An unrivalled experience ‘For The Drivers’.
In accordance with Vision80, the strategic strategy that is directing the development of Lotus as it approaches its 80th anniversary in 2028, the Emira is the first completely new Lotus sports vehicle to be delivered. It is a truly global model that has been designed to sell in all of the major international markets. Prior to the release of a family of new vehicles, it is driving the reinvention and extension of the Lotus retail network, acting as a catalyst to further improve brand awareness on a global scale.
The word, pronounced "Eh-meer-ah," is found in several ancient languages and is frequently translated as "commander" or "leader." This fascinating new sports car represents Lotus' final attempt at using internal combustion engines; later in the decade, the brand will completely embrace electrification and a new era. As such, it is incredibly fitting.
The award-winning Evija hypercar served as the debut for the new design language, which is now featured on the Emira, the first Lotus sports car. It has a modern appearance with sculpted surfaces and precise detailing that gives sports cars distinctive supercar flair. It is a step up in fit and finish and represents a new and more upscale approach for Lotus in terms of forms and materials.
The creative team, under the direction of Russell Carr, Design Director for Lotus, has created something stunning, enduring, distinctive, contemporary, and that resembles a Lotus. Its dynamic shrink-wrapped form and optimised proportions visibly convey Lotus' renowned agility when driving.
Russell commented: “The Emira captures the visual drama of an exotic supercar, with great proportions, wide footprint and a cabin that sits low down between muscular haunches. Add in that it’s practical enough to be useable every day, of the highest quality and accessibly priced, and it’s undoubtedly a compelling and seductive alternative to the existing sports car competition. The Emira is re-introducing our brand to a new global audience while still offering all the thrills to engage the most ardent driving enthusiast.”
The fluid surfaces and distinct feature lines clearly show the Lotus Evija's influence. The prominent leading edge of the bonnet, the tapering, shrink-wrapped interior, the sculpted doors, and the vents carved into the powerful rear haunches all serve to emphasise the lineage even further. The Evija is also the source of the first-in-class exit vents, which are built into the bonnet to direct airflow over the car and improve aerodynamics.
All of the models in the range come standard with vertical all-LED headlamps that have twin blades that are reminiscent of wings from the Lotus hypercar. The present version of the recognisable Lotus roundel, which is a little larger than on earlier models and makes its debut on a new Lotus sports car, is housed on the bonnet. While viewing the Emira from the side, the sculpted portion of the door that was carved off directs airflow towards the intake in front of the rear wheel. This provides air for the engine while also cooling it, serving a dual purpose. The C-integrated pillar's Emira name emblem is visible from the side. All of the wheels have a 20-inch diameter and come standard with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres; a Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is a more expensive option that is offered in conjunction with the Lotus Drivers Pack. Both tyres were created specifically by their manufacturers for the Emira.
The Lotus wordmark dominates the integrated bumper at the back, over a body-colored plate that is obviously modelled after the Evija's rear. An air vent for the wheel arch exits at each end. A thin high-level brake light connects a flat C-shaped LED light cluster on each corner. A black piece with twin exhaust pipes on either side of the licence plate is located below. This section also has an air diffuser to help with downforce.
Since the organisation was established in 1948, efficient aerodynamics has been at the core of the Lotus brand. Whether a car is on the road or a race track, this attitude is fundamental to producing exceptional performance. The Emira was designed with simplicity in mind; it doesn't have active aerodynamics since intelligent engineering has rendered them unnecessary. Being exactly tailored to the weight distribution and suspension geometry of the vehicle, it is the only model in its class to provide passive downforce that is precisely balanced between the front and rear axles at all speeds. It implies that the handling qualities stay steady, exact, and predictable as downforce increases with speed, producing superb grip through corners.
Richard Hill, Chief Aerodynamicist, Lotus Cars, commented: “At Lotus, development of any new sports car is never focused solely on either aerodynamics or vehicle dynamics. It’s about creating that unique harmony of natural forces that is ‘Lotus dynamics’ – a sprinkling of magic dust that creates a thrilling driving experience that’s unrivalled in the automotive world. The Emira has that magic and more.”
The dashboard's wraparound design and seamless integration with the door trim provide the driver a cosy, one-with-the-car experience. That feeling is only heightened by the elevated gear shifter. There are numerous soft-trimmed surfaces that exhibit top-notch British craftsmanship and exude the utmost sportiness. These perfectly complement contemporary technical finishes to give the driver a premium experience—"technology with soul"—and there are features incorporated as a tribute to Lotus' rich sporting history and achievements. Examples include the semi-exposed gear linkage seen at the base of the centre console on V6 manual cars, like on the Elise and Exige, and the arrangement of the gearstick on manual vehicles, which mirrors that of the legendary Esprit. The protective crimson cover over the start/stop button adds to the sense of theatre.
The two seats were created to provide outstanding lateral support for turning at high speeds while also providing complete comfort for lengthy trips. The base seat has four electric adjustment positions; however, there is an option to upgrade to a premium sports seat with 12-position electric adjustment for the driver and passenger. The Emira's seats are all exclusive. With maintaining best-in-class headroom and ingress/egress, the car's dramatic low stance reminiscent of a supercar was achieved.
The flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with integrated controls and metallic spoke detailing is exclusive to the Emira. Map lights, ambient lighting, and wraparound illumination are all present within. Keyless entry, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, electric folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors (with front sensors available), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, curtain airbags, launch control (as part of an optional Lotus Drivers Pack), and a stolen vehicle tracker are all features that are available on the Emira.
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