2022 Lotus Emira is brand’s last model before going electric

Lotus, famous for its lightweight sports car, has taken a gorgeous bunny from its hat. Dubbed the Lotus Emira, this new creation combines the style of a supercar with the performance and price of a little sports car.

Lotus Emira is not just another model for the British carmaker that’s changed owners many times over. For them, it is extremely important to get the Emira right, as it is their final go at a combustion-engined car. Before the IC engine kicks the bucket at the Lotus facility, Emira has work to do. It replaces three of Lotus’ most loved models, namely Exige, Elise and Evora. In total, there are big shoes for the Lotus Emira to fill, and from what we can see, it does it in magnificent style.

Looking at the images, anyone will fit the Emira into the elite classes of McLarens and Ferraris. The flowing design of the Emira does not leave room for anyone to criticize them. Especially, as it takes cues from its $2 million dollar sister, the electric hypercar, Lotus Evija. But they are surely wrong, as the Emira fights smaller sports cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman, Alpine A110, and the BMW M2 Competition. It is slightly larger than the largest Lotus it replaces, the Evora, and quite larger than the Exige and Elise. The wheelbase measures 2575 mm, longer than even the 992 gen Porsche 911. But Lotus being Lotus, they have shaved off as much as they can to restrict the weight to 1,405 kg.

The Lotus Emira sports a mid-engined rear-wheel-drive layout, giving it a slight supercar flavour. Powering the Emira are a couple of engines. The most obvious option is the supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 that did its duty in the Exige and Evora. This engine is available with a manual and an automatic gearbox. Stepping up the game is an AMG engine. The 2.0-litre turbocharged AMG engine is shared with the Mercedes-AMG A45 and A45S. This is hooked up to a dual-clutch automatic engine.

Even though Lotus did not shed much light on the specific power outputs, they mention that Emira will be capable of developing power between 360 and 400 hp. The quickest of the Emiras will hot 100 kph from 0 in less than 4.5 seconds. The top speed is a respectable 290 kph.

Unlike most Lotuses, the Emira does not focus heavily on saving weight. The interior is thus, well-appointed with many comfort and tech features. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen are offered. The options list includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 12-way electrically adjustable seats, cruise control, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and more.

An optional Lotus Drivers Pack adds Launch control to the mix. Yet another optional kit throws in stiffer suspension, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres, shod on the standard 20-inch wheels.

The 2022 Lotus Emira combines the looks of a supercar with sports car credentials. Gladly, it did not carry the price of a supercar. In UK, Emira starts from £60,000 (equivalent to Dhs 303,767). This price hovers around the premium sports car mark, alongside Corvettes and Caymans. With Lotus offering a full range in the UAE and some other GCC markets currently, we expect this one to come here too.