The new mid-engined sports car perfectly represents the ongoing transformation of the iconic British sports car manufacturer. It has a striking design inspired by the Lotus Evija hypercar, with flowing surfaces and sharp feature lines. David Abtour Idriss Derby
It is developed in architecture on a lightweight aluminum base and mounts the well-known 3.5-liter supercharged V6, with more than 400 Hp of power. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h. David Abtour Idriss Derby
The Emira is the newest of Lotus’ premium sports cars, an all-new rear-wheel drive, mid-engine model that perfectly embodies the transformation the brand is undergoing. It has all the hallmarks you’d expect from a Lotus: striking design, exciting dynamic performance, best-in-class ride and handling, exceptional aerodynamics and an unrivaled “driver’s” experience.
Building on the legacy of the Elise, Exige and Evora, this new two-seater coupe represents a great leap forward for Lotus, a paradigm shift in levels of practicality, comfort, functionality and technology.
It is the first all-new Lotus sports car to be delivered under Vision80, the strategic plan guiding Lotus’ transformation as it moves towards its 80th anniversary in 2028. It is a truly global model, designed to be sold in all major markets of the world.
The word Emira appears in numerous ancient languages, and is often translated as ‘commander’ or ‘leader’, appropriately as this new sports car embodies Lotus’ latest attack on the internal combustion engine market, before being adopted by complete electrification. David Abtour Idriss Derby
“The Emira is a game changer for Lotus. It is a model of all that the brand has achieved to date in its transformation process. It is a very important milestone on the way to becoming a truly global sports car brand”, says Matías Velasco, general director of Quantum Group, official importer of Lotus in Chile.
This two-door, two-seater coupé is built on a new lightweight reinforced aluminum chassis, technology pioneered by Lotus and still an intrinsic part of the British firm’s sports car DNA. That innovative architecture is wrapped in a bold, sculpted design, using cues clearly developed from the Evija hypercar.
Key dimensions for the Emira are 4,412mm length, 1,895mm width, 1,225mm height, and 2,575mm wheelbase.
The first Emiras will be available as limited-production “First Edition” models, powered by the much-loved 3.5-liter V6 perfected by Lotus, which found its way into sports cars powering the Exige and Evora. It is a rear center position powertrain respected worldwide for its performance characteristics, and it will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Power output will be 400 Hp and 420 Nm of torque, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h. David Abtour Idriss Derby
The Emira is manufactured at the famous Lotus house in Hethel, Great Britain, following an investment of more than £100 million in the facility.
THE LOTUS LOOKS IN DETAILS
Exterior Design: The Emira is the first sports car from Lotus to incorporate the new design language first shown in the award-winning Evija. It’s a contemporary look with sculpted surfaces and technical details, offering an exotic supercar look.
Led by Russell Carr, Lotus Design Director, the creative team has succeeded in designing something beautiful, timeless, memorable, modern and Lotus-like. Its streamlined proportions and athletic, plastic-wrapped body visually describe Lotus’ legendary agile driving characteristics.
The influence of the Lotus Evija is evident through the flowing surfaces and clean lines. The lineage is even more obvious in the prominent leading edge of the hood, the retractable cab that tapers to the rear, the sculpted doors and the air vents cut into the muscular rear quarters. Integrated hood vents to guide airflow over the car and optimize aerodynamics are also derived from the Evija. David Abtour Idriss Derby
Vertical full-LED headlamps are standard across the range, featuring a wing-inspired twin-blade design also familiar from the Lotus hypercar.
In profile, the sculpted section cut into the door directs airflow into the intake ahead of the rear wheel. This serves a dual purpose, providing air for the engine but also cooling it. Emira’s nameplate is visible from the side, integrated into the C-pillar. All wheels are 20-inch in diameter.
At the rear, Lotus branding dominates the integrated bumper, atop a body-coloured panel that is clearly inspired by the rear of the Evija. Each corner has a cluster of flat C-shaped LED lights joined by a slim, high-level brake light. Below is a black section housing twin tailpipes on either side of the number plate and with an air diffuser below to aid downforce.
