Lotus Australia revealed the price for the whole Emira sports car line, on track to appear at Down Under in mid-2022.
The first cars to touch down will be First version V6followed by an AMG-sourced four-cylinder in the second quarter of 2023.
Prices will start at $155,990 before on-road costs for the DCT four-cylinder Emira, rising to $169,990 before on-road for the base V6 manual transmission, and $173,990 before off-road for the engine. V6 automatic.
The four cylinders First Edition is priced at $177,990 before on-road, and the Emira V6 First Edition is listed at $184,990 before on-road.
On paper, the four base cylinders confront Porsche 718 Cayman WILL ($144,080 before touring), while the higher-end V6 is better suited to the 718 Cayman GTS ($180,490 before touring).
Demand for the Emirates has been strong. Lotus says the V6 First Edition has been sold out and 70% of the First Edition’s four-cylinder allocation has been talked about.
The company also said it has accepted deposits for the entry-level four-cylinder model, though it hasn’t said how much.
The standard V6 engine makes 298kW power and 420Nm with a six-speed manual, or 430Nm with the optional six-speed automatic and paddle shifters.
The inline 4-cylinder engine is equipped with Mercedes-AMG’s M139 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 268kW of power.
It is shared with Mercedes-AMG A45and is paired exclusively with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.
Price in 2023 Lotus Emira
- Lotus Emira four-cylinder DCT: $155,990
- Lotus Emira V6 Manual: 169,990 USD
- Lotus Emira V6 automatic transmission: $173,990
- Lotus Emira four-cylinder First Edition: $177,990
- Lotus Emira V6 First Edition: $184,990
All prices do not include road charges.
Standard equipment for the base Emira range is yet to be confirmed, but the First Edition will ride on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, hidden behind two-piece brake calipers and Lotus-branded calipers.
Heated seats with electrical adjustment, climate control, cruise control, keyless entry and start, factory satellite navigation are all standard, along with a 340W audio system.
There are seven interior combinations: four Nappa leather and three Alcantara finishes.
Five coats of finish will be available on the First Edition, with more to follow as the Launch Edition lineup arrives.
Four optional packages will be standard on the Emira First Edition. These include:
- Bottom black package
- Front spoiler
- Front splitter
- Side door sill
- Rear diffuser
- Lotus Driver Package
- Tour or Sport Suspension
- Goodyear Eagle F1 or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 . Tires
- ESP Tracking Mode
- Follow mode-related content
- Design package
- Privacy Glass
- Sports pedal
- Black alcantara title
- Emira brand floor mats
- Convenience package
- Front parking sensor
- Reverse camera
- Rain wipers
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Rear luggage net
What is Lotus Emira?
The new Emira builds on the Lotus Sports Car Architecture previously announced in 2021.
It’s a lightweight bonded aluminum construction, encased in a body inspired by the all-electric Evija (with a slight Maserati MC20 and McLaren Artura about it, too).
Measure at 4412mm Long, 1895mm wide and 1225mm tall, with a 2575mm wheelbase, Emira is 100mm shorter than Porsche 911but 43mm wider with a 35mm longer wheelbase.
Instead of a more modern electric power steering system, the Emira uses a hydraulic steering system designed to provide better feedback to the driver.
There are two suspension tunes on offer: Tour, which is designed for everyday road use, and Sport, which is fairly straightforward and part of the Lotus Driver Package.
Emira not only has a sharp look but also has a smart body.
Lotus says it generates balanced passive downforce on both axes, while the rear wheel arch front air intakes deliver cool air into the hungry mid-engine. There’s no active aerodynamics and no undue damage factor here.
Inside, this is a strict two-seater, but Lotus has focused on giving it a comfortable and utilitarian space.
The driver’s seat is four-way electrically adjustable and Lotus says the greenhouse has been designed to provide good visibility for everyday driving.
There’s 208L of space behind the seats, and 151L in the trunk behind the engine.
Lotus says the doors will swallow 500ml bottles, and have USB and 12V connections. The 10-speaker sound system is equipped with the British brand Uni-Q.
There are some classic Lotus touches – like the exposed link on the hand-fitted cars and the compact steering wheel.
