To explore the new lineup visit www.lotuscars.com/emira for all the details.
*Emira is available worldwide. The new Emira line up including the updated V6 SE, Turbo and Turbo SE is now available order in select European markets, other global markets to follow later this year.
Emira Support Looking to configure over-the-air updates for your Lotus? Need roadside support or details on adjusting your driver's seat? We have you covered with everything from basic info to detailed insights for your Emira.
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The 2025 Lotus Emira is the first of a crop of all-new models for the iconic British sports-car specialist. Being a coupe, the two-door is a more traditional offering than its four-door siblings, which are of the fully electric variety. The Emira relies on internal-combustion power, though.
In fact, the entry-level Lotus offers buyers two potent petrol engine options for MY24: a 268kW/430Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder unit shared with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hyper hatch, and a 298kW/420Nm Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre supercharged V6. The former is exclusively mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the latter offers the choice between a six-speed manual or torque-converter auto gearbox.
In this expert review, CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Stephen Ottley gets behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG-powered variant of the Emira, dubbed i4 First Edition, to find out how well it measures up against its main rival, the revered Porsche 718 Cayman.
Thanks Drake for this review. I had both the Corvette C8 Stingray (2 of them: 2020 non-Z51 and 2023 Z51) and now own a V6 standard transmission 2024 Emira. My Corvettes were good build/quality and I put more than 10,000 km on each. The one and only problem was a faulty headlight with the 2020 and surprisingly (being a very new first model year vehicle at the time) my local Chevy dealer had a replacement in stock, so it was quickly fixed under warranty. My Emira hasn't had any problems, after over 4,000 km (touch wood) and now sits parked on top of a 4-post lift. But my Lotus dealer is asking to see it again, for some software updates. The problem (especially compared to the Corvette) is that Lotus dealer is a 3-hour one-way drive from me.
Chev dealerships are "everywhere", although not all have good technicians for the C8...but 3 Chev dealerships do, in my city. I loved my Corvettes but prefer the Emira drive, with its more "raw sport car feel" and the manual transmission. GM no longer makes a Corvette with a manual. The Emira, like other Lotus/British vehicles, isn't known for its reliability, whereas C8 Corvettes are surprisingly highly rated for a sport car (GM did a good job with their engineering). That said, Lotus has worked out many of the bugs on the Emira, so people like me with a 2024 seem to have less problems.
Anyone choosing between them, will have to decide if they prefer the more powerful 495HP, heavier, +++ optioned, more "refined" sport car drive Corvette...vs the less powerful 400HP, lighter, much less optioned, requiring more attention when driving BUT providing better "driver-engagement" Emira, and if less readily-accessible Lotus dealerships is something you're willing to deal with, for that different ride. A matter of choice and I've made the right one for me. The added bonus is the appearance of the Emira, plus how there are so few around. My Emira attracts attention, everywhere I go...like my 2020 Corvette USED TO, for the first 6 months I owned it. I really liked the look of the new mid-engine Corvette, but far prefer the simpler, "clean" and more classic look of the Emira.
A few other differences: the Corvette is lower to the ground than the Emira, so I had the "front-end lift" in each of my C8's. The Emira doesn't offer that option but I've not found the need. For DIY people who do their own oil/filter changes like me, the C8 knocks it out of the ballpark, with its +++ easily accessible filter and drain plug holes in the undercarriage plates (a genius idea, which I've not seen on ANY other vehicle), whereas the Emira has just over 40 bolts that need to be removed, so it takes longer. The Emira has less storage room, since it doesn't have the "frunk" (front trunk) the C8 has. However unlike the C8, the Emira has storage behind the seats, which makes up for some of that lost room.
