A Fresh Chapter for Lotus: The Emira V6 SE and Emira Turbo Take Center Stage

 Lotus continues its transformation from niche purist sports car maker to a more accessible, globally competitive brand with the introduction of two refined variants of its critically acclaimed Emira: the Emira V6 SE and the Emira Turbo. These latest offerings serve two distinct audiences — one seeking the raw thrills of a supercharged six-cylinder, and another enticed by the practicality and performance of a modern turbocharged four-cylinder. The Emira V6 SE becomes the new top-tier variant, offering the pinnacle of Lotus engineering, while the Emira Turbo serves as the new entry point into the Emira family. Alongside these two launches, Lotus has executed a sweeping upgrade to the entire Emira lineup, fine-tuning driving dynamics, enhancing comfort, and refining technical systems to elevate the ownership experience on road and track alike.

The Emira’s Role in Lotus’ Ongoing Renaissance

At the core of Lotus’ transformation strategy, the Emira has stood out as a pivotal model, effectively acting as a bridge between the company's storied past and ambitious future. This mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car combines traditional Lotus attributes—lightweight construction, tactile handling, and minimalist driver focus—with a premium fit and finish that elevates it into the competitive sphere of high-end sports coupes like the Porsche Cayman and Alpine A110. The Emira marks a profound shift in how Lotus packages its expertise, making performance more livable without compromising the visceral appeal that has made the brand beloved by enthusiasts for generations. With the latest V6 SE and Turbo variants, Lotus diversifies its appeal while improving usability and performance across the board.

Emira V6 SE: Signature Performance, Now Elevated

At the heart of the Emira V6 SE lies the same Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine that has already cemented its legacy among driving purists. Producing 400 hp and mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional automatic, the V6 SE accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds, pushing onward to a 180 mph top speed. What makes this version distinct isn't raw numbers—it’s refinement. A new compression mount in the manual transmission improves shift precision and feel, creating a more connected and mechanical engagement that fans of analog sports cars will appreciate deeply. The calibration of dampers has been subtly adjusted to deliver sharper turn-in and body control, while improving compliance for everyday use. This careful balance results in a more mature, better-rounded vehicle, making it the most complete expression of Lotus performance to date.

Refined Dynamics with Two Suspension Modes

The V6 SE comes standard with two selectable chassis settings: Tour and Sport. Tour provides a softer, more forgiving setup ideal for road use, while Sport tightens everything for sharper inputs and reduced body movement under heavy braking or cornering. Hydraulic steering—an increasingly rare feature in modern sports cars—remains a key part of the Emira’s charm, delivering exceptional feedback and communication that purely electric setups often fail to replicate. Lotus fans will rejoice that the brand continues to prioritize steering feel as a core value. These attributes combine to create a sports car that doesn’t just accelerate rapidly, but invites drivers to savor every moment behind the wheel, whether cruising along a coastal road or attacking an apex at full tilt.

Design Flourishes and Personalization

Visually, the Emira V6 SE makes an immediate impression. Finished in Zinc Grey as standard, it gains exclusive badging, 20-inch forged wheels, and red brake calipers for added visual punch. An extended Black Pack darkens key trim elements to emphasize the car’s low-slung, aggressive presence. Inside, Lotus has turned up the luxury with Alcantara trim, metallic sport pedals, and a high-quality interior finish that feels premium without being overdone. Personalization plays a major role in the SE’s appeal, with 15 exterior colors, seven interior themes, and multiple combinations of calipers and wheels available. This level of customization allows owners to build a car that reflects both their performance desires and aesthetic tastes. At a starting price of $122,000, the Emira V6 SE is undoubtedly a premium product, but it more than justifies the figure with exclusivity, performance, and craftsmanship.

