Lotus' Latest Six-Figure Sports Car Faced a Reality Check at Auction | Carscoops

      Even with just over 300 miles on the odometer, the British sports car featuring a supercharged V6 did not reach its reserve.

      6 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      The Lotus Emira had only 305 miles recorded and came with a spotless Carfax report.

      Though it has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of over $100,000, it did not sell at auction despite being almost brand new.

      It is powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 that delivers 400 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

      After facing several delays, the Lotus Emira has finally arrived for U.S. customers, but initial responses indicate it’s not sparking the excitement typically associated with a new sports car. Recently, a nearly new Emira failed to sell at an online auction, with the highest bid reaching $79,500, falling short of the reserve.

      This specific Emira is a 2024 V6 First Edition model with a retail price of $100,330. The starting MSRP for these cars is $93,900, and this model includes a $2,150 six-speed automatic transmission, a $1,400 Full Black Pack, and a $530 black Alcantara steering wheel. It has only been driven for 305 miles (491 km) and includes a clean Carfax report. Clearly, no one was ready to pay enough to purchase it.

      Read: Lotus Just Made The Emira More Affordable And That’s Not The Only Surprise For 2026

      While the Emira may not achieve the iconic status of the Elise and Exige, it is still a very competent sports car. Its power comes from a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine generating 400 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm).

      There’s no other vehicle quite like the Emira available, but for $100,000 or less, you can find some exceptional, lightly-used performance cars, including a well-equipped Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ. In that light, even with its Lotus appeal, the Emira starts to appear as a more challenging sell.

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      Despite the auction results, this specific Emira leaves a strong visual impact. Painted in Seneca Blue Metallic, the car features black 20-inch forged wheels and vibrant red brake calipers. In terms of aesthetics, it embodies everything one would want from a contemporary Lotus – sleek, aggressive, and undeniably stylish. Compared to the considerably larger and heavier C8 Corvette, the Emira stands strong in design and proportions.

      Based on this auction outcome, it appears that Emira prices may keep declining, despite its impressive features. While this is unfortunate for initial buyers who waited a long time for delivery, the Emira might soon become a highly attractive option for those seeking a fun weekend vehicle or track car in the used market.

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