2021 Lotus Emira previewed as brand’s last petrol-powered sports car
Lotus has released the first images of its last-ever combustion-engined vehicle, the all-new Emira sports car.
Lotus's first all-new sports car in a decade now has a name: say hello to the 2021 Lotus Emira.
The car formerly known only as the 'Type 131' will be tasked with replacing the ageing Elise, Exige and Evora sports cars, and will wear the daunting title of Lotus' last new vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine – with all future models to be electric-only.
While specific details won't be confirmed until the Emira's full reveal on 6 July 2021, Lotus has announced buyers will have a choice of multiple engine options – one of which will be new for the Lotus brand (though still sourced from another manufacturer), and will use "cutting-edge technologies".
Rumours out of Europe suggest that new engine will be Mercedes-AMG's hand-built 2.0-litre turbocharged 'M139' four-cylinder, though power is slated to fall from the A45 S hot hatch's 310kW to a more 'modest' 265kW to 294kW.
There's a chance the turbo four-pot could be exclusive to the European market, with models sold elsewhere set to employ a revised version of the outgoing Evora's supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6, albeit retuned to develop 331kW.
Either way, the lightweight British brand has confirmed no Emira model will be offered with a hybrid powertrain, contrary to previous reports.
Underpinning the new sports car will be an all-new extruded aluminium architecture, known as 'Elemental', that's said to differ "[in] every dimension" from Lotus' outgoing range.
Little else is known about the Emira, however shadowy teaser images released by the British brand reveal a visual resemblance to the larger Evija electric hypercar, with vertical LED headlights incorporating dual-tier daytime-running lights.
As for the car's name, Lotus claims 'Emira' – pronounced 'E-meer-a', with an accidental similarly to Australia's Holden Camira sedan of the 1980s – translates to 'commander' or 'leader' in "numerous ancient languages".
"It’s the most accomplished Lotus for generations – the perfectly packaged, powered and formed sports car. Beautifully proportioned, shrink-wrapped, but with comfort, technology and ergonomics built in. With a design inspired by the Evija all-electric hypercar, it’s a game-changing Lotus sports car," said Lotus Cars managing director Matt Windle.
The 2021 Lotus Emira will be officially unveiled on 6 July 2021 during an event in Hethel, UK – where the two-door will be built – ahead its public debut at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 8 to 11.
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