Emira Turbo: A More Accessible Entry Point with No Compromise

The Emira Turbo represents a thoughtful expansion of the lineup, bringing the Lotus experience to a wider audience through a more affordable but still highly capable package. Powered by a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-four engine sourced from AMG, the Emira Turbo delivers 360 hp through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain allows the Turbo to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds—just a tenth of a second shy of the V6 SE—while offering greater efficiency and ease of use in day-to-day conditions. It’s a setup that broadens the Emira’s appeal, attracting drivers who may value convenience or fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Despite its lower output, the Emira Turbo retains the DNA of its siblings, complete with dual suspension modes and electro-hydraulic steering that keep it firmly planted in the driver-focused camp.

Everyday Usability with Practical Tech

Standard equipment on the Emira Turbo is generous. Features like a 190-watt audio system, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 12-way electrically adjustable seats with memory functions are standard, ensuring the car feels as sophisticated inside as it looks outside. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhance convenience for tech-savvy drivers. On the safety front, Lotus includes a robust suite of driver aids, including Blind Spot Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Fatigue Detection, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. Optional packages like the Extended Co-Driver Pack introduce Adaptive Cruise Control (on automatic models), High Beam Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Starting at $101,000, the Emira Turbo is far from a “stripped-down” variant—rather, it is a well-equipped, high-performance machine for those seeking the Lotus driving experience in a more manageable package.

Technical Enhancements Across the Lineup

Alongside the debut of the new models, Lotus has rolled out meaningful technical upgrades for all Emira variants. Engineers have optimized coolant flow by re-routing cooling lines, benefiting both the main radiator and transmission oil cooler. This not only enhances thermal management under demanding conditions but also reduces vehicle weight slightly. The thermostat’s operating temperature has been raised from 65°C to 75°C, improving engine responsiveness in cold weather and during heavy use. The air-conditioning system has also been recalibrated for more stable operation in high temperatures. Dual-clutch gearbox models gain refined shift maps, delivering quicker, smoother gear changes that respond more intuitively to throttle input. These tweaks exemplify Lotus’ willingness to evolve its vehicles after launch, proving their commitment to continuous improvement without losing sight of what matters: driving enjoyment.

Safety and Assistance Without Sacrificing Engagement

The Racing Line: Performance Meets Style

For those wanting a little more flair, Lotus now offers the “Racing Line” appearance package for both the V6 SE and Turbo SE. This aesthetic upgrade includes a colored pinstripe—available in red, yellow, or silver—along the lower body panels, with matching mirror caps and brake calipers. Racing Line badges and high-gloss black wheels complete the aggressive exterior theme. Inside, color-coordinated stitching and a unique badge add a finishing touch. This package reinforces the Emira’s visual connection to Lotus’ motorsport legacy while allowing buyers to customize their cars with a distinctive, racy personality that complements the performance beneath the skin.

Built at Hethel: A Legacy of Craftsmanship Continues

Every Emira continues to be hand-assembled at the historic Lotus facility in Hethel, Norfolk. This site, active since 1966, has birthed some of the most iconic sports cars in British motoring history. Today, it blends traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology to ensure consistency and quality. The Emira is the last Lotus to feature internal combustion engines—future models will be electric—making these latest iterations a final celebration of the visceral, analog sports car era. Whether it’s the satisfying weight of a mechanical gear shift, the roar of a supercharged V6, or the lightning-fast response of a turbocharged DCT, the Emira captures something increasingly rare in today’s performance market: a deep, emotional connection between car and driver.

Conclusion: A Lotus for Every Kind of Enthusiast

With the addition of the V6 SE and Turbo, the Emira range becomes more complete, more versatile, and more appealing than ever before. The V6 SE delivers a purist’s dream—mechanical precision, exhilarating performance, and luxury appointments that elevate it into the realm of junior supercars. Meanwhile, the Emira Turbo offers similar thrills in a more efficient, approachable format without watering down what makes a Lotus special. Together, these models underscore the brand’s commitment to building engaging sports cars that evolve with the times while remaining grounded in their heritage. Whether you’re a lifelong Lotus devotee or a newcomer drawn by the Emira’s good looks and performance pedigree, there has never been a better time to experience what this iconic British marque has to offer. The Emira is, simply put, one of the finest expressions of driving pleasure on four wheels.