Emira set to take off

Lotus has confirmed the price and full specifications of its Emira V6 First Edition. 

It costs £75,995 – or about NZ$148,000 – in the UK, while prices in major European markets has also been released, such Germany where it is €95,995. 

Prices in other international markets will be released in the coming weeks.

Matt Windle, managing director, says: “The Emira is the most accomplished Lotus we’ve ever made.”

The all-new premium sports vehicle builds on the legacy of the Elise, Exige and Evora. It has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis – technology pioneered by the marque.

Powering the V6 First Edition is the Lotus-honed 3.5-litre supercharged V6, mid-mounted behind the two seats. 

It produces 400hp of power and 298kW of torque, gets to 100kph from a standing start in 4.3 second and has a top end of 290kph.

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a visible gearchange mechanism and hydraulic power-assisted steering.

The car rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloys. They are diamond cut to create a two-tone finish.

Two-piece brake discs with branded calipers are part of the First Edition spec, plus a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

Climate control, cruise control, keyless start and selectable drive modes are all included.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation – in selected markets – are integrated into the Emira V6 First Edition, supported by Bluetooth and USB/12-volt sockets. 

All functions are accessed through a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touchscreen, with driver feedback through a 12.3-inch instrument cluster ahead of the multi-function steering wheel.

Production of the V6 First Edition will start in quarter one or two of next year, with the i4 four-cylinder First Edition around the third quarter.