed 3.5-litre V6 which cut its sports car teeth powering the Exige and Evora .
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 .
Working with Lotus for the first time , AMG has come on board as technical partner on the Emira programme , with some fundamental changes made to the in-line four-cylinder set-up for its Lotus debut . Transverse-mounted and delivering rearwheel drive , the unit has been modified with a new air intake system and new exhaust to suit the character of the Emira . The second engine is more familiar , 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 . The car has a target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form , and prices will start at less than £ 60,000 ( less than € 72,000 ).
Manufacturing will take place at Lotus ’ famous home in Hethel , Norfolk , following more than £ 100million of new investment in the company ’ s UK facilities . The highly skilled operations teams will be supported by new processes and technologies to enhance production efficiency , volume capability and overall quality .
Matt Windle added : “ The Lotus Emira is the most accomplished Lotus road car ever to roll through the Hethel factory gates . Beautifully proportioned with a stunning design inspired by the Evija all-electric hypercar , it ’ s the perfect package .
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