The Lotus Emira marks a significant step for the iconic British sports car. Positioned as the brand’s final petrol-powered model, it incorporates modern technology and engineering while preserving the core principles of lightweight performance Lotus is renowned for. A clear departure from its predecessors like the Elise S2 and Exige, the Emira showcased a new era for Lotus. Follow Eu Jin in this video to experience the thrill of driving the Lotus Emira on its home turf, the Lotus’ Hethel Test Track.
This particular Emira that we have driven comes with an AMG-sourced 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged engine. The 4-cylinder mill puts out 365 hp (metric) and 430 Nm. Paired with an AMG-sourced 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the powertrain provides a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h acceleration time and a top speed of 290 km/h.
The Emira’s engine sits in the middle of the chassis and sends power to the rear wheels only. The car is equipped with a double wishbone suspension setup at the front and rear with 20-inch wheels on all four corners. The Emira does a staggered setup with 295 mm tyres at the back and 245 mm tyres in front. The brakes are 4-piston brakes with 370 mm rotors in front and 350 mm rotors at the rear. The Emira measures 4,413 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,226 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,575 mm long.
Interior-wise, the Emira features a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen head unit (with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a 560 W premium audio system, and 12-way power-adjustable heated seats. The particular Emira that is being tested is the First Edition model. Compared to the regular version, the First Edition is equipped with four option packs as standard – Lower Black Pack, Design Pack, Convenience Pack, and Lotus Drivers Pack.
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In Malaysia, the Lotus Emira i4 will cost RM1,095,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM509,000 in Langkawi. Watch the video to see what are our thoughts on the car!
