The last, latest, and greatest? Spec-checking the soon-to-arrive Lotus Emira

All carmakers are joining the automotive electrification race. But Lotus, before it will offer only fully electric models, will roll out the Emira.

This sports car — in all of its supercharged V6 glory — will sing a swan song for internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered Lotus cars. This makes Lotus' overdue brand-new car a hotly-anticipated one.  

And the Emira is expected to weave its magic here in the Philippines, too. Local Lotus distributor Autohub Group said that it will be bringing in the last ICE-powered Lotus. We could be seeing the Emira not too long after its 2022 worldwide intro. The automatic-transmission Emira will retail for P8.888 million, while the MT is priced at P8.6 million.  There's no exact date (or even month) for its arrival, but we can say with certainty that Autohub is looking at bringing in at least a demo/launch unit here this 2022.

So let's jump in to the heart of the matter. Similar to the Evora, the Emira's V6 is a Toyota-sourced unit, but adds to this once-upon-a-time Camry engine a supercharger to create 400hp and 420Nm of torque. These numbers are good for a nil-to-century time of just over four seconds and a top speed of 290kph. 

The engine, which sends its power to the rear wheels, is mid-mounted for the best handling balance. A six-speed manual — which exposes its gear linkages inside the cabin for an old-school feel — is the standard gearbox option next to the torque-converter six-speed auto. 

The Emira's ICE continues to be a talking point. That's because in the Lotus pipeline is an entry-level Emira powered by a turbocharged, four-pot, two-liter. This 360hp engine is reportedly sourced from Mercedes-Benz AMG. The turbo-four Emira will appear in 2023, reports added. 

Being a Lotus, the Emira has been made into a featherweight. Lotus has fitted the Emira with an extruded aluminum chassis, which was first seen in the first-generation Elise 25 years ago. Thanks to this chassis and other weight-saving bits, the Emira tips the scales at just 1,405 kilograms in its lightest from. 

Meanwhile, the Lotus white coats perhaps saw that adding sound-deadening and creature comforts to the cabin won't make much of a weight penalty, too.

The Emira features a well-decorated interior that carries gadgets such as touchscreen infotainment and a digital driver's display. Power-adjustable seats and a premium audio system will also appease the Elise driver who's probably looking for more refinement over his track-focused ride. 

"The Emira is the most accomplished Lotus we've ever made, and to celebrate and reward our keenest early customers, we want to make the first cars extra special to own," Lotus Managing Director Matt Windle said. 

And so Lotus will be cooking up the Emira First Edition for the early birds. While we can't say whether we'll get this edition soon, this sports car's spec sheet (as provided below) could offer a glimpse to what Lotus' latest, and possibly greatest, offers. 

SPECIFICATIONS	Lotus Emira V6 First Edition
Dimensions (mm)	Length: 4,412mm Width: 1,895mm (mirrors folded) Height: 1,225mm Wheelbase: 2,575mm Trunk Space (L):  151L
Curb Weight (kg)	1,405kg
Engine Model	Toyota 2GR-FE
Displacement (cc)	3,456
Engine Location	Middle, Longitudinal
Engine Systems	Start/Stop Function
Supercharger	Edelbrock 1740 Mechanical Supercharging Compressor
Power Output (hp)	400 / 7,000 rpm (est)
Torque (Nm)	420  / 3,500 rpm (est)  (Manual) 430 / 3,500 rpm (est)   (Automatic)
Maximum Engine Speed (rpm)	6,800
Gearbox	Six-speed manual/Six-speed Torque Converter Automatic with Limited Slip Differential
Power-to-weight	293hp/ton
CO2 emissions (g/km)	243
0-100 kph	4.3 seconds (Manual) 4.2 seconds (Automatic)
Top Speed (kph)	290
Drag Coefficient (Cd)	0.349
Chassis	Bonded Aluminum
Suspension	Front: Double-wishbones,  Coilover dampers with Anti-Roll Bars Rear: Double-wishbones,  Coilover dampers with Anti-Roll Bars
Brakes	Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Ventilated Discs
Wheel Size and Tyre Type	20-inch Forged Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport
Steering Type	Steering Rack and Pinion, Hydraulic
Connectivity and Infotainment	10.25-inch Touch Screen; 12.3-inch TFT Driver’s Display; Integrated Navigation*; Apple CarPlay , Android Auto; KEF Uni-Q Premium Audio System (*not available in all markets)
Technology and Features	Keyless-Go; Cruise Control; Rain-Sensing Wipers; Electric Folding Door Mirrors; Powered Seats; All-LED Exterior Lights; Adaptive Cruise Control; Anti-Collision System; Fatigue Alert; Road Sign Information; Vehicle Speed Limiter; Lane Departure Warning; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Lane Change Assist
Color Options (other markets)	Seneca Blue, Nimbus Grey, Shadow Grey, Dark Verdant, Hethel Yellow, Magma Red

 

Photos from Lotus