LOTUS CARS - Lotus has confirmed full details on the price and spec of the eagerly anticipated Emira First Edition. Fully loaded with a host of desirable technology, infotainment and comfort features, plus unique badging, the configurator for the four-cylinder two-seater is now live on www.lotuscars.com.
The
Emira is the last petrol-powered car from Lotus before a thrilling new
all-electric era begins on 29 March when the Type 132 makes its world debut.
Critically acclaimed by the media, customer orders for the Emira V6 First
Edition have far exceeded expectation and continue to flood in from all over
the world. Last week there was a 50% increase in website traffic and an 175%
increase in Emira enquiries following overwhelmingly positive global coverage
of prototype ‘first drives’.
The
new four-cylinder Emira is powered by a bespoke version of AMG’s M139 direct
injection engine. It is manufactured specifically for the Lotus Emira, and
includes hardware changes to aid mid-mounted integration and new software to
give it a true Lotus character. It is the world’s most powerful four-cylinder
engine homologated for road use (up to 208bhp / litre), widely regarded as the
world’s best i4 unit and has an enviable reputation for reliability.
Using
cutting-edge technology, it delivers outstanding performance for comparatively
low emissions. The twin-scroll turbocharger with roller bearings is optimised
for fast spool-up and minimum lag. The exhaust system is designed by Lotus and
unique to the Emira.
Key
to its appeal is the standard-fit eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT)
with paddleshift – a first for Lotus. Gavan Kershaw, Director, Vehicle
Attributes, Lotus, said: “It’s a bespoke rear-wheel drive variant of the
transmission developed by Lotus in collaboration with AMG. On top of that, the
gearshift strategy has been defined by the Hethel team as part of the car’s
performance attributes. It is unique to the Emira and optimised for the best
blend of outstanding driving engagement and performance, fuel consumption and
emissions.”
Delivering
360bhp, the car features a unique engine bay cover and C-pillar badging. As
with the Emira V6 First Edition, the i4 version offers a high level of standard
equipment and is available with a variety of ‘no-cost’ optional finishes and
materials to enable customers to tailor the car to their own style. A number of
additional cost options add an extra touch of personalisation.
The
car rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels. They’re
diamond-cut to create a premium two-tone finish, though silver or gloss black
versions are available as a no-cost option. Two-piece brake discs – with
branded calipers in either red, black, yellow or silver – are part of the First
Edition spec, plus a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The car comes in
one of six vibrant paint colours: Seneca Blue, Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark
Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey.
Exterior
details include LED lights all round, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated
power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The Lower Black Pack is
fitted as standard, which means the front bumper air blades, front splitter,
side sills and rear diffuser are all in finished in gloss black.
There
are seven interior colour choices, all available at no extra cost. They are
red, black, grey and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with either
red, yellow or grey stitching. Satin chrome trim finishers, white interior mood
lighting and Lotus-branded sill kick plates complete the premium look.
The
heated seats feature 12-way adjustability and two memory presets linked to the
door mirrors (driver’s seat only). Climate control, cruise control, keyless
start, voice control and selectable drive modes are all included.
Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the spec, supported by Bluetooth and
USB/12v sockets. Integrated satellite navigation is available in selected
markets. The 10-channel/340W premium audio system has been developed in
partnership with respected British brand KEF and includes DAB digital radio.
All functions are accessed through a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen,
with driver feedback through a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster ahead of the
multi-function steering wheel.
Three
more option packs are fitted as standard to the car, making four in total. The
Lotus Drivers Pack gives customers the choice of Tour or Sport suspension, and
the choice of Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
It also includes Track Mode ESP, with a new Track mode highlighted on the TFT
instrument display screen which prioritises information required for
high-performance driving.
The
Design Pack adds privacy glass, sports pedals, a black Alcantara headliner and
Emira-branded footwell mats. The Convenience Pack adds front parking sensors,
rear reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers with aero blades, auto-dimming
mirrors and a rear luggage storage net.
The
Emira First Edition costs £71,995 (€87,995 in Germany, $85,900 in USA) and is
now live on the configurator on www.lotuscars.com. Customers in the UK can reserve their
chosen car via the website from 8 April and deliveries will start towards the
end of the year.
The
entry level four-cylinder Emira will, as previously revealed, cost £59,995. The
full spec will be announced later this year, with cars available next spring.
The entry level Emira V6 will be launched in January 2023 and will cost £64,995
(€81,995 in Germany, $82,900 in USA). More details on both models, including
the full spec and options pricing, will be made available this summer. Online
customer reservations will start at the same time.
In
addition, Lotus has confirmed that an extended palette of new paints will be
available exclusively on the entry level versions of both the Emira and Emira
V6. There will be seven vibrant new shades coming at the start of 2023, with
further details revealed this summer.