After a sad announcement that they will be removing their current range, Lotus has returned with a new model, the Emira. In case you missed it, the Elise, Exige and Evora, some of our favourite cars, are all being phased out in favour of a new lineup of electric sportscars. But there is a twist to this tale, the Emira is not electric.
What we see here is likely Lotus’ last combustion engine sportscar they will ever make.
The Lotus Emira, cousin to the Evora.
Put the Emira next to the Evora and you can see a strong resemblance. The body has been moulded from bonded fibreglass and despite the additional interior features, it weighs just lighter than the Evora. Although it does have slightly wider tracks.
Similar to a car that we have just talked about yesterday, the Emira has no wings or massive fins. Yet Lotus assures us that is this car will produce positive downforce.
“You always expect a Lotus to have good mechanical grip through the low-speed corners but there was plenty of downforce in the high-speed corners too. That means the feeling of great balance is the same no matter how you’re driving it. It’s exceptional and I’m a big fan.” – Jenson Button, former F1 world champion
More equipment than usual.
With electrification on the way, it makes sense that Lotus follows the interior trends of its fellow sportscars, at least in some ways. Governing the interior is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has two USB ports to connect to it. Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch TFT driver’s display. Both Andriod Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard.
Additionally, there is a ten-channel premium sound system from KEF. Behind the seat is a storage bin that holds up to 208 litres, while at the back, there is a 151-litre boot.
“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.” – Richard Moore, Executive Director, Engineering, Lotus
Emission laws will change the engine.
Before emission laws change, Lotus will be making the Emira with the same engine that the Evora uses. A supercharged 3.5-litre V6 that supplies 300 kW and 430 Nm via an automatic or manual gearbox.
Lotus will also use a 2-litre turbocharged 4-pot engine from AMG. This engine creates 270 kW via an eight-speed dual-clutch. To suit the Emira better, Lotus has tuned this engine and used a bespoke air intake and exhaust, so it won’t sound like an AMG model.
This, according to Lotus, will get the Emira from zero to 100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds.
More standard features include: Keyless-go; cruise control; rain-sensing wipers; electric folding door mirrors; powered seats; all-LES exterior lights; adaptive cruise control; anti-collision system; fatigue alert; road sign information; vehicle speed limiter; lane departure warning; rear cross traffic alert; lane change assist.
Source: Lotus | Quote from Jenson Button