Efficient aerodynamics has been at the heart of the Lotus brand since the company was founded in 1948 . It is a philosophy inextricably linked to delivering outstanding performance whether a car is on the road or race track . Simplicity is at the core of the Emira – there are no active aerodynamics as clever engineering means they ’ re not needed . It is the only model in its class to create passive downforce that ’ s precisely balanced between the front and rear axles at all speeds , perfectly tuned to the weight distribution and suspension geometry of the car . It means as downforce increases with speed , generating exceptional grip through corners , the handling characteristics remain constant , precise and predictable .
Richard Hill , Chief Aerodynamicist , Lotus Cars , commented : “ At Lotus , development of any new sports car is never focused solely on either aerodynamics or vehicle dynamics . It ’ s about creating that unique harmony of natural forces that is ‘ Lotus dynamics ’ – a sprinkling of magic dust that creates a thrilling driving experience that ’ s unrivalled in the automotive world . The Emira has that magic and more .”
Chassis and powertrain : advanced new platform mated to high-performance engines
The Emira is built on the recently announced new Lotus Sports Car Architecture . It uses the same pioneering Lotus bonded extruded aluminium chassis technology which debuted on the Elise . However , for the Emira , every dimension is different to any previous Lotus chassis and it is fabricated in an all-new facility – Lotus Advanced Structures – in Norwich , just a few miles from Hethel .
The car has two defined chassis and suspension settings . Tour is tuned for everyday road use , delivering the optimum blend of Lotus dynamic performance and handling with a more comfortable ride . Sports is available with the optional Lotus Drivers Pack and provides a slightly stiffer suspension set-up for enhanced dynamic capability and feel . Hydraulic steering provides excellent feedback for the driver .
Two petrol engines are available , a Lotus-engineered 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit from technical partner AMG , and the muchloved and characterful 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 .
Gavan Kershaw , Director of Vehicle Attributes , Lotus , commented : “ 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 . 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 .”
He added : “ The Emira has a wider track than any recent Lotus road car , enhancing stability , delivering exceptional roadholding and the sensation of a very low centre of gravity . It is a true Lotus sports car that builds on the legacy of the Elise , Exige and Evora .”
Interior design : a huge step-change for Lotus
Lotus car interiors have always been famed for putting the driver at the very centre of the experience , with pure ergonomic design and instruments carefully placed for the most intuitive use . The Emira follows these principles to the letter to create a modern cockpit environment with the essential controls to hand and minimum distraction .
What ’ s new about this next-generation Lotus sports car is immediately obvious – the huge step-change across all aspects of the cabin , from the contemporary design and quality of materials to the increase in storage space , exceptional fit and finish , attention to detail and abundant advanced technology now integrated .
The wraparound nature of the dashboard as it blends into the door trim creates a cossetted feeling that makes the driver feel at one with the car . The raised gear shifter only enhances that emotion . There are a high number of soft-trimmed surfaces , showcasing premium British craftsmanship that conveys ultimate sportiness . They blend perfectly with modern technical finishes to create a premium experience for the driver – ‘ technology with soul ’ – and there are details added in tribute to the heritage and sporting success of Lotus . 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 .
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