Both cars have a trunk with the C8 able to fit 2 "small" golf carry-bags and the Emira only fits my one regular size but "over-stuffed" carry bag in its trunk (for anyone who golfs, and to give a visual comparison of storage room). In the Emira, I do miss the C8 heads-up-display, automatic seat/steering wheel retraction upon parking and a few other more common C8 options, such as the built-in PDR (performance data recorder) which is a GREAT feature for street driving and especially the track. I'm now scouting for a GoPro Hero 13 to use in my Emira on the track, so it's an additional expense for any who want that feature. But adding those options would have added weight, so Lotus included the more basic options in the Emira, which was "a first" for Lotus, since the Emira is the first true "daily driver" they've made, with its better quality/looking interior and more creature-comforts.
The exhaust note of the C8 V8, is missing from the V6 Emira. But the Emira is easily modified to correct that, which I plan to do, with parts on order. The Emira is smaller than the C8, but I thought there'd be a more distinct difference, since at first glance the Emira looks a LOT smaller. The C8 Stingray is 48.6" tall, 182" long, 76" wide w/o the mirrors (so about 85" wide) and weighs in at 3,670 lbs. The Emira is 47.8" tall, 172" long, 74" wide w/o mirrors and 82.4" with mirrors unfolded, and weighs 3,200 lbs. Finally, the cost of parts for the Emira is more, with fewer made and the manufacturer based in the UK, plus compared to the Corvette, there are fewer after-market vendors making accessories for the Emira...although there are a few REALLY GOOD ONES and they continue to expand what they sell. The Emira is likely the most produced vehicle Lotus has ever made, given how many have been sold to date, and many Lotus owners like to accessorize/modify (similar to Corvette owners), all of which encourages these after-market vendors, so I expect Emira accessory selection to improve and prices to eventually drop somewhat.
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- Welcome to San Diego! I’m glad you discovered some of our wonderful driving roads; we’re not just a beach town. I strongly considered a V6 manual Emira vs. a Cayman GTS 4.0 as my latest new car. It looks better, steers better, and has a more modern interior. But as a car that I intend to keep for a while and use for road trips (in addition to track and weekend fun), I don’t trust Lotus reliability with such a sparse dealer network, and there’s not enough storage for 2 people. I ordered the Cayman, and I’m thrilled with the experience. The Porsche flat 6 sounds better than either Lotus engine, the shifter is precise, the adaptive suspension doesn’t force a permanent tuning choice when you order, it’s great on the track, and also at getting to and from the track.
- First real comment - don't you just love bots! Love the looks of the Lotus, lopks exotic and looks far more expensive than it is. Definitely an upgrade in interior too. That is some engine for a 4 cyl and puts down great power / and good sound. Looks like great suspension, handling and Lotus keeping to its roots with lightness. Great review as always, love the channel and your passion comes through. Proving you don' t have to have the fastest acceleration to have the most fun but boy thats pretty quick and can't believe quicker than v6. When you say you prefer over a Cayman thats some high standard the Lotus has achieved. 102k is a lot but its got the looks to match it and Porsche are not exactly cheap. Hope they sort out dealerships and reliability.
- Whoever designed that shifter, I hope they are already fired. Why do all of these brands think we want to reinvent shifters. Stupid toggles, rotary’s, buttons, joysticks that take double taps. It’s ridiculous and they can cause accidents or at very least, just bad driving. Just go back to a normal shifter!
- Selling my Evora 400 after 5 years & 25,000 miles of wonderful v6 manual driving…… but this will be its replacement as lighter, faster, more balanced & the contrast I want in my next Lotus. Either one is great especially if you have never owned a Lotus sports car because they spoil you with sublime ride & handling.
- This is actually a very compelling package, especially considering the heritage of Lotus, the curb weight and the Mercedes derived drivetrain. My only concern would be depreciation, compared to something like a 718 4.0, which seems to lose little if any value on the used car market.
- Have both the V6 and the i4 and to be honest. The i4 is faster, more nimble and rotates faster so unless you are a diehard manual personal. Get the i4. Also beware that touring suspension on the i4 is stiffer than the V6 sport (rear spring 135 NM/m vs 115 Nm/m) so think twice about getting an i4 with sport suspension unless you have perfect roads in your area.
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