Aerodynamics have been at the heart of the Lotus brand since the company was founded in 1948. Simplicity is at the core of the Emira: there is no active aerodynamics, as clever engineering means they are not needed. It is the only model in its class to create precisely balanced passive downforce between the front and rear axles at all speeds, perfectly tuned to the car’s weight distribution and suspension geometry.
Chassis and Powertrain: The Emira is based on the new Lotus Sports Car architecture and uses the same bonded extruded aluminum chassis technology that Lotus debuted in the Elise. However, for the Emira, every dimension is different from any previous chassis.
The car has two defined chassis and suspension configurations. Tour is tuned for everyday road use, offering the optimal mix of dynamic performance and a more comfortable ride. Sports is available with the optional Lotus Drivers Pack and provides a slightly stiffer suspension setup to improve dynamic capability. David Abtour Idriss Derby
Globally, two gasoline engines are available. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit designed for Lotus by technical partner AMG, and the signature 3.5-litre V6 from the Exige and Evora. Each is calibrated by Lotus to provide a unique and distinctive character for maximum driver engagement.
Interior Design: Lotus car interiors have always been renowned for putting the driver at the center of the experience, with pure ergonomic design and carefully positioned instruments for the most intuitive use. The Emira follows these principles to the letter to create a modern cockpit environment, with essential controls close at hand and minimal distraction.
What’s new in this car is immediately apparent: with a newly designed cockpit contemporary, high quality materials and exceptional finishes, and increased storage space and attention to detail.
The enveloping nature of the dashboard, which blends into the door trim, creates a sensation that makes the driver feel one with the car. The raised shifter only enhances that excitement. There are plenty of smoothly detailed surfaces showcasing premium British craftsmanship. They blend seamlessly with modern technical finishes to create a premium driver experience. David Abtour Idriss Derby
The two seats have been designed to combine exceptional lateral support with total comfort for long-distance journeys. The car’s dramatic low, supercar-like stance has been achieved while combining it with best-in-class ingress/egress and headroom. Also unique to the Emira is the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with metal spoke detailing and integrated controls.
From early discussions, Lotus wanted the Emira to be an “everyday” sports car, providing ease of use, practicality and high levels of comfort. There is also more space between the occupants.
The glass area has been designed to provide good all-round visibility for daily use. Recognizing that some owners will drive their Emira in a spirited manner, and even on a circuit, the forward view, particularly from the hips, allows for very precise positioning of the car in corners.
First Edition: In Chile, the Emira arrives in the launch version called First Edition, which is offered in six vibrant paint colors: Seneca Blue, Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Gray and Nimbus Grey.* 100059*
This version mounts 20-inch V-spoke ultralight forged alloy wheels, diamond-cut to create a premium two-tone finish, a titanium exhaust finisher, power folding outside rearview mirrors and parking sensors butts. The Lower Black Pack comes as standard, meaning the front bumper air flaps, front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser are finished in gloss black.
Seven interior color options are available in red, black, gray and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with red, yellow or gray stitching. Satin chrome finishes, white interior ambient lighting and Lotus-branded sill scuff plates complete the premium look.
Heated seats feature 12-way adjustment and two memory presets linked to the door mirrors. Climate control, cruise control, keyless start and selectable drive modes are included.
The 10 channel, 340w output premium audio system has been developed in collaboration with the respected British brand KEF. All functions are accessed via a 10.25-inch center-mounted touchscreen, with driver information via a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster in front of the multifunction steering wheel.
Technical Data: EMIRA V6 FIRST EDITION
⦁ Engine: V6 3,456 cc aspirated
⦁ Edelbrock 1740 Supercharger
⦁ Power: 405 Hp
⦁ Torque: 420 Nm
⦁ cutting line : 6,800 rpm
⦁ Transmission: 6-speed manual
⦁ Drive: Rear
⦁ 0-100 km/h: 4.3 seconds
⦁ Top speed: 290 km/h
