Lotus doesn’t release new models very often, with the 2022 Lotus Emira marking the first entirely new sports car launched since the Evora in 2009. Heralding the close of an era, the 2022 Lotus Emira is the British car manufacturer’s final model to be powered by an internal combustion engine; from here on out, all following models will be EVs.
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Their last hurrah should satisfy even the most ardent petrol purists. Building upon the legacy of Lotus sports cars like the Elise, Exige, and Evora, the Emira also sits upon a bonded aluminum chassis and features tightly wrapped fiberglass bodywork. In terms of design, it takes cues from the recently debuted Lotus Evija EV hypercar. Contemporary yet timeless, it delivers supercar appeal through sculpted surfaces and technical detailing.
“The Emira captures the visual drama of an exotic supercar, with great proportions, wide footprint, and a cabin that sits low down between muscular haunches,” said Russell Carr, design director at Lotus. “Add in that it’s practical enough to be useable every day, of the highest quality and accessibly priced, and it’s undoubtedly a compelling and seductive alternative to the existing sports car competition.”
Equipped with an AMG 2.0-litre turbocharged or 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, the Emira range delivers 360 to 400 hp at launch, going from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of up to 290km/h.
Touted as an ‘everyday sportscar’, the 2022 Lotus Emira sees a massive upgrade in terms of interior design. While previous models prioritised speed and low body weight at the sacrifice of creature comforts, the Emira steps up the cabin design, creating a pleasant everyday driving experience. Ulitising contemporary design and high-quality materials, the cabin features increased storage space, exceptional fit and finish, and the integration of advanced technology.
In manual models, the positioning of the raised gearstick echoes that of the Esprit, while semi-exposed gear linkage features on the centre console on V^ manual cars, like that of the Elise and Exige. Meanwhile, the two seats have been designed to combine exceptional lateral support for high-speed cornering with total comfort for long-distance journeys.
Priced starting at less than $112,000AUD, the 2022 Lotus Emira is a sublime sendoff for the petrolheads.
Words by AR Staff
