Lotus has officially announced the pricing and full specifications for its highly anticipated Emira V6 First Edition, setting the stage for the arrival of this exciting new sports car. For enthusiasts in the UK eager to get behind the wheel, the Emira V6 First Edition comes with a price tag of £75,995. This announcement not only confirms the cost but also details the impressive array of features and technology packed into this initial release.
The Emira marks a significant step forward for Lotus, blending its renowned driving dynamics with enhanced comfort, technology, and everyday usability. As the spiritual successor to the Elise, Exige, and Evora, the Emira is generating considerable buzz in the sports car world. Understanding the pricing structure is crucial for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve into what the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition offers and what this price point means in the competitive sports car market.
Emira V6 First Edition: Price Breakdown and Market Positioning
The initial price confirmation focuses on the UK market at £75,995. Lotus has also released the price for Germany, set at €95,995. Enthusiasts in other major markets, including the USA and China, are awaiting pricing details which are expected to be released in the coming weeks. This phased release strategy allows Lotus to tailor its pricing to different regional markets, considering factors like local taxes, import duties, and competitive landscapes.
This price positions the Emira V6 First Edition firmly within the premium sports car segment. It’s important to note that this is for the “First Edition,” which is loaded with options and exclusive features as standard. Lotus has confirmed that a more entry-level Emira, starting from £59,995, will be available in 2023, making the Emira range accessible to a broader spectrum of buyers.
Matt Windle, Managing Director of Lotus Cars, highlighted the value proposition of the First Edition, stating, “The Emira is the most accomplished Lotus we’ve ever made, and to celebrate and reward our keenest early customers, we want to make the first cars extra special to own. The features have been carefully selected by our design team to make for a truly special and distinct First Edition.” This statement underscores that the initial pricing reflects a fully equipped, high-specification model designed to appeal to early adopters and Lotus aficionados.
What Does the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition Price Include?
The £75,995 price tag for the UK market isn’t just for the base car; it encompasses a substantial list of desirable features and option packs that would typically cost extra on other vehicles. Let’s break down what makes the Emira V6 First Edition a compelling package at this price point:
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the Emira V6 First Edition is the celebrated 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, producing 400hp. This engine, renowned for its responsiveness and character, is paired as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, appealing to purists who crave driver engagement. An optional six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is also available for those preferring automatic convenience.
Alt text: Lotus Emira V6 First Edition engine, a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 400 horsepower.
The car rides on striking 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels, adding to both the aesthetics and performance. These wheels come in a diamond-cut two-tone finish as standard, with silver or gloss black versions available as a no-cost option, allowing for a degree of personalization even within the First Edition specification. Performance figures are impressive, with a 0-60mph sprint in just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 180mph, placing it firmly in sports car territory.
Exterior and Design Elements
The Emira V6 First Edition is available in a choice of six vibrant exterior colours: Seneca Blue, Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey, and Nimbus Grey. This palette offers a range of options from bold and eye-catching to sophisticated and understated. More colours are expected to be introduced in the following year, expanding customization possibilities further.
Alt text: Seneca Blue Lotus Emira V6 First Edition showcasing its sleek exterior design and aerodynamic features.
Standard exterior features include full LED lighting, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors, and rear parking sensors. The Lower Black Pack, also included as standard, finishes the front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser in gloss black, enhancing the car’s aggressive and sporty stance.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside the Emira V6 First Edition, Lotus has elevated the level of comfort and technology compared to its predecessors. Buyers have a choice of seven interior colour options at no extra cost, including Nappa leather in red, black, grey, and tan, as well as black Alcantara with red, yellow, or grey stitching. Satin chrome trim finishers, white interior mood lighting, and Lotus-branded sill kick plates contribute to the premium ambiance.
Heated seats with 12-way adjustability and memory presets for the driver, climate control, cruise control, keyless start, and selectable drive modes are all standard, enhancing both comfort and convenience. For in-car entertainment and connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite navigation are integrated, along with Bluetooth and USB/12v sockets. The premium audio system is a 10-channel, 340W unit developed with KEF, a renowned British audio brand, and includes DAB digital radio, ensuring a high-quality audio experience. All of these functions are accessible through a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, complemented by a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster for the driver.
Alt text: Premium interior of the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition, highlighting the touchscreen infotainment system and sporty seats.
Included Option Packs
Adding further value to the First Edition package, Lotus includes four option packs as standard:
- Drivers Pack: Offers a choice of Tour or Sport suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres, or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, allowing drivers to tailor the handling to their preferences.
- Design Pack: Adds privacy glass, sports pedals, a black Alcantara headliner, and a choice of brake caliper colours (black, red, yellow, or silver), along with Lotus-branded footwell mats.
- Convenience Pack: Includes front parking sensors, a rear reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and a rear luggage storage net, enhancing everyday usability.
- Lower Black Pack: As mentioned before, this is also standard, enhancing the exterior styling.
Optional Extras
While the First Edition is comprehensively equipped, there are still a few options available at extra cost for further personalization. These include the six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift and the Black Pack, which colours the roof, cantrails, mirror backs, rear Lotus badge, and exhaust finisher in black.
Is the Lotus Emira V6 First Edition Price Justified?
Considering the level of standard equipment, the powerful V6 engine, the advanced technology, and the inherent appeal of the Lotus brand, the £75,995 price for the Emira V6 First Edition appears to be competitive within its segment. It offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and exclusivity that should resonate with sports car enthusiasts. The availability of a lower-priced entry-level model in the future further expands the Emira’s appeal, making Lotus ownership accessible to a wider audience.
For those eager to configure their own Emira V6 First Edition and explore the full range of options, Lotus has launched an updated online configurator at www.lotuscars.com. This tool allows potential buyers to visualize their ideal Emira and get a clearer understanding of the pricing and available customizations.
The Lotus Emira V6 First Edition pricing announcement marks an exciting step towards the car’s market launch. With its blend of performance, features, and Lotus DNA, the Emira is poised to make a significant impact in the sports car world.
