Lotus revamps Emira lineup
Emira Turbo SE and Emira V6 to replace First Editions
The Lotus Emira is more powerful than ever with the addition of the new Emira Turbo and Emira V6 variants, which the brand says ‘delivers a unique blend of ride, handling and outstanding aerodynamics.’
Production will take place at Lotus’ UK factory in Hethel, Norfolk, which has recently had an investment of more than £100million. The 10,000th Emira recently rolled off the production line at Lotus’ state-of-the-art facility, now capable of producing 5,000 cars a year, compared with around 1,500 units annually a decade ago.
The 10,000th Lotus Emira
Emira Turbo SE - £89,500
The Emira Turbo SE is powered by an AMG-sourced 4-cylinder variable geometry turbocharged engine with an 8-speed DCT gearbox, giving an output of 400 bhp and 480Nm of torque. In terms of performance figures, this means a higher top speed of 180 mph and 0-62mph acceleration time of 4 seconds.
The Lotus Drivers Pack comes as standard with the Turbo SE and includes sports suspension settings, uprated cross drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs and launch control.
Design-wise, the car sits on 20” V-spoke forged Satin Grey wheels as standard as well as Zinc Grey paint, Alcantara headliner, red brake callipers, new ‘Emira Turbo SE’ badging, new black Lotus branding and black Lotus badging and tailpipes.
Why Turbo SE?
If you’re wondering about the significance of the Turbo SE name, its origin is twofold.
The Turbo part of the name is both a reference to the 2-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine and the 1980s period when the turbo engine was first implemented with the Turbo Espirit. When it was launched, it became one of the early production sports cars to use this technology.
The SE part of the name pays homage to an era when an optional ‘Special Equipment’ package was available, which identified your Lotus as having higher output and more equipment. It was first used on the Type 14 Elite before being made available on the Type 26 Elan, Elan SE Turbo, Lotus Cortina and the Elan S3, Elan S4 and Plus 2.
Emira V6 - £92,500
The Emira V6 variant is powered by a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to either a standard six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, resulting in an output of 400bhp.
Built for performance, the V6 features cross drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres, the Touring suspension and a limited slip differential (LSD) for manual models. New design features include headlining, A-Pillars and Cantrail in black technical fabric and new model branding.
‘A junior supercar’
“The Lotus Emira is the most accomplished Lotus road car ever to roll through the Hethel factory gates’, said Matt Windle, Group VP & Managing Director Lotus Cars. “Beautifully proportioned with a stunning design inspired by the Evija all-electric hypercar, it’s the perfect package. The Emira is a junior supercar with all the thrills and head-turning characteristics found in the greatest Lotus cars, but at the same time is an everyday sports car that’s high on comfort and functionality, packed with the latest technology demanded by the discerning driver.”
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Lotus