Lotus Emira

Model Overview

The Lotus Emira is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seater ICE sports car from the British marque Lotus, marking the final pure internal combustion engine sports car in the brand's history. Making its global debut in 2021 as the culmination and replacement for the Elise, Exige, and Evora, the Emira inherits the porosity design language of the multi-million hypercar Evija. As of June 2026, the Emira line-up has expanded to include several variants—the early First Edition (powered by a 3.5L supercharged V6 and a 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder), the 2025 Turbo/Turbo SE/V6, and the flagship Emira 420 Sport introduced in May 2026. In the domestic market, the Emira Turbo SE went on sale in March 2025 with an entry price of RM902,800, while the Emira 420 Sport is expected to carry an estimated domestic base price of around RM1,080,000. Internationally, the 420 Sport starts at £105,900 in the UK (approx. RM969,000) and €129,900 across European markets.

Design Language

The Emira’s exterior styling carries over the porosity aerodynamic architecture pioneered by the all-electric Evija hypercar, featuring bold Venturi tunnels that exude authentic supercar character. The bonnet retains the Evija-inspired air ducts, channelling airflow over the body to optimise aerodynamic efficiency. Along the flanks, sculpted air intakes extending towards the doors feed fresh air into the engine bay whilst ensuring effective cooling. At the rear, twin tailpipes flanking the number plate housing make room for a massive rear diffuser below, generating functional downforce.

In terms of dimensions, the Turbo SE measures 4,412 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,225 mm tall. It boasts an aggressive width-to-height ratio of 0.64, delivering a supercar-like low-slung stance. The Emira incorporates Lotus' signature Becker Point design—where the peak of the wheel arches sits higher than the base of the windscreen—which, paired with the mid-mounted layout, creates an unmistakable sports car silhouette. The Emira is also the only model in its class to produce genuine downforce across all speeds.

Inside, the cabin is strictly driver-centric, built around pure ergonomic principles. It is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, wrapped extensively in premium Alcantara trim. A flat-bottom sports steering wheel integrates multifunction controls, while the ergonomically sculpted bucket seats provide reassuring lateral support during high-G cornering without compromising long-distance touring comfort.

Powertrain & Performance

The Emira is offered with two powertrain choices: an AMG-sourced 2.0T four-cylinder turbocharged unit (engine code M139) specially tuned by Lotus, and a Toyota-sourced 3.5L supercharged V6 engine.

Performance figures across the variants are as follows:

• Turbo: 365 PS (360 hp)

• Turbo SE: 400 PS (394 hp), peak torque of 470 Nm

• V6: 400 hp

• 420 Sport: 420 PS (414 hp), peak torque of 500 Nm

For power delivery, the 2.0T variants are paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) (7-speed DCT on the 420 Sport), whereas the V6 variant offers both manual and automatic gearbox options. All variants feature a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. Acceleration-wise, the Turbo SE completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds, with the 420 Sport dropping that time to 3.9 seconds. In terms of top speed, the Turbo SE hits 290 km/h, while the 420 Sport maxes out at 299.4 km/h.

Chassis & Handling

The chassis remains the beating heart of the Emira’s quintessential Lotus handling DNA. It is engineered on an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, delivering exceptional lightweight qualities, supreme torsional rigidity, and an ultra-low centre of gravity. Underneath, it rides on an all-round double-wishbone independent suspension equipped with Eibach performance springs and Bilstein dampers.

The Emira offers two distinct suspension setups: the Tour Suspension tuned for daily road use, offering an ideal balance between sharp handling and ride compliance; and the Sport Suspension, featuring stiffer damping for heightened dynamic precision and steering feedback. The 420 Sport sits 5 mm lower and comes upgraded with two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers. When specified with the optional lightweight handling pack, the 420 Sport sheds 25 kg (bringing kerb weight down to 1,430 kg) while generating an additional 25 kg of downforce via aero revisions. Braking performance is equally sharp, bringing the car from 100 km/h to a complete standstill in just 33.5 metres.

Cabin & Equipment

The Emira features a two-seater cabin layout. A dedicated space behind the seats combined with the rear luggage compartment behind the engine bay provides 359 litres of total boot space. On the audio front, it packs a 10-channel premium sound system developed with British audio specialist KEF, introducing KEF’s Uni-Q™ point source coaxial driver technology to the automotive sector for the first time. Standard cabin amenities include 12-way power-adjustable sports seats and carbon fibre paddle shifters. The 420 Sport offers bespoke optional carbon fibre aero packs and hand-painted bespoke finishes. Additionally, the Emira debuts a removable tinted glass roof that stows neatly in a tailored storage bag behind the seats, allowing drivers to switch effortlessly between coupe and open-top motoring.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Emira is built around its high-rigidity bonded aluminium monocoque structure. The 420 Sport variant features the Lotus Track Performance lap timing application, designed for logging and analysing track day telemetry. Standard driver assistance features include essential aids such as a reverse camera along with front and rear parking sensors.

Market Overview & Verdict

The Emira stands as the sole remaining internal combustion model in Lotus' current line-up. Lotus has confirmed plans to phase out the existing Toyota V6 and AMG four-cylinder powerplants, eventually transitioning to the W30 engine developed by Geely Group’s Horse Powertrain division. Consequently, the 420 Sport represents the final Lotus sports car to feature a purely ICE AMG engine without hybrid electrification.

In 2025, Lotus officially reaffirmed its heritage by reinstating its classic global brand identity and Chinese nomenclature. In 2026, the group introduced its "Focus 2030" roadmap, pivoting away from an all-electric-only commitment towards a multi-energy strategy encompassing pure ICE, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

In the Chinese market, the Emira Turbo SE is priced from RM902,800. The 420 Sport starts overseas at USD122,900 (approx. RM833,800), with domestic retail pricing projected around RM1,080,000. Within the segment, the Emira locks horns directly with rivals such as the Porsche 718 Cayman and the BMW Z4. Serving as the ultimate swan song for Lotus’ pure combustion heritage, the Emira—with its mid-engine RWD balance, bonded aluminium tub, potent AMG power, and uncompromised driver engagement—safeguards the final sanctuary of analogue driving thrills for automotive enthusiasts amidst the relentless global shift towards electrification.