Lotus Has Made The Emira More Budget-Friendly, And There Are More Surprises Coming In 2026 | Carscoops

      The British sports car introduces a new entry-level variant boasting 360 hp

       June 5, 2025 at 16:30

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Michael Gauthier

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Lotus is expanding the Emira lineup for 2026 with a base model and a sportier V6 SE variant.

      The detuned Turbo offers 360 hp from a 2.0-liter engine and reaches 62 mph in 4.4 seconds.

      The V6 SE features a redesigned suspension, enhanced handling, and red brake calipers on 20-inch wheels.

      

      Next month, the Lotus Emira will celebrate its fourth anniversary, prompting the company to announce several updates for 2026, including a brand-new Emira V6 SE alongside typical model year enhancements.

      Beginning with the Emira V6 SE, it follows the Turbo SE model but is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS). Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, allowing the coupe to sprint from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds.

      More: Lotus Created A Retro Emira Paying Homage To Jim Clark Inside

      While the powertrain is carried over from the regular V6, the SE distinguishes itself with a revised suspension that includes optimized dampers and both Tour and Sport settings. Subtle adjustments in wheel alignment enhance handling and ride comfort.

      The sports car comes standard with a Zinc Grey exterior featuring black accents and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with red brake calipers. Inside, it boasts Alcantara upholstery and sporty pedals. The Emira also offers extensive customization options with 15 paint choices, four brake caliper colors, eight wheel designs, and seven interior themes.

      Pricing begins at £96,500 in the UK and €117,500 in Germany, though details on US availability remain unconfirmed.

      New Entry-Level Turbo Launches With 360 HP

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      For buyers on a tighter budget, the new Emira Turbo serves as the entry-level option, starting at £79,500 or €97,500 in Germany.

      Similar to the Turbo SE, it features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG but is detuned to deliver 360 hp (268 kW / 365 PS). The engine pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 171 mph (275 km/h).

      Despite being an entry-level model, the Emira Turbo is well-equipped with 12-way power front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, it comes with various driver assistance features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Warning, and Fatigue Detection.

      Model Year Updates Enhance Performance And Comfort

      

      

      

      In addition to the new trims, the 2026 Emira introduces several changes aimed at boosting performance and comfort. A significant update is an optimized cooling system with rerouted lines to improve flow to the transmission oil cooler and radiator, enhancing cooling while reducing weight.

      The vehicle's air conditioning has also been recalibrated to maintain a more stable interior temperature in high conditions. Conversely, the engine thermostat's opening temperature has been increased from 149° F (65° C) to 167° F (75° C) to facilitate better heating.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Moreover, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been recalibrated for enhanced performance, allowing for “quicker shift times, improved shift quality, and smoother engagement between the transmission and driver.”

      Finally, two new colors, EOS Green and Purple Haze metallic, have been introduced. The SE variants can also include a Racing Line design option that incorporates colorful pinstripes and mirror caps, high-gloss black wheels, special badging, and interior enhancements.