Lotus Emira V6 Review: The Lotus Emira V6 marks a pivotal moment in the storied British marque’s history. As Lotus shifts toward an electric future with offerings like the Eletre SUV and the Emeya saloon, the Emira stands as a celebration of everything enthusiasts love about traditional combustion-engine sports cars. With its sleek design, precision handling, and Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 engine, the Emira is not just the last Lotus with an internal combustion engine—it’s also one of the most complete packages the company has ever delivered. It’s a swan song to analogue driving in a world quickly moving to electric propulsion.
Under the ownership of Geely since 2017, Lotus has undergone a significant transformation. The Chinese automotive giant brought deep pockets, ambitious goals, and a proven track record, particularly with Volvo. Their investment resulted in two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities—one in Wuhan for electric vehicles and another in Hethel for Lotus’s sports car range. Despite some early hiccups, including pandemic-induced production delays and supply chain challenges, the Emira has finally hit the road in substantial numbers, ready to take on rivals like the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0.
The anticipation surrounding the Emira was immense, and early drives of pre-production models showed promise. Now, with production in full swing and the V6 variant available for full road and track testing, it’s time to assess whether this final combustion-engine Lotus lives up to expectations. Does it offer the driving purity, everyday usability, and emotional appeal required to carry the Lotus legacy forward—if only symbolically? Let’s dive deep into what makes the Lotus Emira V6 a serious contender in the modern sports car market.
Specifications of Lotus Emira V6
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-litre supercharged V6 (Toyota-sourced) |
| Power | 400 hp |
| Torque | 420 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 4.3 seconds (manual) / 4.2 seconds (auto) |
| Top Speed | 290 km/h (180 mph) |
| Drive Layout | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1405 kg (dry) |
| Suspension | Double wishbone with Eibach springs, Bilstein dampers |
| Brakes | AP Racing brakes |
| Wheels | 20-inch forged alloys |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Price (starting) | £75,000 (approx.) |
| Launch Date (UK) | Mid to late 2022 |
Engine and Performance
The heart of the Emira V6 is a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, borrowed from Toyota and finely tuned by Lotus engineers. It delivers 400 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, which propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 4 seconds. The engine pairs with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, but purists will likely gravitate toward the manual for the ultimate driving connection.
This car isn’t about brute force; it’s about finesse. The power delivery is smooth and linear, with a sharp throttle response that feels organic and unfiltered. Lotus has retained hydraulic steering—a rarity in today’s market—and it provides sublime feedback, making every corner feel like a conversation between driver and machine.
Handling and Ride Quality
One of Lotus’s most celebrated traits is its handling, and the Emira V6 continues this legacy proudly. The car’s double wishbone suspension setup and perfectly balanced chassis allow it to corner with exceptional confidence and precision. Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers contribute to a composed ride that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for agility.
Track testing reveals minimal body roll and impeccable weight distribution, creating an experience that’s as thrilling on twisty back roads as it is on a closed circuit. The AP Racing brakes provide strong stopping power with great pedal feel.
Exterior Design
The Emira takes inspiration from the Lotus Evija hypercar, with flowing lines, aggressive air intakes, and a sculpted profile that screams performance. It’s a true head-turner, with a modern yet unmistakably Lotus silhouette. LED headlights and taillights, plus aero-optimized bodywork, blend form and function seamlessly.
Color options include Seneca Blue, Hethel Yellow, Shadow Grey, and Magma Red—each adding its own personality to the Emira’s striking design.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Emira, and you’ll find a major leap forward in quality. Soft-touch materials, supportive sports seats, and a driver-centric layout create an environment that feels both premium and purposeful. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is intuitive, and features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display bring modern tech into the cabin.
Standard equipment includes climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, and a premium audio system. Optional extras include a Driver’s Pack, which enhances performance tuning, and bespoke interior trims.
Pricing and Variants
The Lotus Emira V6 starts at around £75,000 in the UK, placing it directly against high-spec variants of the Porsche Cayman and Alpine A110. The price can climb above £90,000 with optional equipment and trim packages. While not a budget sports car, the Emira delivers strong value considering its bespoke engineering and performance pedigree.
Launch and Availability
After a delayed start, Lotus began delivering the V6 Emira to customers in late 2022. Global availability is ramping up through 2024, with orders extending into 2025 due to strong demand. North American and European deliveries are ongoing, with select markets receiving tailored configurations.
Lotus Emira V6 Review Conclusion
The Lotus Emira V6 marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a bold new chapter. It’s a car that bridges the gap between classic Lotus purity and modern comfort, offering a unique driving experience that few rivals can replicate. For those who value connection and engagement over outright lap times, the Emira V6 stands tall as a compelling alternative to the segment’s usual suspects.
Living with the Emira is more realistic than ever. With improved interior ergonomics, infotainment, and build quality, it’s not just a weekend toy—it’s a car you can enjoy more regularly. It’s far from perfect, but in embracing some imperfections, the Emira feels more human, more soulful.
The driving dynamics are pure Lotus. From the moment you turn the wheel, the feedback and balance are unmistakable. Whether carving through a mountain road or cruising a highway, the Emira V6 brings joy in a way that few modern cars manage.
Design-wise, it’s a showstopper. It commands attention without shouting, and every angle reinforces its purpose as a driver’s machine. The V6 soundtrack, responsive throttle, and tactile controls make every journey memorable.
For enthusiasts, the Emira is more than a car—it’s a statement. It says that driving passion still matters, that engagement hasn’t been lost to automation. If this truly is the last petrol-powered Lotus, then it’s a worthy swan song—one that future collectors and drivers alike will cherish.
Lotus Emira V6 Review FAQs
1. Is the Lotus Emira V6 worth buying over the Porsche 718 Cayman?
Yes, if you value raw driving engagement and a more emotional connection. While the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is objectively brilliant, the Emira offers a unique personality, more analogue feel, and arguably better steering feedback. Plus, it’s the last ICE Lotus, making it more special for enthusiasts.
2. What are the main differences between the Emira V6 and the Emira 4-cylinder?
The Emira V6 uses a supercharged 3.5L Toyota engine, offering 400 hp and a choice of manual or auto transmissions. The 4-cylinder version uses a 2.0L AMG turbocharged engine with an 8-speed DCT. While the 4-cylinder is lighter and quicker-shifting, the V6 has more character and aural drama, preferred by purists.
3. Is the Lotus Emira suitable for daily driving?
Surprisingly, yes. Lotus has worked hard to make the Emira more livable. The ride quality is compliant, cabin comfort is improved, and infotainment and connectivity features are modern. However, boot space is limited, and road noise is more noticeable than in rivals, given the focus on lightweight performance.
4. How reliable is the Lotus Emira V6?
It uses a tried-and-tested Toyota V6 engine, known for its reliability. The manual transmission is also robust. Early models faced minor software bugs, but Lotus has rolled out updates and improvements. Overall, reliability should be solid, especially with Geely’s quality control enhancements.
5. Will the Emira V6 appreciate in value?
It’s possible. As the last combustion-engine Lotus, the Emira V6 may become a collector’s item in the future. Limited production numbers, coupled with Lotus’s storied motorsport heritage, could boost desirability over time. That said, depreciation is still expected in the short term, like most performance cars.
