Last Internal Combustion Engine Sports Car by Lotus: Turbo SE Model
Lotus Unveils Enhanced Emira Turbo SE: The Last Internal Combustion Sports Car from the Brand
The British automaker Lotus has unveiled the Emira Turbo SE, the brand's last internal combustion sports car model. This latest offering touts a four-cylinder engine that now outperforms the V6 variant, adding a new dimension to the sports car’s appeal.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, augmented by technology from AMG, delivers 294 kW/400 PS, matching the performance of the Emira V6’s 3.5-liter engine. Boasting 480 Newton meters of torque and 93 kilograms less weight, the Turbo SE offers better performance with lower fuel consumption. Priced at 109,490 euros, it also comes with a more affordable price tag, being 3,000 euros cheaper than the V6.
Historically, the acronym "SE" at Lotus signified "Special Equipment." The Emira Turbo SE embodies this legacy by incorporating the "Lotus Drivers Pack" as standard equipment. This includes a carefully tuned sports suspension, reinforced, cross-drilled, and ventilated brake discs, and launch control. The package is complemented by gray 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels with contrasting red brake calipers and an Alcantara headliner.
The Emira Turbo SE's four-cylinder engine, designated M139 by AMG, delivers 40 more horsepower and has a 50 Newton meter higher torque compared to the First Edition of the Emira sold since 2022. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission from Affalterbach, the Turbo SE accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in four seconds and reaches a top speed of 291 km/h – a 16 km/h improvement over the previous model.
Test-driving the Emira Turbo SE on Swedish roads, particularly around Gothenburg and on the Falkenberg Motorbana racetrack, revealed a seating position that is extremely low. The mid-engine drive, positioned in the rear, creates an aerodynamic drop that makes the front of the car appear steep in front of the windshield. The steering is direct and provides considerable feedback, making for a responsive drive, although it can prove nerve-wracking on long drives due to its sensitivity to road irregularities.
On high-speed drives, the Emira Turbo SE demonstrates exceptional stability, with aerodynamics generating 55 kilograms of downforce at 200 km/h. This compensates for the typical lift experienced by normal passenger cars at such speeds, and the acoustic backdrop is impressively robust given the small displacement for a sports car.
On the racetrack, the Turbo SE offers commendable control even for amateurs, with its brakes showing exceptional resilience after multiple fast laps. Through three driving modes – from Touring through Sport to Track – the electronic driving aids can be customized to provide varying levels of support.
The question remains whether the Emira V6 remains an appealing option. While the V6 model is said to be even more track-focused, it may cater to a niche audience: purists who can order it with a classic manual transmission – an option not available in the turbo version.
Technical SpecificationsModel: Compact class two-seater coupéLength: 4.41 metersWidth: 1.90 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2.09 meters)Height: 1.23 metersWheelbase: 2.58 metersTrunk volume: 151 litersEngine: 2.0-liter gasoline engine, 294 kW/400 PS, Torque 480 Nm, Rear-wheel drive, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission0-100 km/h: 4.0 sVmax: 291 km/hCombined fuel consumption: 9.192 l/100 kmCO2 emissions: 208 g/kmPrice: 109,490 Euro
Sources: ntv.de, Martin Westerhoff, sp-x
- The manufacturing of the Emira Turbo SE, from Lotus's last internal combustion sports car line, involves materials from various categories, except those of the automotive product itself.
- Despite its lower displacement, the four-cylinder engine in the Emira Turbo SE shows impressive performance, demonstrating the industry's ongoing advancements in technology.
- The Emira Turbo SE's affordability, combined with its improved performance and standard premium features, could potentially influence the lifestyle choices of potential buyers in the home-and-garden sector, who might also be enthusiasts of outdoor-living gadgets.
- In the finance sector, the contrasting pricing between the Emira Turbo SE and the V6 version might open up opportunities for different consumer groups interested in the automotive industry, particularly those seeking a more economical sports car option.
- With its improved aerodynamics and handling, the Emira Turbo SE's performance on the racetrack could create a new dimension in the sports category, appealing to both amateurs and purists fond of manual transmissions.
