In an era where electrification is rapidly reshaping the automotive landscape, Lotus has chosen to bid farewell to its internal combustion legacy with a car that embodies everything the brand stands for: lightweight engineering, driver-focused dynamics, and timeless design. That car is the Lotus Emira, formerly known by its development codename Type 131. As the final petrol-powered sports car from the iconic British marque, the Emira is more than just a swan song—it’s a celebration of Lotus’s rich heritage and a bold statement of intent before the electric future takes over.
🏁 A Legacy Reimagined
The Emira replaces three of Lotus’s most beloved models: the Elise, Exige, and Evora. Each of these cars carved out a niche in the performance world, offering raw, unfiltered driving experiences that prioritized agility over horsepower. With the Emira, Lotus has distilled the essence of these legends into a single, more refined package—one that’s designed to appeal to both purists and newcomers alike.
Built on a new bonded aluminum chassis, the Emira retains the lightweight philosophy that has defined Lotus for decades. The platform is a technical evolution of the Evora’s underpinnings, but with significant improvements in rigidity, packaging, and comfort. It’s a car that’s meant to be driven hard, yet lived with daily.
🔥 Powertrain Options: A Final Salute to Petrol
Unlike its electric sibling, the Evija, the Emira sticks to traditional combustion engines—but with a twist. At launch, buyers can choose between two powertrains:
- A Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V6, familiar from the Evora GT, delivering around 400 horsepower.
- A Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing approximately 360 horsepower, paired with a dual-clutch transmission.
This dual-engine strategy allows Lotus to cater to different driving preferences. The V6 offers a more visceral, analog experience with a manual gearbox option, while the AMG unit brings modern turbocharged punch and rapid shifts. Both engines are tuned to deliver the signature Lotus feel—responsive, engaging, and thrilling.
🎯 Design: Sculpted for Speed and Elegance
The Emira’s design is a masterclass in modern sports car aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from the all-electric Evija hypercar, it features:
- Stacked LED headlights and aggressive air intakes
- Sculpted bodywork that channels airflow for both cooling and downforce
- A driver-centric cockpit with premium materials and digital interfaces
It’s a car that looks fast even when standing still. Yet, unlike some of its predecessors, the Emira doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance. Lotus has made a conscious effort to improve cabin ergonomics, infotainment, and overall usability—making it a viable daily driver for those who crave excitement.
🧠 Tech Meets Tradition
Inside, the Emira marks a significant step forward for Lotus. Gone are the spartan interiors of old. In their place, you’ll find:
- A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
- Premium finishes including Alcantara, leather, and brushed metal accents
Despite these modern touches, the Emira remains true to its roots. The driving position is low and focused, the steering is hydraulic (not electric), and the feedback from the chassis is immediate. It’s a car that invites you to drive—not just commute.
💸 Pricing and Positioning
With a starting price around £60,000–£75,000, the Emira is positioned to compete with the likes of the Porsche Cayman and Alpine A110. But unlike those rivals, it carries the weight of being the last of its kind. Lotus plans to produce around 5,000 units per year, making it a relatively exclusive offering.
The initial First Edition models come fully loaded, with bespoke badging, upgraded trim, and priority delivery. Later versions will offer more customization and potentially more accessible pricing.
🌍 A Global Comeback
The Emira is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of Lotus’s rebirth. Backed by Geely, the Chinese automotive giant that also owns Volvo, Lotus now has the resources to expand globally. The Emira is being built at the company’s Hethel facility in the UK, but it’s designed for a worldwide audience.
With the Evija, Emira, and upcoming electric models like the Type 132 SUV, Lotus is positioning itself as a performance brand for the future—one that blends tradition with innovation.
🚀 Final Thoughts: A Fitting Farewell
The Lotus Emira (Type 131) is a rare breed—a car that honors the past while embracing the present. It’s the last petrol-powered Lotus, but it’s also the most complete. It offers the thrill of a track car with the refinement of a grand tourer. It’s a love letter to driving, penned in aluminum and powered by combustion.
