400 HP Emira is Lotus' final combustion engine car

For the longest time, the only models you could buy from Lotus are the Elise, Exige, and the Evora. Earlier this year, however, all three models are set to retire as the brand shifts towards an all-electric future. Before that, a new mid-engine sports car will serve as the brand’s swan song for the combustion engine. That car is the 2022 Lotus Emira.

The Emira will slot way below the all-electric Evija hypercar and is effectively a direct successor of the Elise and Exige. It measures 4,412mm long, 1,895mm wide, and 1,255mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,575mm, making it substantially bigger than all three models.

Like its predecessors, the Emira uses a traditional bonded aluminum chassis with fiberglass bodywork. The new car’s styling is now influenced by that of the Evija, featuring a similarly designed front end with slim vertical headlights. It’s the same story at the rear, ditching the rounded taillight design for a more futuristic look.

For those concerned about weight, Lotus claims the sports car only weighs 1,405kg in its lightest form. The reason for the weight gain is due to the added creature comforts and technology. Unlike its predecessors, which barely had any, the Emira has a comfortable cabin. In front of the driver sits a large digital cluster with a 10.25-inch infotainment system beside it. The seats are now also adjustable in 12-ways. It now comes with a host of safety systems, too.

Powering the Emira will be two different engine options. The first, a fan favorite, is Lotus’ tried-and-tested 3.5-liter supercharged V6 sourced from Toyota. The other engine choice is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill from Mercedes-AMG – the same motor used in the A45 AMG. Interestingly, Lotus did not specify the output of each engine. Instead, they say the Emira will have between 360 to 400 HP with maximum torque at 430 Nm. Fortunately, transmission options include an automatic, a dual-clutch, and a proper manual gearbox.

Despite the weight increase, the Emira is still agile as ever. The fastest of the bunch can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is rated at 290 km/h.

The British-built Emira is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in the summer of 2022. If you’re a fan of Lotus, this is a must-have before all other models go electric.