Lotus Emira V6 and Four Cylinder models
Now this is a car I can't wait to review; the Lotus Emira has two new models coming out of the Norfolk-based marque. I will climb into one soon, but I wanted to tell you about the launch.
Since its debut two years ago, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Lotus Emira V6 has secured its rightful place as the most accomplished Lotus sports car ever made. With a striking design, astonishing performance and benchmark ride and handling, its supercharged 3.5-litre powerplant, matched to a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, delivers a driving experience that could only be from Lotus.
The appeal of this mid-engined two-seater is further enhanced by adding a four-cylinder engine which features state-of-the-art technologies to deliver incredible performance and remarkable efficiency. Supplied by technical partner Mercedes-AMG, the all-aluminium, turbocharged 2.0-litre unit is based on the world's most powerful four-cylinder in series production.
Badged for launch as the Emira First Edition, Lotus has further developed it with new intake and exhaust systems, plus a bespoke calibration matched to new transmission shift mapping. Producing 360bhp (365PS) and 430Nm makes it a perfect match to Emira's lightweight, strong, stiff, bonded and extruded aluminium chassis structure and aligns with the Lotus ethos of delivering higher performance by reducing mass.
It's also fitting that, as the final mainstream combustion engine Lotus two-seater, the Emira is the most potent four-cylinder from Lotus in a rich bloodline of iconic models, including the Elise, Esprit, Europa, Elan and Elite. And, at 180bhp/litre, it also has the highest specific power output in the Emira range.
Like the renowned 400bhp supercharged V6, the four-cylinder car delivers all the performance and responsiveness that drivers expect – 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in just 4.4 seconds and a 180mph (290km/h) maximum speed – while bringing its unique character to the Emira range. The inherent day-to-day usability and comfort of the smooth and rapid shifting dual-clutch transmission enhance that character.
Sending drive to the rear wheels is Mercedes-AMG's acclaimed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) – the first use of the technology by Lotus and fitted exclusively to the Emira. Compared to the six-speed manual and automatic transmissions on the Emira V6, the DCT offers even quicker gear changes with no torque interruption during shifting, enhancing efficiency and shift comfort. Drivers also have the choice of smooth, effortless transitions if they leave the car in Drive or ultra-fast dynamic changes if they control the transmission themselves using the shift lever in the centre console or steering wheel paddles.
Launch control enables the driver to set the car up for optimum acceleration from a standing start by maximising the available traction from the rear wheels and torque from the powertrain. The feature enables consistent, optimal getaways – repeatedly – allowing the driver to exploit Emira's exhilarating performance fully.