Lotus Emira V8 Plan

Under the Hood

Lotus, the famed British sports car manufacturer, known for its philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness,” might have a surprising ace up its sleeve. Despite the purist mantra, there’s a potential shift on the horizon to keep the Emira in tune with the ever-tighter emissions regulations. Word on the street, with a tip from Autocar UK, is that Lotus may partner up with engine maestros Mercedes-AMG to bring a new V8 powertrain into the mix. In a recent earnings call, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng hinted at a high-performance upgrade, stating that the AMG V8 option is under investigation for the Emira line-up, a move aligning with parent company Geely’s plans.

Engine Choices

Currently, Emira buyers are presented with two engine choices cleverly positioned behind the seats. First up is the 2-liter turbocharged inline-four M139, shipped in from Mercedes-AMG, gracing models like the SL43 and C43. Then there’s the 3.5-liter supercharged V6 courtesy of Toyota, a familiar heart from past Lotus escapades.

Both powerplants boast an output of over 400 horsepower. However, the vision of further tuning the Toyota V6 hit a snag. Emission standards are getting tougher, especially with Euro 7 regulations looming in 2026, rendering the old Toyota unit an unlikely candidate for a future facelift.

Initially, the idea was to say goodbye to the V6 and fully embrace the AMG turbo-four. But in the United States, demand for the V6 caught Lotus by surprise. This is crucial, given the U.S. is a significant market for the Emira.

Lotus exec Matt Windle shared the stage, stating they’re evaluating market demands carefully. While he stopped short of confirming a V8 future for the Emira, he did mention the brand is exploring stronger engine options with its current partner, hinting that the Emira’s potential could be further tapped.

A V8 Comeback?

If the Emira does indeed accommodate a 4-liter AMG V8, it would resurrect a power combination not seen since the Esprit V8 wrapped up its run in 2004 with Lotus’s own 3.5-liter V8.

This notion was seemingly sparked by Kevin Coelho, a Lotus investor and California-based exotic car dealer. He threw the idea out during the earnings call, suggesting a “hardcore” Emira, potentially a rival to something like Porsche’s 911 GT3RS, complete with a high-revving V6, manual gearbox, and trimmed-down weight. Coelho’s vision aligns with the desires of many U.S. customers for more power and performance.

The Drive

The driving experience in the Emira is a harmonious blend of speed and agility. The 4-cylinder turbo AMG build delivers a spirited drive, its 3,200-pound frame transforming into a nimble athlete on the tarmac.

That said, for those eyeing a true Lotus experience, the V6 offers a manual transmission—an essential for many purists. While a dual-clutch option might appeal to those anticipating heavy traffic, the heart often makes its decision based on the gearbox. For many American enthusiasts with a Lotus in their sights, the freedom to choose a manual may just be the deciding factor.