The Lotus Emira is making waves in the sports car world, and for good reason. Building upon the esteemed lineage of the Elise, Exige, and Evora, the Emira represents a significant leap forward for Lotus, blending their iconic DNA with enhanced practicality and cutting-edge technology. For enthusiasts and potential owners alike, one of the most exciting aspects of this new model is undoubtedly its power. Let’s dive into the horsepower that makes the Lotus Emira a true performer.
The Emira marks a pivotal moment for Lotus, embodying the brand’s transformation and aspirations to become a leading global performance car manufacturer. Matt Windle, Managing Director of Lotus Cars, aptly describes the Emira as a “game-changer,” highlighting its significance in the company’s evolution. This isn’t just an incremental update; it’s a bold statement of intent, combining the thrill of a Lotus with the refinement expected in a modern sports car.
Underpinning the Emira’s performance is Lotus’s renowned lightweight bonded aluminum chassis, a technology they pioneered and a cornerstone of their sports car heritage. This innovative architecture, wrapped in a striking design inspired by the Evija hypercar, provides the perfect foundation for exhilarating performance. The Emira’s dimensions – 4,412mm long, 1,895mm wide, and 1,225mm tall, with a 2,575mm wheelbase – create a poised and athletic stance, hinting at the power within.
When it comes to horsepower, the Lotus Emira offers a choice of two potent petrol engines, each respected globally for their performance pedigree. Initially, the Emira First Edition models will feature the celebrated, Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine. This supercharged powerplant, a veteran of the Exige and Evora, delivers a thrilling and familiar Lotus driving experience.
Later in 2022, the Emira range will expand to include a brand-new engine for Lotus: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit from AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s performance division. This partnership with AMG marks a significant collaboration, bringing cutting-edge engine technology to the Emira. AMG has worked closely with Lotus to tailor this engine specifically for the Emira, modifying the intake and exhaust systems to perfectly suit the car’s character and rear-wheel-drive configuration.
The 3.5-litre supercharged Toyota V6 engine in the Lotus Emira First Edition generates an impressive 400 horsepower (298kW). This robust power output ensures exhilarating performance, allowing the Emira to sprint from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in just 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 180mph (290km/h). The V6 engine provides a classic sports car feel, with readily available power and a distinctive supercharger whine that adds to the driving drama.
While official horsepower figures for the AMG 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Emira are anticipated to be in the range of 360 to 400 horsepower, the exact figures will be confirmed closer to its release. This engine promises a different, yet equally exciting, driving experience. Turbocharging technology typically delivers strong low-end torque and a punchy mid-range, complementing the Emira’s lightweight chassis for agile handling and rapid acceleration.
Across the entire Lotus Emira range, drivers can expect power outputs between 360 and 400bhp at launch. Maximum torque is expected to reach 430Nm, ensuring responsive performance throughout the rev range. Lotus engineers have meticulously targeted a weight of just 1,405kg in its lightest form, which, combined with the available horsepower, translates to exceptional power-to-weight ratio and thrilling dynamics.
The Emira’s horsepower is not just about raw numbers; it’s about how that power is delivered and integrated into the overall driving experience. Lotus has a long-standing reputation for creating cars that are not only fast but also incredibly engaging and rewarding to drive. The Emira is designed to continue this tradition, offering a blend of exhilarating performance and everyday usability.
Production of the Lotus Emira is set to take place at Lotus’s historic Hethel factory in Norfolk, UK, following a significant £100 million investment in their facilities. This investment underscores Lotus’s commitment to quality and their ambition to ramp up production and meet global demand for the Emira.
Matt Windle emphasizes that the Lotus Emira is “the most accomplished Lotus road car ever to roll through the Hethel factory gates.” He highlights its stunning design, inspired by the Evija hypercar, and its ability to combine “junior supercar” thrills with the comfort and practicality needed for daily driving.
The Lotus Emira V6 First Edition, with its 400 horsepower V6 engine, is priced at £75,995 in the UK and €95,995 in Germany. Prices for other markets, including the USA and China, are expected to be released soon. The entry-level Emira, with the AMG four-cylinder engine, will be available from 2023, with prices starting from £59,995.
The Lotus Emira represents a compelling package for sports car enthusiasts. With a choice of powerful engines delivering between 360 and 400 horsepower, combined with Lotus’s renowned chassis dynamics and striking design, the Emira is poised to become a true icon in its class. Whether you opt for the classic supercharged V6 or the cutting-edge AMG turbocharged four-cylinder, the Lotus Emira Horsepower promises an exhilarating and unforgettable driving experience.
For those eager to experience the Lotus Emira, retailers worldwide are now accepting deposits. You can also explore the car’s stunning design and customize your own Emira using the digital visualiser on the Lotus Cars website. The era of the Emira is here, and it’s bringing a potent dose of horsepower to the sports car landscape.
