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Photo of a Lotus Emira

Lotus Emira

400 hp, six manual gears and hydraulic steering: the V6 Emira speaks fluent driver.12

Researched November 9, 2026 from 33 sources

Also called

  • Type 131The development codename used before the Emira's public debut.3
  • baby EvijaA styling comparison prompted by design cues borrowed from the electric Evija.3

At a glance

0300600
360–503 hpPower
0510
3.9–4.4 s0–100 km/h
0150300
272–299 km/hTop speed
0250500
420–500 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,405–1,490 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3810111213

Engine
2.0 L AMG M139 turbo I4 or 3.5 L Toyota 2GR-FE supercharged V64
Layout
Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive4
Gearbox
V6: 6-speed manual or IPS automatic; I4: 8-speed dual-clutch4
Built at
Hethel factory, Norfolk, United Kingdom4
Units built
More than 10,000 by March 20257

The story

Built to replace the Elise, Exige and Evora with a more usable daily sports car, Emira is said 'Eh-meer-ah' and can mean 'commander' or 'leader.' Lotus later abandoned its plan for this to be its final combustion model in favor of plug-in hybrids.34

2021: Type 131 becomes the Emira20212022: First V6s reach customers in November20222023: AMG four-cylinder joins in July · Macau GT4 debut delivers a class 1-220232025: 10,000 built; Turbo SE reaches 400 hp · V6 SE and entry Turbo expand the range · 60 Clark Editions salute 196520252026: 15 Bathurst Editions, about 503 hp · 420 Sport sharpens the chassis2026 Lotus Elise: 1996–2021Lotus EliseLotus Exige: 2000–2021Lotus ExigeLotus Emira (Type 131): 2022–presentType 131 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones4121920
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1996–2021Lotus Elise
2000–2021Lotus Exige
2022–presentLotus Emira (Type 131)
2021Type 131 becomes the Emira
2022First V6s reach customers in November
2023AMG four-cylinder joins in July
2023Macau GT4 debut delivers a class 1-2
202510,000 built; Turbo SE reaches 400 hp
2025V6 SE and entry Turbo expand the range
202560 Clark Editions salute 1965
202615 Bathurst Editions, about 503 hp
2026420 Sport sharpens the chassis
  1. 2021

    Type 131 becomes the Emira

    Type 131 debuted at Hethel on July 6 and Goodwood on July 8. Its home factory received more than £100 million under the Vision 80 transformation plan.34

  2. 2022

    First V6s reach customers in November

    First V6s arrived in November after supply-chain delays. Choices included Tour or Sport suspension and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.345

  3. 2023

    AMG four-cylinder joins in July

    The 360 hp 2.0 L Mercedes-AMG turbo joined the range with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic; the four-cylinder offered no manual option.5

  4. 2023

    Macau GT4 debut delivers a class 1-2

    Toro Racing's two Emira GT4s locked out the front row, then were classified first and second in the GT4 class on their global debut.6

  5. 2025

    10,000 built; Turbo SE reaches 400 hp

    Hethel passed 10,000 cars as First Edition bowed out. The Turbo SE raised AMG four-cylinder output by 40 hp to match the V6.7

  6. 2025

    V6 SE and entry Turbo expand the range

    June brought the high-spec V6 SE. The 2026 lineup also included a 360 hp Turbo with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h sprint.58

  7. 2025

    60 Clark Editions salute 1965

    The V6 manual special celebrated Jim Clark's 1965 season, with just 60 cars and colors inspired by his Lotus 38.59

  8. 2026

    15 Bathurst Editions, about 503 hp

    Australia's Simply Sports Cars created the limited special with an AMG turbo, carbon-fiber splitter and GT4-style rear wing.10

  9. 2026

    420 Sport sharpens the chassis

    With the Lightweight Handling Pack, claimed weight is 1,430 kg. Optional adjustable Multimatic dampers and extra downforce give the chassis more focus.11

Every generation

  • Lotus Elise
    Lotus Elise1996–2021
  • Lotus Exige
    Lotus Exige2000–2021
  • Lotus Emira
    Type 1312022–present

Power over the years

From 400 hp to 415 hp in 4 years.

