Emira: Lotus' Last Petrol Car

Sportscar brand Lotus unveiled Emira, its self-described "most accomplished" model in history and its last one running on petrol. “The Emira is a game-changer for Lotus. It stands as a beacon of everything we have achieved to date in the transformation of the business, the embodiment of our progress. It is a highly significant milestone on our path to becoming a truly global performance car brand," said Matt Windle, Managing Director of Lotus Cars.

According to Lotus, Emira is the next step after the Elise, Exie, and Evora models. "It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivaled experience ‘For the Drivers,’" says the company.

Emira will have a lightweight bonded aluminum chassis and be powered by two petrol engines. The vehicle will have a 360-400bhp and go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds. Its top speed will be 290 km/h. Price starts at £60,000 (US$85,000).

The new model will be manufactured in the UK after an over £100million (US137.9 million) investment at Lotus’ facilities in Norfolk. "The Emira is a junior supercar with all the thrills and head-turning characteristics found in the greatest Lotus cars, but at the same time is an everyday sports car that’s high on comfort and functionality, packed with the latest technology demanded by the discerning driver," added Windle. Emira will be available on Spring 2022.

Lotus states that Emira will be its "last ever petrol car," as the company will follow the steps of other brands such as Porsche, from Volkswagen group, and invest in an all-electric future. The junior supercar model is part of the company's strategy to expand its customer base. "We recognize we need to increase our revenues and the sports car segment is limited. We are looking to offer a variety of Lotus products across the range, for different people in different stages in their lives," Windle told Reuters.

Lotus unveiled its first pure electric hypercar, the Evija, in July 2019. Notably, this was the first new model launched after Lotus joined Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, a company that holds Volvo Cars and over 10 Chinese vehicle brands. This electric model was designed and manufactured in the UK.

Although it is not known when, or if, Emira will be available in Mexico, Lotus’ Elise, Exije and Evora are available in the country,