Emira First Edition ushers in end of petrol era at Lotus

By dpa | 22 September 2021


LONDON: Lotus has confirmed more details of its Emira sports coupé which is set to be the final non-electrified model from the iconic British marque.

First in the showroom is the range-topping Emira First Edition with 400hp on tap. The crisply-styled two-seater will sell in global markets from the spring and is priced in Europe at 95,995 euros.

Lotus plans to make four new all-electric cars by 2026, including the Evija supercar and an SUV, which means the Emira marks the end of petrol power for the maker founded in 1952.

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"The Emira is the most accomplished Lotus we've ever made," said managing director Martin Windle. The car represented a "quantum leap" for the manufacturer, with new levels of comfort, functionality and technology.

At the heart of the mid-engined Emira is the familiar 3.5-litre supercharged engine from Toyota which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with visible gearchange mechanism. A six-speed automatic is also offered.

Lotus also confirmed that the manual Emira V6 can dash from a standstill to 100kph in 4.3 seconds and will run on to 290kph. CO2 emissions are given as 243 g/km.

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The trusty engine has been carried over from the outgoing Evira and Exige models.

The Emira First Edition rides on bespoke 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels and comes in six colours.

The car has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis and will square up against rivals like the Porsche Cayman 718 or Alpine A110s.

Emira production begins early next year, with a junior version using an Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit arriving in the autumn. Order books for that open soon.

Unlike some of Lotus earlier spartan offerings, the transformed Emira cabin is crammed with creature comforts and high-tech.

On offer are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation along with 12-way adjustable heated seats, climate control, cruise control, keyless start and selectable driving modes.

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The cockpit also features a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen, with driver feedback through a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster ahead of a multi-function steering wheel.

Lotus Cars based in Norfolk, England, was founded and owned for many years by racing driver Colin Chapman. China's Geely now has a 51 per cent stake in the company and is funding new cars.

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