Lotus reveals the all-new Emira sports car

KUALA LUMPUR: Lotus has finally introduced the new Emira everyday sports car featuring a mid-engine. Furthermore, the Emira is the brand’s first product under its ‘Vision80’ transformation plan that focuses on enhancing Lotus’ global presence as the brand approaches its 80th anniversary in 2028.

Before getting into the specifications, let us first understand the car’s name. Pronounced as ‘Eh-meer-ah, Emira has featured in several ancient texts and is often referred to as ‘leader’ or ‘commander’.

Lotus Emira will lead the last generation of internal combustion engine sports cars before the automaker transitions to electrification.

What powers the Lotus Emira sports car?

Lotus Emira will be offered in two engine options - 3.5-litre V6 units (previously seen in the Evora and Exige) and a 2.0-litre turbocharged AMG unit. While the former will be available in ‘First Edition’ launch models, the latter will be available from mid-2022. The AMG unit is also considered the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and is co-developed with Mercedes-Benz.

Power output is expected to fall within the 365 to 405 hp range with torque going up to 430 Nm. The transmission options are quite extensive with manual, automatic, and AMG’s dual-clutch choices in play.

On the performance front, this 1,405 kg sports car can complete the century sprint in under 4.5 seconds, before attaining 290 kmph of top speed.

Lotus Emira ride and handling

The Emira is built on the automaker’s latest Sports Car architecture with a wider track and low centre of gravity than any Lotus in recent times. Its bonded aluminium chassis is also new.

It is offered in two suspensions and chassis setups - Tous and Sport. The former offers a balance between comfort and performance, while the latter provides a stiffer setup. It also gets a hydraulic steering system and Lotus Drivers Pack with Launch Control.

Lotus Emira’s design language

As can be seen in the pictures, the Emira is one stunning looking car and it is the first to embrace the brand’s new design theme that was first seen on the Evija hypercar. Its muscular body with profound character lines cut through the wind is the most seamless manner.
It is also the first Lotus to wear the company’s redesigned badge.

It gets unique-in-class vents that channel air over the car and the sculpted sections on the door enhance airflow into the air intakes, located on the rear fender. The car stands on 20-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres. Customers can however choose from five different wheel designs.

The car is offered in several stunning exterior hues, including Hethel Yellow, Seneca Blue, Dark Verdant, Nimbus Grey, Shadow Grey, and Magma Red.

Lotus Emira cabin

The cabin is packed with soft-touch surfaces, luxurious materials, and offers several storage options. The car also features a wraparound dashboard, flat-bottom steering, and raised gear shifter along with intuitive controls and minimum distraction.

Other key highlights -

• 12-way adjustable powered seats for both driver and passenger
• Nappa leather or Alcantara upholstery
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 12.3-inch TFT display
• KEF premium sound system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• New glass panels
• Best-in-class ingress/egress & headroom
• 208-litre storage behind the two seats & 151-litre boot space
• Keyless entry
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Front & rear parking sensors
• Curtain airbags

The Louts Emira also packs in several ‘semi-pure driving’ aids like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, anti-collision system, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Price and booking

The Malaysia-spec Lotus Emira price is not yet revealed, however, interested individuals can register their interest by contacting Lotus Malaysia.

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