Lotus Cars Korea has announced that the limited edition Emira V6 First Edition model from the British premium performance car brand ‘Lotus’ has completely sold out in the domestic market for its initial shipment, marking a strong start.
The Emira continues the legacy of Lotus’s lightweight mid-engine sports cars, such as the Elise, Exige, and Evora. It showcases the design features of Lotus’s electric hypercar, the Evija, emerging as a sleeker and more stylish next-generation sports car. This model was recently awarded ‘Brand of the Year’ by Carwow, the UK’s largest automotive media, being recognized as the ‘best Lotus with quick responsiveness, lightness, and driving fun.’
The Emira emphasizes thrilling driving pleasure with its short body length of over 4.4m and light curb weight of around 1.4 tons, supported by its mid-engine layout placed behind the seat. Notably, the sold-out Emira V6 First Edition model is equipped with a V6 3.5L gasoline supercharged engine that produces a maximum output of 405 PS and a peak torque of 42.8 kg.m, achieving 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 4.2 seconds (AT standard). The top speed reaches 288 km/h, and it comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with a 6-speed automatic transmission available as an option.
Furthermore, it is reported that the Emira I4 First Edition model, which features a lightweight and powerful 2.0L gasoline turbo engine, has only a few units left available. It boasts a maximum output of 364 PS and peak torque of 43.9 kg.m, finishing the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 4.4 seconds, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This engine is supplied by Lotus’s technical partner, Mercedes-AMG, and has been appropriately tuned by engineers with extensive experience at Lotus.
The exterior design of the Emira showcases the essence of a classic 2-door mid-engine sports car. The sleek lines extending from the front bumper through the hood and A-pillars to the trunk lid, with three-dimensional door character and air vents on the rear fenders, express an extraordinary presence. It features 20-inch V-spoke forged alloy wheels, with caliper color options available in black, red, silver, and yellow. The tires are optionally available as Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSports or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 for unbeatable grip.
The Emira offers 13 exterior color options, including Nimbus Grey, Dark Verdant, Hethel Yellow, and Magma Red, with a range of vibrant colors designed to attract attention. Notably, the signature color Seneca Blue stands out as a trendy shade for the Year of the Blue Dragon in 2024, presenting a deep and refreshing coolness reminiscent of the sea.
The interior of the Emira is designed with a focus on the driver, aligned with Lotus’s motto of ‘For the Drivers.’ It features a race-car-like low seating position, an ergonomically designed D-cut steering wheel, and gear lever that stimulate driving desire. It includes a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital cockpit and a 10.25-inch central display, offering exclusive content developed by Lotus along with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, seamlessly integrating the latest trends. The premium Napa leather used on the seats is also a standout feature.
The practical space design is also noteworthy. There are two cup holders between the seats, and the door trim includes a holder for a 500ml water bottle. A console net for storing items like wallets and documents, along with a spacious glove box and armrest, are also highlighted. For larger items, such as travel suitcases, space is available behind the seats (208L) or in the trunk behind the engine (151L).
Blending Lotus’s lightweight design philosophy with new exterior and interior designs, a mid-engine rear-wheel-drive (MR) layout, and a high-performance powertrain, the next-generation sports car Emira is poised to welcome customers again through additional models that can be customized with various options. The domestic launch schedule will be announced soon.
A representative from Lotus Cars Korea stated, “We are delighted to reconfirm the interest in Lotus in the domestic market since the beginning of the year,” and added, “To ensure the successful establishment of a brand emerging in the luxury import car market, we will engage in various events and announcements to allow more customers to take notice of Lotus and experience it firsthand.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr