2026 Lotus Emira Clark Edition: A Glorious Homage to Motorsport Royalty
In the world of motorsport, few names echo through time with the weight, reverence, and sheer mythical quality of Jim Clark. A driver whose abilities seemed to defy physics and define eras, Clark remains one of the most naturally gifted and universally respected figures in the history of racing. The 2026 Lotus Emira Clark Edition is not simply a vehicle—it is an evocative, moving sculpture built in tribute to a man whose legend is eternally intertwined with the Lotus brand. Limited to just 60 meticulously hand-built units worldwide, this special Emira was unveiled to great acclaim at the 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. Created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Clark’s utterly dominant 1965 season—a year in which he won the Formula 1 World Championship, claimed victory at the Indianapolis 500, secured the Tasman Series title, and delivered historic performances across multiple racing disciplines—the Emira Clark Edition is a fusion of racing heritage and modern British performance engineering. It is finished in the iconic green and yellow livery inspired by the Lotus Type 38, the same machine Clark used to win the Indy 500 in 1965. With this car, Lotus has crafted not just a tribute, but a piece of automotive history destined for legend.
Retro Style with Modern Substance: The Design Language
From the very first glance, the Emira Clark Edition screams motorsport pedigree without resorting to flamboyance. The design is a masterclass in restraint and reverence. Draped in a rich heritage green—mirroring the same color as the Type 38—and split by a striking yellow central racing stripe, this car is a visual love letter to 1960s racing. But this isn’t just nostalgic cosplay. Every detail has been obsessively considered. The yellow exhaust tips, anodized blue fuel filler cap, and hand-painted yellow pinstriping all blend into a cohesive design story. The car exudes purpose and pride, merging aggressive stance with heritage cues. The dark forged alloy wheels and carbon fiber accents enhance both aesthetics and performance, giving the Emira Clark Edition a visual edge that stands out even in the company of elite sports cars. Perhaps the most arresting detail is the wood gear knob—an elegant, almost romantic gesture that takes the driver back to an era when racing was as much about feeling as it was about finishing first.
Driver-Centric Craftsmanship: A Cockpit Built for Racing Royalty
Step inside the Emira Clark Edition, and the sense of homage becomes even more palpable. The cabin is where Lotus’s dual devotion to motorsport minimalism and bespoke craftsmanship comes to life. The driver’s seat is upholstered in bold red leather and Alcantara, channeling the same spirit as Clark’s Type 38 cockpit. In contrast, the passenger seat is dressed in black, creating an intentional asymmetry that celebrates the driver as the centerpiece. This isn't a gimmick—it’s symbolic. Numbered doorsills quietly remind you that this is no ordinary Emira, and the bespoke touches—from laser-etched dash plaques to heritage-style stitching—tie the past to the present in ways few other cars even attempt. Instead of overloading the cabin with digital screens and redundant technology, Lotus has focused on tactility. The steering wheel is firm and communicative, the gear shifter moves with mechanical satisfaction, and every button has a purpose. This is a driver’s environment—precise, connected, and deeply emotional.
Heritage in the Heart: The Supercharged V6 Powertrain
Beneath the sculpted rear haunches of the Emira Clark Edition beats a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 heart, sourced from Toyota and tuned by Lotus to deliver 400 horsepower. This is a powerplant well known to Lotus aficionados, having powered the Exige and Evora with thrilling reliability. What makes it special here is the context—the way it links raw, analog excitement with modern engineering robustness. Paired to either a slick 6-speed manual or a responsive automatic transmission, this engine catapults the Emira from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 mph. These are numbers that put it squarely in supercar territory, but more importantly, they speak to a philosophy of usable, soulful performance. The V6 howls and growls with mechanical honesty, a far cry from the synthetic soundtracks of many modern turbocharged engines. It delivers torque with immediacy and grace, encouraging the driver to stay engaged and keep the revs climbing. Mid-mounted for ideal balance, the engine helps deliver that classic Lotus “feel”—light steering, razor-sharp turn-in, and beautifully progressive cornering behavior. This is a car that dances, not just drives.
1965: A Year Etched in Gold
The decision to honor 1965 with this car isn’t arbitrary—it is rooted in one of the most astonishing single-year performances in motorsport history. Jim Clark’s 1965 season reads like fiction. He participated in 63 races across disciplines and continents, winning an incredible 31 of them. He dominated the Formula 1 season with six wins in nine races and took the Indy 500 crown in his only race on American soil that year. In addition, he competed—and often won—in Formula 2, the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, and the British Saloon Car Championship in the legendary Lotus Cortina. There was no other driver like him, and perhaps there never will be again. The Lotus Type 38, which inspired the Clark Edition’s livery, was the first rear/mid-engine car to win the Indy 500, ushering in a new era of innovation and performance. It wasn’t just a race car—it was a technological disruptor. The Emira Clark Edition, with its commitment to lightweight construction, naturally balanced layout, and visceral power delivery, seeks to channel that same pioneering ethos.
Track-Born Dynamics for the Street
Driving the Emira Clark Edition is a full-bodied experience—equal parts adrenaline, memory, and precision. Thanks to Lotus’s peerless chassis tuning, this car feels lithe and alive, with superb road feedback and razor-sharp response. The hydraulic steering system, a rarity in today’s world of electric assistance, offers pure and uninterrupted communication with the tarmac. Whether tackling winding canyon roads or slicing through fast highway sweepers, the car remains planted, poised, and playful. The suspension is tuned for both agility and ride comfort, maintaining enough compliance to be usable daily while delivering the kind of body control enthusiasts demand. There’s a feeling of transparency between driver and machine, a sensation that you are part of the car rather than simply piloting it. Every shift, every turn-in, every lift-off is an invitation to be more precise, more connected, more alive. This is not a car that flatters the lazy—it rewards the attentive, the passionate, and the skilled, just like the man it’s named after.
Production Rarity: Only 60 Will Ever Exist
With only 60 units being produced globally, the Emira Clark Edition is destined to become an instant collector’s item. Lotus has not only limited the number but has also ensured that each car is uniquely numbered and assembled with obsessive attention to detail. The decision to keep the production run so exclusive reinforces the car’s role as a tribute rather than a mass-market product. For collectors, historians, and enthusiasts who understand the cultural and competitive weight of Jim Clark’s legacy, this car represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The meticulous craftsmanship, the historic symbolism, and the technical brilliance wrapped into one machine make each unit a living artifact of motorsport history. And much like Clark’s own performances, each one will be remembered, cherished, and probably never repeated.
Price and Possibility: A Priceless Legacy with a Premium Tag
The official U.S. price of the Emira Clark Edition has not been confirmed, primarily due to Lotus’s temporary pause on imports resulting from ongoing international trade negotiations, specifically the 25% tariff on foreign-built vehicles. However, the equivalent pricing in the U.K. is around $152,651. Should trade agreements shift or individual units make their way to U.S. shores through private importers or specialty distributors, expect the price to exceed $200,000 due to both rarity and demand. Already, numerous units have been allocated to top-tier collectors and racing aficionados, making availability an issue of both luck and deep connections. But this is not merely about dollars—it’s about owning a rolling celebration of brilliance, a machine that vibrates with history, craftsmanship, and pure motorsport DNA.
A Statement on Wheels: The Emira Clark Edition’s Place in History
