Last Internal Combustion Engine Sports Car from Lotus: Turbo SE Edition Unveiled
Lotus Emira Turbo SE: The Last Internal Combustion Sports Car from Lotus Offers Enhanced Performance
Lotus has introduced a performance boost to its final internal combustion sports car, the Emira, with the Turbo SE model. This variant surpasses the V6 version in terms of power and performance, while maintaining lower fuel consumption and a more affordable price tag.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivered by AMG now produces 294 kW/400 PS in the Lotus Emira Turbo SE, matching the performance of the Emira V6's 3.5-liter engine. With 480 Newton meters of torque and 93 kilograms less weight, the turbocharged engine offers better performance and fuel efficiency. The Emira Turbo SE is also priced at 109,490 euros, 3,000 euros less than the V6 variant.
The "SE" designation in Lotus history stands for "Special Equipment," and the Emira Turbo SE comes equipped with various upgrades as standard. These include a fine-tuned sports suspension, reinforced and cross-drilled brake discs, launch control, and gray 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels with red brake calipers, among other features.
In comparison to the First Edition of the Emira, sold since 2022, the four-cylinder engine codenamed M139 by AMG produces 40 more horsepower and has a 50 Newton meter higher torque. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission also comes from Affalterbach. This setup enables the Emira Turbo SE to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in four seconds and achieve a top speed of 291 km/h, 16 km/h faster than the V6 model.
The Emira Turbo SE was tested in Sweden, and it provides an extremely low seating position in its 1.23-meter-high two-seater design. The mid-engine position in the rear causes the front of the car to drop aerodynamically in front of the windshield, making it difficult to see where the car ends behind the steering wheel.
The steering is direct and provides an abundance of feedback, making even a lane change on highways noticeable. This precision on the racetrack can be quite challenging during long drives, as the Emira tends to follow road grooves and unevenness. Nevertheless, the Briton performs admirably at high speeds, generating 55 kilograms of downforce at 200 km/h, which improves driving stability.
The Emira Turbo SE is also user-friendly for amateurs on the racetrack. Its brakes remain stable after several fast laps, and the electronic driving aids can be adjusted through three driving modes to accommodate varying levels of experience.
The question remains as to who would opt for the Emira V6, given that the Turbo SE is more track-focused. The larger sibling is even more track-focused, and purists can order it with a classic manual transmission, an option not available in the Turbo version.
Lotus Emira Turbo SE - Technical Specifications
- Compact class two-seater coupé
- Length: 4.41 meters, Width: 1.90 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2.09 meters), Height: 1.23 meters, Wheelbase: 2.58 meters, Trunk volume: 151 liters
- 2.0-liter gasoline engine: 294 kW/400 PS, Torque: 480 Nm; Rear-wheel drive, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
- 0-100 km/h: 4.0 s, Vmax: 291 km/h, Combined consumption: 9.192 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 208 g/km
- Price: 109,490 Euro
- Lotus
- Sports Car
- Compact Class
- Despite its commitment to internal combustion sports cars, Lotus may soon explore manufacturing gadgets or smartphones, as they have shown an aptitude for technology and sports performance.
- In the future, Lotus could diversify its manufacturing from materials typically used for sports cars, nonetheless maintaining the same quality and superior performance, as they have proven with the exceptional Emira Turbo SE.
