The newest and final internal combustion engine-powered vehicle from the storied British sports car manufacturer is the 2023 Lotus Emira. That's accurate. The Evija hypercar is a sneak peek at how Lotus is getting ready for an all-electric future. But the corporation will give gas-burning purists one last model before saying goodbye to its traditions. The Evora GT, the only Lotus now offered for sale in the United States, has been replaced.
The Emira includes active safety equipment for the first time, is more useful, and has a much nicer interior. While Lotus provides a supercharged V-6 with 400 horsepower and an optional manual transmission, the base Emira has a turbo-four with 360 horsepower. Thus, the Emira is in direct competition with the Porsche 718 Cayman and a few 911 iterations.
The exotic look of the Emira, which was influenced by the carbon-fiber-heavy Evija, will connect Lotus's history with its present when it goes on sale in late 2022. It will also use bonded aluminum architecture from the Evora GT.
First, a fully loaded First Edition of the Emira will be auctioned. A more economical entry-level model will soon be added to the lineup, though.
Performance - Engine, Transmission, and Other
One of two engines—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a supercharged 3.5-liter V-6—will be mounted in the centre of the Emira. The 360 horsepower four-cylinder engine comes from Mercedes-AMG. The only available gearbox feeds the rear wheels is a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The V-6 is a Toyota-sourced engine that was previously used in the Evora GT. It can be paired with either an automated torque converter or a manual transmission.
According to Lotus, the 3.5-liter engine generates 400 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque with the stick-shift. The Emira will eschew electronic power steering in favor of a hydraulically assisted arrangement that offers unparalleled believe feel and feedback, unlike most other contemporary sports cars. We admired the Emira's balanced handling and excellent steering on our initial test drive and were astounded by its dedication to driver involvement. We'll update this article with test results and more driving impressions once we have the opportunity to drive the Emira at our own test track.
Fuel efficiency and actual MPG
The Emira's fuel economy hasn't been estimated by the EPA, and we haven't had an opportunity to test one on our 75 mph highway fuel efficiency route. When we do, we'll add the findings to this story. Visit the EPA website for additional details regarding the Emira's fuel efficiency.
Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior
The Emira's interior is straightforward with a two-seater design that is both intimate and basic. The driver is presented with a steering wheel that is squared off and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. We are pleased to see actual switchgear for the climate controls, as the material quality looks more upscale and is significantly better than in prior Lotus models.
The manufacturer also makes an effort to make getting in and out of its newest sports vehicle simpler by making the door sills shorter and the door openings broader than they were on the Evora GT. A pair of cupholders in the center console and storage containers in the doors that are purportedly able to carry one half-liter bottle apiece are other useful additions. Additionally, there are 5 cubic feet of storage space below the engine and 7 cubic feet of freight space behind the seats.
Connectivity and Entertainment
The 10.2-inch touchscreen that will be located in the center of the dashboard will control the infotainment system for the Emira. There are no physical controls to alter the volume or tuning of the stereo except from those on the steering wheel and maybe voice commands. The sports car will have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capabilities in addition to 12-volt and USB charging outlets.
Features for Driver Assistance and Safety
The Emira will be available with a variety of optional driver-assistance systems, breaking with Lotus tradition. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for more details regarding the Emira's crash test results. Important safety elements include:
1. Automated emergency braking options
2. Accessible lane-departure alert
3. The presence of adaptive cruise control