0200400600 202220242026 hp 2022 · 400 hp · V6 First Edition2023 · 360 hp · AMG four-cylinder2025 · 400 hp · Turbo SE2026 · 415 hp · 420 Sport 415 hp 420 Sport 400 hp V6 First Edition
45711
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2022400V6 First Edition
2023360AMG four-cylinder
2025400Turbo SE
2026415420 Sport

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Turbo SE

    Performance

    Turbo SE

    2025

    400 hp
  • V6 SE

    Standard

    V6 SE

    2026

  • Special

    SE Racing Line

  • 420 Sport

    Performance

    420 Sport

    2026

    414 hp
  • GT4

    Racing

    GT4

    2023

    455 hp

  • Limited

    Chapman Bespoke Launch Edition

    2025

  • Clark Edition

    Limited

    Clark Edition

    2025

    60 built

  • Limited

    Scura

    2026

  • Limited

    Limited

    Limited

    60 built

  • Limited

    Turbo Bathurst Edition

    2026

    503 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Upright LED headlights contain twin blade-shaped light signatures, echoing the Evija.3
  • Sculpted door channels lead into air intakes just ahead of the rear wheels.3
  • Boomerang-shaped hood openings vent air from the front radiator.17
  • Flat C-shaped LED taillights are joined by a slim brake-light strip.3
  • Emira badges sit on the C-pillars beside the vented engine cover.3

Year by year

  1. March 2025

    Turbo SE replaces the four-cylinder First Edition: satin-gray V-spoke wheels, red calipers, black Lotus lettering and Turbo SE badges.57

  2. 2026

    A removable roof panel becomes an option across the range, arriving with the 420 Sport.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Lotus Emira
    Emira
    Photo of a Lotus Evija
    Lotus Evija

    Lotus Evija

    The Emira has twin exhausts in its black lower rear panel; the Evija uses electric power.318

  • Photo of a Lotus Emira
    Emira
    Photo of a Lotus Evora
    Lotus Evora

    Lotus Evora

    The Emira is wider and slightly longer; 2+2 Evora variants have tiny rear seats, while the Emira is a two-seater.112

Against its rivals

  • Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

    Emira vs Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

    Quoted US price lower is better

    Emira$105,400
    Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0$96,850
    21
  • Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (C8)

    Emira vs Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (C8)

    Quarter mile lower is better

    Emira12.6 s
    Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (C8)10.6 s
    13

