This is the Lotus Emira, the British sports car manufacturer’s last petrol-engined car.

And it is safe to say that the company is saying goodbye to fossil-fuel power with a real beauty with styling inspired by the upcoming Evija all-electric hypercar.

The mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive Lotus Emira is built on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, and power will come via a choice of two engines – a 3.5-litre V6 or a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder from Mercedes-Benz AMG. Cars will be available with a manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Across the Emira range, power output will between 268kW and 298kW, with 0-100km/h acceleration in less than 4.5 seconds and top speeds of up to 290km/h. Maximum torque will be 430Nm. The car has a target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form.

The car has two defined chassis and suspension settings. ‘Tour’ is tuned for everyday road use, while ‘Sports’ is available with the optional Lotus Drivers Pack and provides a slightly stiffer suspension set-up.

On the inside there’s a luxurious feel to the cabin with soft-trimmed surfaces mixing with modern technical finishes.

There’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel with metallic spoke and integrated controls, ambient and wraparound lighting as well as map lights, and the two seats have been designed to combine exceptional lateral support for high-speed cornering with total comfort for long distance journeys. The armrest between the seats holds USB and 12v ports.

Access to the car’s infotainment system is via a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touchscreen, with an additional 12.3-inch TFT driver’s display behind the steering wheel. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are integrated as standard.

Also exclusive to Lotus is the availability of a 10-channel premium sound system from British brand KEF.

Features available on the Emira include keyless go, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, electric folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors (with front sensors as an option), auto-dimming rear view mirror, curtain airbags, launch control (as part of optional Lotus Drivers Pack), and a stolen vehicle tracker.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) available include adaptive cruise control, anti-collision system, fatigue alert, road sign information, vehicle speed limiter, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist.

Lotus retailers around the world are now taking deposits for the Emira, and the first customers will take delivery early in 2022. Prices will start at less than £60,000 ($AU110,500).

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (August 2021) 

11 August 2021