Overview
The 2022 Lotus Emira will be the latest model from the legendary British automaker and the last to use an internal combustion engine. That’s right. Lotus is preparing for an all-electric futureÂ, as previewed by the Evija hypercar. But before bidding adieu to its traditions, the company will treat purists to one final gas-burning sports car. As the successor to the Evora GT, which is currently the only Lotus sold in the U.S., the Emira is said to be more practical and have active safety equipment for the first time. While the entry-level example will have a turbo four with more than 300 horsepower, we expect Lotus to offer a V-6 with some 416 horses. That means the Emira will compete with Porsche’s 718 Cayman and certain 911 variants. Still, we have much to learn about the last gas-powered Lotus, which will be officially revealed in July.
What’s New for 2022?
Featuring an exotic exterior inspired by the carbon-fiber-intensive Evija and using a bonded-aluminum architecture inherited from the Evora GT, the 2022 Emira will be bridge Lotus’s past with its future when the car goes on sale late this year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Lotus hasn’t said how much the Emira will cost, but we anticipate the base spec will start in the mid-$60,000s and creep into low-six-figure territory for the ultimate model.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Lotus hasn’t disclosed much about the upcoming Emira, but we know the car won’t incorporate any sort of hybrid technology. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with over 300 horsepower will power base models and pair exclusively with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Lotus will also offer an enhanced version of the Toyota-sourced supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 found in the outgoing Evora GT. We expect the Emira edition to meet or exceed that engine’s current output of 416 ponies. V-6 buyers can also shift for themselves with an available six-speed manual. And unlike most other modern sports cars, the Emira will forgo electric power steering for a hydraulically assisted setup that the Brits believe will provide better feel and feedback.
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
- Infotainment and Connectivity
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
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