The Emira is now Lotus’ most powerful four-cylinder sports car ever

The Lotus Emira V6 has been captivating driving enthusiasts worldwide ever since its debut two years ago. It has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, establishing itself as the most accomplished sports car ever produced by Lotus. With its striking design, astonishing performance, and exceptional ride and handling, the Emira V6 offers a driving experience that is unique to Lotus.

Now, the appeal of this mid-engined two-seater is taken to new heights with the addition of a four-cylinder engine, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to deliver remarkable performance and efficiency. Supplied by technical partner Mercedes-AMG, the turbocharged 2.0-liter all-aluminum unit is based on the world's most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production. This version of the Emira, known as the Emira First Edition, has been further refined by Lotus with bespoke intake and exhaust systems and calibration that complements its new transmission shift mapping.

Developing 360 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, the four-cylinder engine perfectly complements the Emira's lightweight and sturdy aluminum chassis, adhering to Lotus' ethos of achieving higher performance by reducing mass. Notably, this Emira marks the final mainstream combustion engine Lotus two-seater, making it a significant milestone in the legacy of iconic models like the Elise, Esprit, Europa, Elan, and Elite.

Despite being powered by a four-cylinder engine, the Emira First Edition maintains the performance and responsiveness that drivers expect from a Lotus. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 290 km/h. The addition of the dual-clutch transmission also enhances day-to-day usability and comfort, providing smoother and rapid gear changes, as well as offering advantages in fuel consumption and emissions.

Lotus has meticulously fine-tuned the suspension settings for the 2.0-liter Emira to retain the hallmark body control and precise handling expected from a Lotus sports car. The engine and transmission mapping have been optimized to offer different driving modes, delivering refined and relaxed performance in Tour mode and exceptional throttle response and acceleration in Sport and Track modes.

Production of both the Emira V6 and the four-cylinder version takes place at the Chapman Production Centre (CPC) at Hethel, which is part of Lotus' substantial £100 million investment in UK facilities. Customers in the UK have the option to collect their Emira from Hethel, providing them with an immersive experience and a tour of the CPC assembly halls.

The four-cylinder engine is specially designed for high-performance applications, featuring a cylinder block produced using advanced chill-casting for superior strength and durability. The engine's cylinder head incorporates four valves per cylinder and a 200-bar direct injection system, while the turbocharger is a 'twin-scroll' design, optimizing exhaust gas exchange and responsiveness. Lotus has also applied its in-house calibration to ensure the engine delivers an exceptional balance of power, torque, and efficiency.

The Emira's chassis, based on Lotus Sports Car Architecture, provides the ideal platform for vehicle dynamics engineers to develop its ride, handling, and steering characteristics, setting new benchmarks for the class. The lightweight, forged aluminum double-wishbone suspension enhances the car's agility and responsiveness, making it a true driver's car.

The introduction of the four-cylinder engine led to the development of a new lightweight cast aluminum rear subframe, reducing the car's weight by 12 kg and optimizing the powerplant's packaging within the chassis structure. The electro-hydraulic steering system offers the pure, connected feel characteristic of Lotus sports cars.

On the exterior, the Emira's design language builds on the sculpted surfaces and technical detailing introduced in the all-electric Evija hypercar, creating an unrivaled supercar desirability in the sports car segment. The front end features full-LED headlights with a unique daytime running light signature, and the sculpted doors include deployable handles to reduce drag. The rear of the car is accentuated by two distinctive gloss black vents and a rear diffuser integrated with the exhaust pipes and number plate.

Passive aerodynamics, honed through advanced simulations and wind tunnel testing, provide balanced downforce between the front and rear axles, enhancing grip and handling throughout the speed range.

The Emira's interior is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, offering luxurious, spacious, and driver-focused features. It combines premium materials with cutting-edge technologies, delivering comfort, usability, and practicality that redefine the standards for Lotus sports cars. The flat-bottomed steering wheel sits in front of a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated navigation provides a simple and intuitive user experience, complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The 560W premium audio system, developed in partnership with KEF, boasts the brand's signature Uni-Q technology, delivering a hyper-realistic sound experience. The 12-way power-adjustable heated seats provide excellent support for spirited driving and comfort during long journeys. The Emira offers a range of interior materials and color options to suit individual preferences.

The Lotus Emira is arriving in the Philippines by the third quarter of 2023 and will signify the last full internal combustion-engined sports car of Lotus before going fully electric.