Prices

Value today $75.0K–$92.0K2930

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K 202420262028 Value today: $75,000–$92,000 2024 · $99,900 · US i4 First Edition, excl. dest. 2024 · $113,000 · 2024 V6, 71 miles, Bring a Trailer2024 · $100,000 · 2024 V6, 400 miles, Cars & Bids2025 · $102,000 · 2025 V6, 703 miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $75,000 · 2024 Emira, 6,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $92,500 · 2024 V6 First Edition, 1,700 miles, Cars & Bids2026 · $82,000 · 2024 V6 First Edition, 11,900 miles, Cars & Bids2026 · $89,500 · 2024 V6, 1,700 miles, Cars & Bids2026 · $80,500 · 2024 V6 First Edition, 8,700 miles, Cars & Bids2026 · $92,000 · 2025 V6 automatic, 62 miles, BaT $113.0K Bring a Trailer, 2024
212830
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2024Price when new$99,900US i4 First Edition, excl. dest.
2024Auction sale$113,0002024 V6, 71 miles, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$100,0002024 V6, 400 miles, Cars & Bids
2025Auction sale$102,0002025 V6, 703 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$75,0002024 Emira, 6,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$92,5002024 V6 First Edition, 1,700 miles, Cars & Bids
2026Auction sale$82,0002024 V6 First Edition, 11,900 miles, Cars & Bids
2026Auction sale$89,5002024 V6, 1,700 miles, Cars & Bids
2026Auction sale$80,5002024 V6 First Edition, 8,700 miles, Cars & Bids
2026Auction sale$92,0002025 V6 automatic, 62 miles, BaT
2026Value today$75,000–$92,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 11 stories from its legend
    • “10,000 Emiras and Hethel's fastest build rate”
    • “Macau debut: front row, then a class one-two”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 3 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. Tested: 2024 Lotus Emira Is Both a First and a Last caranddriver.com
  2. Lotus Emira – How it Drives | Lotus Cars lotuscars.com
  3. Lotus Emira debuts - 3.5L V6 and AMG 2.0L turbo four-cylinder; up to 400 hp, 430 Nm; manual, auto and DCT - paultan.org paultan.org
  4. Lotus Emira - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Used Lotus Emira (2021-date) buyer’s guide: one of the very best sports cars | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  6. Lotus Emira GT4 Scores 1-2 Finish On Global Race Debut dailysportscar.com
  7. Lotus Emira range boosted by new 400hp Turbo SE motoringresearch.com
  8. Models | Lotus Press | Emira lotuscars.com
  9. Emira Clark Edition - A salute to an era and its driver | Lotus Cars lotuscars.com
  10. Aussie exclusive Bathurst Edition Emira arrives - Exhaust Notes Australia exhaustnotes.com.au
  11. Lotus Emira review – better than ever, but almost Porsche 911 money | evo evo.co.uk
  12. Lotus Emira coupe review | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  13. 2024 Lotus Emira vs. 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Comparison Test: Middle Ground Found? motortrend.com
  14. Market Find: 1 of 60 2025 Chapman Bespoke Launch Edition Lotus Emira – Tailored Driver tailoreddriver.com
  15. The 2026 Lotus Emira Scura Is a Dark Homage to the Exige motortrend.com
  16. Emira Limited - A Tribute to Formula One Legacy | Lotus Cars lotuscars.com
  17. 2023 Lotus Emira Review: Playtime Is Over thedrive.com
  18. Lotus Emira For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  19. Lotus Elise - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Lotus Exige - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. First Drive: 2024 Lotus Emira 2.0 Brings Back the Four-Cylinder caranddriver.com
  22. Mahiki Racing set to make its debut with twin Lotus Emira GT4s | GT4 European Series gt4europeanseries.com
  23. Louts x Balmain Unveil A Special Emira Livery For Need For Speed Unbou – duPont REGISTRY News news.dupontregistry.com
  24. Need for Speed No Limits – Desert Shroud ea.com
  25. Experience Donut Media’s Hi-Low Cars in Forza Horizon 5 Upgrade Heroes forza.net
  26. 2023 Lotus Emira Review: An All-Time High For Lotus roadandtrack.com
  27. Lotus Emira recalled for multiple issues | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  28. Lotus Emira Sold Prices & Auction Results | Shifty driveshifty.com
  29. 2024 Lotus Emira First Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $75,000 on June 5, 2026 (Lot #246,241) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 2025 Lotus Emira V6 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $92,000 on February 17, 2026 (Lot #230,288) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2024 Lotus Emira First Edition V6 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $82,000 on October 2, 2026 (Lot #266,257) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2,200-Mile 2024 Lotus Emira First Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $82,000 on August 22, 2026 (Lot #259,203) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 2025 Lotus Emira V6 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $102,000 on October 7, 2025 (Lot #213,732) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • lotuscars.com
  • paultan.org
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • dailysportscar.com
  • motoringresearch.com
  • exhaustnotes.com.au
  • evo.co.uk
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • tailoreddriver.com
  • thedrive.com
  • theclassicvaluer.com

Photo credits

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