New Lotus Emira: the last pure-bred sports car

Ahead of its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lotus has unveiled its new Lotus Emira at an event held in front of 300 guests at its headquarters in Hethel (UK), with a demonstration and test drive included, with Jenson Button at the wheel. A car that stands apart in the strategy of the English manufacturer, which is already working on its upcoming electrified models.

But while that new chapter arrives, here we have a sports car in its purest state, a genuine alternative to cars designed for maximum enjoyment behind the wheel on winding roads, such as the Porsche 718 Cayman or the Alpine A110 It is expected to reach the market next spring, with a starting price of around 72,000 euros.

Up to 400 CV, with AMG’s signature

Built on a new architecture based on the aluminium chassis debuted on the Elise, the Lotus Emira is a two-seater with a body measuring 4.41 metres long, 1.89 wide and 1.22 high, with a wheelbase of 2,575 mm.

For the engine, located mid-rear, there will be two options. From the first collaboration between Lotus and Mercedes-Benz AMG comes a 2.0 four-cylinder with turbocharging, which delivers a maximum output of 360 CV. The second option is the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 of Toyota origin, already known from the Lotus Exige and the Evora, which reaches 400 CV. In both cases, buyers can choose between a manual gearbox or an automatic dual-clutch gearbox.

Lotus quotes a final weight for the lightest version of just 1,405 kg, along with two chassis settings: one aimed at everyday driving and another with firmer damping and other changes geared towards sporty driving, which forms part of the Lotus Drivers Pack. For both versions, a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of under 4.5 seconds is quoted, with a top speed of 290 km/h.

As standard, the 20-inch wheels are fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres, and with the aforementioned sports pack, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres can be selected.

Inside, in addition to the flat-bottomed steering wheel and the sports seats specific to the Emira, with electric adjustment and integrated headrests, the standout feature is the fully digital instrumentation at 12.3 inches, as well as the multimedia system screen, which reaches 10.25 inches.

Among the available options, Lotus offers a high-end audio system from the British manufacturer KEF. Passengers can stow their travel bags behind the seats, where there is a compartment of almost 210 litres, in addition to the 151 litres offered by the small boot behind the engine.

Image gallery Lotus Emira