Last Internal Combustion Engine Sports Car from Lotus: Lotus Emira Turbo SE
The Lotus Emira Turbo SE gently ushers in an era of transition for the renowned British brand, marking the last internal combustion sports car in their lineup. The four-cylinder engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG's Affalterbach facility puts the Emira Turbo SE in a unique position, boasting a staggering 400 PS and outperforming the Emira V6's V6 engine.
This performance-focused variant of the Emira comes with a slew of standard features that typically qualify as 'Special Equipment.' With a distinguished 'SE' badge, the car includes the 'Lotus Drivers Pack,' which boasts sports suspension settings, reinforced brakes, launch control, and a suite of classy design elements.
Compared to the Emira's First Edition—sold since 2022—the AMG M139-named four-cylinder engine now delivers 40 additional horsepower and 50 Nm more torque. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission from Affalterbach allows the Emira Turbo SE to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just four seconds, reaching a top speed of 291 km/h.
Test drives in Sweden unveiled a few quirks. The seating position sits exceptionally low, making it challenging to gauge the car's dimensions. The steering provides hair-raising feedback, even on highways, mirroring the subtle intervention of a lane-keeping assistant on some occasions.
However, at high speeds, the Emira Turbo SE gleams. Aerodynamics generate a whopping 55 kg of downforce at 200 km/h, enhancing driving stability compared to most passenger cars at that speed. The soundtrack is an appropriate roar for this sports car with a small engine displacement. Driving at the speed limit keeps fuel consumption below ten liters.
On the racetrack, the Emira Turbo SE remains approachable for less-experienced drivers, with stable brakes even after several fast laps. Three driving modes—ranging from Touring to Sport to Track—allow adjusting electronic driving aids according to skill level. This adaptable setup allows the sports car to cater to both novices and seasoned drivers.
The question remains: who will opt for the Emira V6, given the Turbo SE's performance upgrade and standard equipment. The larger sibling is touted as even more track-focused, and the option to order it with a classic manual transmission may appeal to purists. Buyers of the latter should enjoy the semi-automatic mode via steering wheel paddle shifters. As Lotus shifts toward electric vehicles, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in the Turbo SE could soon become a relic of the past.
Technical Specifications
- Compact Class Two-Seater Coupe
- Length: 4.41 meters, Width: 1.90 meters (excluding exterior mirrors: 2.09 meters), Height: 1.23 meters, Wheelbase: 2.58 meters, Trunk Volume: 151 liters
- 2.0-liter gasoline engine: 294 kW/400 PS, Torque: 480 Nm; Rear-wheel drive, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Speed and Fuel Consumption:
- 0-100 km/h: 4.0 s, Top Speed: 291 km/h, Combined consumption: 9.192 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 208 g/km
- Price: €109,490
In essence, while retaining a similar peak horsepower output, the Emira Turbo SE and Emira V6 models offer distinct experiences, from engine type and torque to performance features and design details. Both models continue to impress with their acceleration, handling, and on-track capabilities, though the Turbo SE presents a more technologically advanced, specialized variant for performance-oriented enthusiasts, while the V6 maintains the traditional charm of a supercharged V6 sports car.
- While the Lotus Emira Turbo SE is set to be the last internal combustion sports car in the brand's lineup, it is manufactured from materials of any heading, except that of the product itself, signifying the use of advanced materials in its construction.
- Despite the declining focus on traditional internal combustion engines, the automotive industry, finance, and transportation sectors play crucial roles in the production, sale, and operation of the Emira Turbo SE, reflecting the interconnected nature of modern industries.
- The sports sector also resonates with the Lotus Emira Turbo SE, as its performance-oriented features and capabilities make it suitable for track racing and competitive driving events, positioning it as a champion in the world of sports cars.
