The Emira is the first all-new Lotus sports car to be delivered under Vision80, the strategic plan which is guiding the transformation of Lotus as it moves towards its 80th anniversary in 2028.
Pronounced "Eh-meer-ah", the word features in numerous ancient languages and often translates as "commander" or "leader".
The Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company’s sports car DNA.
That innovative vehicle architecture, known as Lotus Sports Car Architecture, is wrapped with a bold and sculpted design using cues clearly developed from the Evija. Key dimensions of the Emira are length 4,412mm; width 1,895mm; height 1,225mm; and wheelbase 2,575mm.
Two petrol engines
First customer cars will start to be delivered around the world from next spring. Powering the Emira will be a choice of two petrol engines.
At launch, the first cars will be available as limited-production "First Edition" models powered by the much-loved and Lotus-honed 3.5-litre V6 which cut its Hethel teeth powering the Exige and Evora.
From summer 2022, the first new Lotus sports car engine for more than a decade makes its debut, with the Emira powered by AMG. The new-to-Lotus AMG unit is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder inline-4 from the performance division of Mercedes-Benz.
Working with Lotus for the first time, AMG has come on board as technical partner on the Emira programme, with some fundamental changes made to the in-line four-cylinder set-up for its Lotus debut.
Transverse-mounted and delivering rear-wheel drive, the unit has been modified with a new air intake system and new exhaust to suit the character of the Emira.
The second engine is more familiar, the 3.5-litre supercharged Toyota V6 that is so loved by drivers of the Exige and Evora. Cars will be available with a manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
Across the Emira range, power output will between 360bhp and 400bhp at launch, with 0-100kph acceleration in less than 4.5 seconds and top speeds of up to 290kph. Maximum torque will be 430Nm and CO2 emissions will start below 180g/km. The car has a target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form, and prices will start at less than £60,000.
Exterior
Vertical all-LED headlamps are standard across the range, with a wing-inspired twin blade design also familiar from the Evija. The bonnet houses the current iteration of the iconic Lotus roundel, its first appearance on a new Lotus sports car and slightly larger than on previous models.
Looking at the Emira in profile, the sculpted section cut into the door leads air flow towards the intake ahead of the rear wheel. This serves a dual purpose, providing air for the engine but also to cool it. The Emira name badge is visible from the side, integrated into the C-pillar. All wheels are 20-inches in diameter; as standard they will be fitted with a Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyre, while a Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a cost option available in conjunction with the Lotus Drivers Pack. Both tyres have been specially developed for the Emira by their manufacturer.
At the rear, the Lotus wordmark dominates the integrated bumper, above a body coloured panel that’s clearly inspired by the rear of the Evija. At each end is an exit vent for air from the wheel arch. Each corner has a flat C-shaped LED light cluster linked by a slimline high-level brake light. Below is a black section housing twin exhaust pipes either side of the number plate and with an air diffuser underneath to aid downforce.
Efficient aerodynamics has been at the heart of the Lotus brand since the company was founded in 1948. It is a philosophy linked to delivering outstanding performance whether a car is on the road or race track. There are no active aerodynamics in the Emira; it is the only model in its class to create passive downforce that’s balanced between the front and rear axles at all speeds, tuned to the weight distribution and suspension geometry of the car. It means as downforce increases with speed, generating higher grip through corners, the handling characteristics remain constant, precise and predictable.
The Emira has two defined chassis and suspension settings. Tour is tuned for everyday road use, delivering the optimum blend of Lotus dynamic performance and handling with a more comfortable ride. Sports is available with the optional Lotus Drivers Pack and provides a slightly stiffer suspension set-up for enhanced dynamic capability and feel. Hydraulic steering provides excellent feedback for the driver.
Interior
The Emira has a modern cockpit environment with the essential controls to hand and minimum distraction.
The wraparound nature of the dashboard as it blends into the door trim creates a cossetted feeling that makes the driver feel at one with the car. The raised gear shifter enhances that emotion.
There are a high number of soft-trimmed surfaces, that blend with modern technical finishes to create a premium experience for the driver. There are details added in tribute to the heritage and sporting success of Lotus.
Examples include the positioning of the gearstick on manual cars, which echoes that of the iconic Esprit, and the semi-exposed gear linkage visible at the base of the centre console on V6 manual cars, as on the Elise and Exige. Adding to the sense of theatre is the protective red cover over the start/stop button.
The two seats have been designed to combine high lateral support for high-speed cornering with total comfort for long distance journeys. There is four-way electric adjustment on the standard seat, with the option to upgrade to a premium sports seat with 12-way electric adjustment for both the driver and passenger. All seats are unique to the Emira. The dramatic supercar-like low stance of the car has been achieved while matching best-in-class ingress/egress and headroom.
Also unique to the Emira is the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with metallic spoke detail and integrated controls. The interior features ambient and wraparound lighting as well as map lights.
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
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) available on the Emira 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.
The glass area has been designed to provide good all-round visibility for daily use.
Access to the car’s infotainment system is via a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen, with an additional 12.3-inch TFT driver’s display behind the steering wheel. All content is exclusive to Lotus has been designed and developed by an in-house team. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are integrated as standard.
Also exclusive to Lotus is the availability of a 10-channel premium sound system from highly respected British brand KEF. This is the company’s first ever automotive partnership and features its signature Uni-Q™? technology, a configuration which dispenses with separated tweeter and mid-range, instead combining both into an acoustically idealised single unit.
Finished with a distinctive bespoke speaker fret design, Uni-Q covers the entire mid and high-frequency sound spectrum from a single point in space, delivering a more coherent, hyper-realistic sound experience.
Storage is vital in sports car and the Emira’s cabin strives to give as much space as possible. It has twin central cup holders with a phone storage slot between them, and door bins that can accommodate a 500ml bottle. Practicality also comes from the glovebox, trinket tray ahead of the gearstick, armrest between the seats with USB and 12v ports, plus a console net for bottles or documents.
Luggage or other large items can be stored behind the two seats (208 litres) or in the boot to the rear of the engine. This space (151 litres) will take a standard-sized flight case or a set of golf clubs.
Manufacturing will take place at Lotus’ famous home in Hethel, Norfolk, following more than £100 million of new investment in the company’s UK facilities.
The highly skilled operations teams will be supported by new processes and technologies. An all-new paintshop features robotic application – a first for Lotus that will improve quality, capacity and process repeatability.
Bookings open worldwide
Lotus retailers around the world are now taking deposits for the Emira. A digital visualiser showcasing the car’s design is live at www.lotuscars.com.
The Emira is available in six exterior paint colours at launch – Hethel Yellow, Shadow Grey, Magma Red, Nimbus Grey, Dark Verdant and the launch finish of Seneca Blue.
Seven interior colours are available – Black Nappa leather, Red Nappa leather, Grey Nappa leather, Tan Nappa leather, Black Alcantara with grey stitch, Black Alcantara with red stitch and Black Alcantara with yellow stitch.
There are five wheel choices – cast 10-spoke, gloss black 10-spoke, silver forged V-spoke, gloss black forged V-spoke and diamond cut forged V-spoke) – with four brake caliper colours – black, red, yellow and silver.
The Emira will make its public dynamic debut this coming weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 8-11).
