Adding to the sense of theatre is the protective red cover over the start / stop button .
The two seats have been designed to combine exceptional lateral support for high-speed cornering with total comfort for long distance journeys . 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 . All seats are unique to the Emira . The dramatic supercar-like low stance of the car has been achieved while matching best-in-class ingress / egress and headroom .
Also unique to the Emira is the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with metallic spoke detail and integrated controls . The interior features ambient and wraparound lighting as well as map lights .
Features available on the Emira include keyless go , cruise control , rain-sensing wipers , electric folding door mirrors , rear parking sensors ( with front sensors as an option ), autodimming rear view mirror , curtain airbags , launch control ( as part of optional Lotus Drivers Pack ), and a stolen vehicle tracker .
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ( ADAS ) available on the Emira include adaptive cruise control , anti-collision system , fatigue alert , road sign information , vehicle speed limiter , lane departure warning , rear cross traffic alert , lane change assist .
An everyday sports car that sets new standards for practicality , comfort and functionality
Richard Moore , Executive Director , Engineering , Lotus , commented : “ Lotus customers around the world have rightly come to expect outstanding dynamic performance from our sports cars , and they will undoubtedly get that with the Emira . Like every great Lotus it has that element of theatre , for example , the visible gearshift mechanism on manual cars and the exposed throttle actuator in the V6 engine bay .”
He added : “ What will surprise and delight sports car customers the world over is the level of practicality , functionality and comfort which sets new standards for Lotus .”
From the very first discussions Lotus wanted the Emira to be an ‘ every day ’ sports car , delivering a usability and practicality to support that with levels of comfort and desirability for total comfort over long-distance cruising . To that end , it sets new standards for Lotus and is better than ever for the tallest and shortest drivers . There is more space between the occupants as well .
The glass area has been designed to provide good all-round visibility for daily use . Acknowledging that some owners will drive their Emira in a spirited way , and even on a circuit , the view forward – particularly of the haunches – supports highly accurate placement of the car through corners .
Access to the car ’ s infotainment system is via a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen , with an additional 12.3-inch TFT driver ’ s display behind the steering wheel . All content is exclusive to Lotus has been designed and developed by an inhouse team . Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are integrated as standard .
Also exclusive to Lotus is the availability of a 10-channel premium sound system from highly respected British brand KEF . This is the company ’ s first ever automotive partnership and features its signature Uni-Q™ technology , a unique configuration which dispenses with separated tweeter and mid-range , instead combining both into an acoustically idealised single unit .
Finished with a distinctive bespoke speaker fret design , Uni-Q covers the entire mid and high-frequency sound spectrum from a single point in space , delivering a more coherent , hyperrealistic sound experience .
Storage is vital in sports car and the Emira ’ s cabin has been exceptionally well thought out . It has twin central cup holders with a phone storage slot between them , and door bins that can accommodate a 500ml bottle . Practicality also comes from the glovebox , trinket tray ahead of the gearstick , armrest between the seats with USB and 12v ports , plus a console net for bottles or documents .
Luggage or other large items can be stored behind the two seats ( 208 litres ) or in the boot to the rear of the engine . This space ( 151 litres ) will take a standard-sized flight case or a set of golf clubs .
Built at Hethel in an all-new manufacturing facility
Lotus sports cars have been built at Hethel since 1966 . Following more than £ 100million of UK investment by Lotus , production of the Emira will take place in all-new state-of-the-art factory . The Emira will remain ‘ Handmade in Hethel ’, supported by new processes and technologies that will enhance efficiency and build quality – a genuine ‘ best of both worlds ’ solution .
An all-new paintshop features robotic application – a first for Lotus that will improve quality , capacity and process repeatability . It includes many innovative technologies such as a combined primer and clearcoat line . There is a new semiautomated body assembly system , with robots being used to apply adhesive . Vehicle bodies are transported around the main assembly area on Automated Guided Vehicles ( AGVs ). Emira production actually begins at Lotus Advanced Structures ( LAS ), an all-new facility in nearby Norwich where chassis fabrication and front-end assembly takes place . The launch of the Emira has created more than 200 new operations roles at Lotus .
Digital visualiser online at www . lotuscars . com
Lotus retailers around the world are now taking deposits for the Emira , and the first customers will take delivery next spring .
A digital visualiser showcasing the car ’ s striking design is live at www . lotuscars . com featuring the six exterior paint colours available at launch – Hethel Yellow , Shadow Grey , Magma Red , Nimbus Grey , Dark Verdant and the launch finish of Seneca Blue . Seven interior colours are available – Black Nappa leather , Red Nappa leather , Grey Nappa leather , Tan Nappa leather , Black Alcantara with grey stitch , Black Alcantara with red stitch and Black Alcantara with yellow stitch . There are five wheel choices – cast 10-spoke , gloss black 10-spoke , silver forged V-spoke , gloss black forged V-spoke and diamond cut forged V-spoke ) – with four brake caliper colours – black , red , yellow and silver .
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