Lotus Emira First Edition: featuring the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine

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.

Morgan Motor Company completes first Plus 8 GTR - the most powerful Morgan ever

MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY - The first Morgan Plus 8 GTR, the most powerful car in the company’s history, has completed build at the company’s factory in Malvern Link, Worcestershire.

Finished in striking Yas Marina Blue, the first example is evocative of the original design sketches — which pay homage to prominent nineties Plus 8 race car ‘Big Blue’ — that were released to announce the model in February 2021. Limited to just nine examples, the Plus 8 GTR project has only been possible due to the recent availability of a number of Plus 8 rolling chassis.

The remaining eight cars are all in production, with several finishing build before the end of the year and the remainder being completed in the first quarter of 2022. Each customer has worked closely with Morgan’s design team to commission their own bespoke example, further demonstrating the company’s personalisation capabilities. The nine cars are built in varying configurations of transmission and drive side according to customer requirements, with five of the eight vehicles being exported globally.

Performance upgrades include a new engine tune and cannon-style twin-exit sports exhausts. These enhancements improve throttle response and increase the power output over the previous production Plus 8.

Steve Morris, Chairman & CEO, Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are excited to release the first images of the Plus 8 GTR following the design sketches published earlier this year. The Plus 8 GTR represents an opportunity for Morgan to celebrate the V8 engine once again, something we did not expect to do since finishing the Plus 8 and Aero 8 models in 2018. Striking design, the finest craftsmanship, and an exhilarating sports car to drive, the Plus 8 GTR is the perfect swansong to the Morgan V8. We have been delighted to work alongside customers from around the world during the design and build process, and we look forward to sharing the final examples over the coming months.”

The Plus 8 GTR explores design themes such as the high shoulder line, not seen on a traditional Morgan body for decades. Its five-spoke centre-lock wheels are reminiscent of Morgan’s 1990s Plus 8 race cars, framed perfectly by subtly re-sculpted wheel arches. Further design elements include a revised rear end, front wings, and front splitter, all of which are hand crafted using aluminium. Fitment of a hard top with cockpit vent completes the race-inspired aesthetic. The interior features new door cards to fit with the high door tops, bespoke GTR dials and the option of carbon fibre racing seats and harnesses. Unique graphics feature throughout and each GTR is fitted with a plaque denoting its number in the build sequence. 

One design inspiration was the Plus 8 race car that competed in the GT series throughout the late nineties, more commonly known as ‘Big Blue’. This car served as the testbed for Morgan’s first bonded-aluminium chassis, which would go on to underpin the Aero 8 and ‘Aero-chassis’ Plus 8 models. It seemed fitting, following the more recent launch of Morgan’s CX-Generation bonded-aluminium platform, to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the car that pioneered Morgan’s use of aluminium structures. As with every Morgan, each Plus 8 GTR is hand crafted using traditional coachbuilding techniques.

The Plus 8 GTR is the second Morgan special project of the year, following the Plus Four CX-T. Whilst different in their function and appearance, both models demonstrate the flexibility of the Morgan brand, celebrating craft, design and driving experience.