Lotus reveals revised Emira line-up with new Turbo SE performance flagship

If you’ve ever considered leasing something that handles precisely the way a car is supposed to handle, now is your chance. A pocket supercar with sleek looks and the performance to make the other supercars feel a little insecure, but a pocket supercar you can use every day without worrying about the colossal supercar bills. The revised Lotus Emira range is exactly what you’re looking for.

Lotus has revamped its Emira line-up, building on the foundations of the previous First Editions that have captivate

Since the brand was founded in 1948, the Lotus name has been synonymous with automotive innovation, introducing cutting-edge technologies and designs to meet an uncompromising vision of how a car should look, perform and feel. Embracing the attributes the automotive world has come to expect, including its impressive supercar-like appearance, striking lines and thrilling dynamic performance, the latest additions to the Emira line-up deliver a unique blend of ride and handling that is unmistakably Lotus.

The importance of the SE designation

The new range-topping Lotus Emira Turbo SE takes its name from a rich history. When the Esprit Turbo launched in 1980 it was one of the first production sportscars to incorporate turbocharging technology, and the SE designation goes back even further.

Lotus first added the SE (Special Equipment) designation to identify models with more power and standard equipment to the Type 14 Elite in 1960. Since then, it has appeared on various flagship models across the Elan, Esprit, Europa, and Excel ranges, and has also made an appearance on the legendary Lotus Cortina.

The new Emira Turbo SE reflects those same increased levels of performance and equipment.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed DCT gearbox – both engine and gearbox are sourced from Lotus’s technical partner, Mercedes AMG - the Emira Turbo SE generates more power, more torque, more acceleration, and more outright speed. Power has increased to 400 bhp, with the extra 40bhp equating to a higher top speed of 180 mph and an even faster acceleration time of 0-62 mph in just 4.0 seconds, making it the quickest Emira to take to the road.

The Emira Turbo SE also comes with launch control as standard, as well as the Lotus Drivers Pack with sports suspension settings and uprated cross drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs to ensure it handles like a Lotus should.

To complement the performance enhancements, the new Lotus Emira Turbo SE also features newly finished 20 inch V-spoke forged Satin Grey wheels as standard as well as Zinc Grey paint, Alcantara headliner, red brake callipers, new ‘Emira Turbo SE’ badging, new black Lotus branding, and black Lotus badging and tailpipes.

And what about the Emira V6?

You can, of course, also choose the Lotus Emira V6 from the line-up if you prefer.

With its 400bhp charge-cooled and supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the Emira V6 isn’t quite as quick as the Turbo SE version even if the difference is negligible. It can also be specified with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission if you prefer a more leisurely driving experience.

While the power outputs may be the same, the performance difference is largely down to the additional weight of the V6 engine over the smaller turbocharged powertrain. Having said that, the V6 engine is the same 3.5-litre supercharged Toyota unit that’s proved so popular in the Exige and Evora.

The Emira V6 also includes other performance features like cross drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres, and touring suspension. Manual versions also add a limited slip differential to the list of standard equipment.

Both the Lotus Emira Turbo SE and Emira V6 are available to order now from Gateway2Lease, so you’ve got a decision to make...