Bangkok, Thailand — Lotus has introduced the Emira for the first time in South East Asia, giving buyers the chance to acquire the last Lotus model to be powered by an internal combustion engine.
According to the British sportscar sportscar maker, all new Lotus models launched after the Emira will be fully-electric, such as the Eletre hyper SUV, unveiled on March 29.
The Eletre boasts over 600hp of maximum power and 0-100km/h acceleration in under 3 seconds, along with a WLTP range of 600kms.
The Emira, meanwhile, is available with two powerplant choices — a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 for the limited-production “First Edition” models, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter “i4” engine, the latter supplied by AMG.
With 400hp and 420Nm being available from the V6, acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 4.2 seconds while the top speed is claimed at 288km/h.
Retail pricing is Bt11.9 million for the V6 First Edition, Bt9.29 million for the i4 First Edition and Bt7.99 million for the i4 Base Edition.
The Emira is built on the new Lotus Sports Car Architecture and has a wider track than any recent Lotus road car, enhancing stability, delivering exceptional road-holding and the sensation of a very low center of gravity.
There are two defined chassis and suspension settings. “Tour” is tuned for everyday road use, delivering the optimum blend of Lotus dynamic performance and handling with a more comfortable ride. “Sports” is available with the optional Lotus Drivers Pack and provides a slightly stiffer suspension set-up for enhanced dynamic capability and feel.
In terms of design, the Emira takes a lot from the Evija electric hypercar, such as the sculpted surfaces, crisp feature lines and technical detailing, particularly the large side air vents cut into the muscular rear haunches.
“The Emira is a junior supercar with all the thrills and head-turning characteristics found in the greatest Lotus cars, but at the same time is an everyday sports car that’s high on comfort and functionality, packed with the latest technology,” said Teeraphong Rodloy, Country Manager for Lotus Cars Thailand.
The interior features wraparound dashboard design, blending into the door trim to create a cossetted feeling that makes the driver feel at one with the car, as well as a high amount of soft-trimmed surfaces.
The Emira features flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, curtain airbags, launch control (as part of optional Lotus Drivers Pack) as well as an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package.
Access to the car’s infotainment system is via a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen, with an additional 12.3-inch TFT driver’s display behind the steering wheel. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are integrated as standard. Also exclusive to Lotus is the availability of a 10-channel premium sound system from highly respected British audiophile brand KEF.
Luggage or other large items can be stored behind the two seats (208 litres) or in the boot to the rear of the engine. This space (151 litres) will take a standard-sized flight case or a set of golf clubs.
Last year Lotus Cars appointed Wearnes Automotive Thailand as the brand’s exclusive dealer in Thailand, covering sales, after sales, marketing and branding activities. The company has invested Bt20 million to build a brand-new Lotus showroom on Ramkhamhaeng Road in Bangkok, featuring a combined area of 400 square meters for the showroom and workshop.
