Lotus Emira 420 Sport: The most powerful, lightest and fastest Emira in history receives a tribute to the legendary Esprit
Lotus is keeping its promise made earlier this month and officially placing the crown on its range of combustion-engined sports cars. The British manufacturer has revealed the new Lotus Emira 420 Sport, a radical version that instantly becomes the most powerful, lightest and most aerodynamic Emira ever built.
With a low silhouette and performance that flirts with supercar territory, the new model promises to offer a pure driving experience, spiced with a touch of nostalgia.
An AMG heart taken to the extreme: 420 horsepower
Under the hood of the new Emira 420 Sport, the familiar 2.0-liter turbo engine from AMG pulses. However, Lotus engineers have managed to squeeze even more life out of the 4-cylinder unit, increasing the total power to 420 hp.
This development puts the new model 54 hp above the standard version and 14 hp above the Emira SE variant (launched in August last year). All this power is managed by an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which sends a generous 500 Nm of torque exclusively to the rear axle. We're talking about an increase of 70 Nm over the base model and 20 Nm more than the SE version.
The numbers that matter:
- 0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds (half a second faster than the standard model)
- Top speed: 300 km/h (fastest Emira so far)
- Maximum torque: 500 Nm
Carbon fiber diet and sharp dynamics
For Lotus, power without light weight is a wasted stud. When configured with the optional Lightweight Handling Pack, the Emira 420 Sport tips the scales at just 1,430kg, 25kg lighter than the previous version.
In addition to the weight loss program, the car received substantial structural modifications to stick the body to the asphalt:
- The ground clearance was lowered by 5 mm.
- The suspension has been completely recalibrated for a more incisive response.
- Tires with a much more grippy compound, ready for the circuit, were adopted.
Homage to classic fans: Removable roof inspired by the Lotus Esprit
One of the most spectacular new features is not related to the engine, but to the design. The Emira 420 Sport introduces an optional smoked glass roof that can be completely removed for an open-air driving experience. The system is a direct tribute to the iconic Lotus Esprit. We are not dealing with a classic convertible, but with a "Targa" type panel that, after removal, can be cleverly stored directly behind the seats. The option will initially be available only on the 420 Sport, and will later be extended to the entire range.
Sports interior and premium details
Inside, Lotus has kept the clean architecture of the model, but added accents that betray the sporty character. The first to stand out are the new gearshift paddles, made entirely of carbon fiber.
Comfort hasn't been completely sacrificed in the name of performance: the car comes standard with 12-way power adjustable seats. For those seeking an extra level of personalization, the optional Carbon Fiber and Hand Painted packages add a range of exclusive exterior and interior details.
Price and availability
Pure performance and exclusivity come at a price, of course. While the Emira Turbo SE starts at $106,900, the new Lotus Emira 420 Sport starts at $122,900.
The British manufacturer is asking an extra $16,000 for what is said to be the most refined and brutal version of the model. However, customers won't have long to wait: first deliveries are scheduled to begin in August.