Lotus may be embracing electrification in a big way, with its Eletre and Emeya being flagship EV models, but the company still has internal combustion engine (ICE) models like the Lotus Emira.
And today, Hethel has unveiled the new Lotus Emira 420 Sport, which is the top dog in the Emira lineup.
As the name suggests, the Emira 420 Sport derives its name from the 420 PS its turbocharged 2.0-litre AMG four-cylinder engine produces – marking a 55 PS increase over the regular Emira. Torque has also been bumped up to 500 Nm, a 70 Nm increase from before.
The bump in power figures drops the 0-62 mph time to 3.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h).
Apart from the increase in power, the Lotus Emira 420 Sport also gains a new front splitter, revised front vents, extended side sills, larger air intakes, a lip spoiler and a louvred tailgate.
Together, the improvements result in airflow to the outboard radiators increasing by 15 percent, to the central radiator by 14 percent, and brake cooling improves by 10 percent, as well as exhaust valve airflow increasing by 30%.
Lotus enthusiasts will also notice that the design elements are a throwback to the Esprit Turbo.
On the handling front, the Emira 420 Sport gets a 5 mm lower ride height combined with revised suspension settings and high-performance tyres. There are also new carbon fibre gearshift paddles.
Those buying the Emira 420 Sport can also opt for the Lightweight Handling Pack that shaves 25 kg off the weight and generates an additional 25 kg of downforce. This is achieved by revised aerodynamics that improve cooling and track performance without adding drag.
Another optional extra is the exterior carbon fibre pack, that encompasses the front splitter, side sills, wheel arch vents, side pods, rear spoiler and diffuser surround.
And for the first time in the Emira’s history, the model will also be fitted with a removable tinted glass roof panel, which is available across the line-up.
Customization options include nine wheel designs and finishes, including a new 20-inch 15-spoke forged alloy wheel finished in satin dark grey. There’s also 16 body colours to choose from, with Tangelo Orange being a launch colour as well as serving as a throwback to Lotus Orange paints.
The cabin can also be optioned with the Carbon Fibre Pack or the Hand Painted Pack. The former adds unique geometry on the centre spoke of the steering wheel and logo surrounding the seat back, while the Hand Painted Pack adds Tangelo Orange as a highlight to the centre console, steering wheel spoke, gear level inner and air vent surrounds.
