The Lotus Emira has quickly established itself as the most accomplished Lotus sports car ever created, and now the range is expanding with the addition of a four-cylinder powertrain.
Incorporating cutting-edge technologies to offer outstanding performance and impressive efficiency, this turbocharged 2.0-litre unit is based on the current world's most powerful four-cylinder engine in production.
The Emira First Edition, equipped with this engine, has been further developed by Lotus with new intake and exhaust systems, along with a bespoke calibration that complements the new transmission shift-mapping.
Generating 360bhp and 430Nm of torque, it perfectly complements the Emira's lightweight, strong, stiff, bonded, and extruded aluminium chassis structure, embodying Lotus's philosophy of achieving higher performance through reduced mass.
The result? A century sprint timing of just 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h. It also brings its own unique character to the Emira range, with a dual-clutch transmission that enhances day-to-day usability and comfort.
Additionally, it offers the advantages of lower fuel consumption and a target CO2 emissions figure of 208g/km (WLTP combined), further highlighting Lotus's commitment to efficiency and sustainability.
We managed to get a sneak peek on the grounds of the Goodwood Festival Of Speed. Lotus has meticulously tuned the suspension settings for the 2.0-litre Emira, ensuring exceptional body control and precise handling without sacrificing ride quality.
The engine and transmission mapping, combined with the Drive Modes, provide a refined and relaxed character in Tour mode, while Sport and Track modes offer exhilarating launch performance, enhanced driveability, and quicker throttle response.
The Emira's design language builds upon the sculpted surfaces and technical detailing introduced in the all-electric Evija hypercar. Its sleek proportions, athletic stance, and meticulously crafted form embody the DNA of Lotus sports cars.
The front of the Emira is dominated by full-LED headlights with a distinctive double 'blade' daytime running light signature, while angular bonnet ducts contribute to reducing drag and underline the car's performance potential.
Sculpted doors with deployable handles enhance aerodynamics, seamlessly merging with the muscular rear haunches that integrate intake ducts for cooling and feed air to the engine's intake system.
The rear of the Emira features gloss black vents for air outflow from the wheel arches, along with a rear diffuser that houses the neatly integrated exhaust pipes and rear number plate.
Through meticulous development utilising computational fluid dynamics simulations and wind tunnel testing, the Emira achieves passive downforce that is perfectly balanced between the front and rear axles at all speeds.
The Emira offers a wide range of 13 colours, and optional features like the Black Pack further enhance the Emira's distinctive appearance.
It’s great to see Lotus making a comeback, and the Emira stands as a testament to Lotus's heritage and future ambitions.