I’m back with another Lotus article. Surprising, I know. But if there’s actually cool stuff happening, who am I to not report on it?<\/p>\n
There’s been a lot of discussion about making the Lotus Emira a V8 sports car. Even people in my own Southern California Lotus Club are behind the idea. I think there’s an obsession with horsepower and big engines that doesn’t really fit in with the narrative of the Lotus, which is more about being lightweight, nimble, and stylish. I’m not sure what a V8 would do for it.<\/p>\n
Well, Lotus has decided to give the engine an upgrade, but it’s still not a V8.<\/p>\n
The Lotus Emira 420 Sport’s goes from a 2.0-liter V6 engine to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This gives it 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, which is 16 more hp than the V6 Emira. This version doesn’t have manual at the moment, sticking with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission instead. However, this is to help the Emira 420 Sport achieve its title as the fastest four-cylinder car in the world. It hits 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds.<\/p>\n
On top of the new engine, the 420 Sport also has a visual update that makes it more aggressive and boosts its performance. This includes the Lightweight Handling package, which features Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a lightweight lithium-ion battery, a louvered panel in place of the rear glass, and a titanium cat-back exhaust. The Emira 420 Sport also has a new chassis that lowers it even further than the regular Emira, allowing for more agile performance. Revised suspension offers more control on top of the Emira’s usual hydraulic steering.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the Emira 420 Sport, we have built on the supercar design to create a more dynamic and overtly sporty look. We shrink-wrap the surfaces over the mechanical components. This creates a visually compelling package that delivers real aerodynamic improvements,” said Russell Carr, Director of Design.<\/p>\n
And this is Lotus we’re talking about. It’s all about weight. As the CEO once said, every sports car over 3,968 pounds is mediocre. In the spirit of this silly statement, the Emira 420 Sport is 55 pounds lighter than the regular Emira, which was already a dangerous 3,245 pounds (so close to mediocre).<\/p>\n
The changes all seem a bit minimal, but when combined, they make the 420 Sport feel extremely agile and responsive on the track. And unlike my Elise, it can accelerate quickly on the straights, giving it exceptional handling, speed, and power. It’s not a car you want to mess with. It’s a car you want to be in.<\/p>\n
The Lotus Emira 420 Sport is $122,500.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I’m back with another Lotus article. Surprising, I know. But if there’s actually cool stuff happening, who am I to … <\/p>\n