Enhanced Lotus Emira Turbo SE Model: Standard Incorporation of Exclusive Features
Lotus Emira Turbo SE: The Compact Sports Car with a Power Boost
The British automaker Lotus has introduced a new variant of its last internal combustion model, the Emira, offering a performance boost that rivals the V6 model. The Lotus Emira Turbo SE, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from Mercedes-AMG, generates 294 kW/400 PS, making it comparable in power to the Emira V6.
The four-cylinder engine, produced in Affalterbach, surpasses the entry-level engine's previous power output. More notably, it delivers better performance with lower fuel consumption and a lower price tag of €109,490, undercutting the Emira V6 by €3,000.
standard equipment of the Emira Turbo SE includes the "Lotus Drivers Pack," encompassing a sports suspension, upgraded braking system, launch control, and distinctive 20-inch V-spoke forged wheels with contrasting red brake calipers. An Alcantara headliner further complements the package.
Under the hood, the Turbo SE boosts the four-cylinder engine's force output by 40 PS and increases the torque by 50 Nm compared to the First Edition of the Emira, which has been available since 2022. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission from Affalterbach ensures swift acceleration, propelling the Emira Turbo SE from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds while reaching a top speed of 291 km/h—an increase of 16 km/h over the previous model.
In testing the Emira Turbo SE in Sweden, it became evident that the seating position in the compact two-seater coupé is extremely low. The mid-engine drive positioned at the rear causes the front of the car to drop off significantly in front of the windshield, making it challenging to determine its end behind the steering wheel.
The steering wheel provides direct and responsive feedback, making even a highway tire change noticeable. While this enhances precision on the racetrack, it can prove nerve-wracking during long drives as the Emira tends to follow road irregularities. The Emira Turbo SE, however, excels at high speeds, generating 55 kg of downforce at 200 km/h, allowing it to maintain driving stability when passenger cars typically experience lift, leading to decreased stability.
The Lotus Emira Turbo SE's brakes remain stable after several fast laps, allowing for adjustable assistance levels via three driving modes (Touring, Sport, Track). This flexibility ensures the sportscar can be tailored to amateurs' abilities on the racetrack, progressively increasing in support as experience improves.
The question remains: who would consider the Emira V6 after the Turbo SE's introduction? Lotus contends that the larger brother is more race-oriented, with a classic manual transmission available as an option, unlike the Turbo SE. Thus, its buyers should appreciate the semi-automatic mode via steering wheel paddles if the Emira ever stops production and moves towards electric vehicles.
Technical Specifications
- Compact class two-seater coupé
- Length: 4.41 meters, width: 1.90 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2.09 meters), height: 1.23 meters, wheelbase: 2.58 meters, trunk volume: 151 liters
- 2.0-liter gasoline engine: 294 kW/400 PS, torque 480 Nm; rear-wheel drive, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
- 0-100 km/h: 4.0 s, Vmax: 291 km/h, combined consumption: 9.192 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 208 g/km
- Price: 109,490 Euro
Sources: ntv.de, Martin Westerhoff, sp-x
- Lotus
- Sports Cars
- Compact Class
- The Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, manufactured for the Lotus Emira Turbo SE, necessitates financing from external sources, contributing to the overall lifestyle costs of the car.
- As technology advances, the Lotus Emira Turbo SE's superior performance and fuel efficiency underscores the potential for compatible enhancements in various areas of daily life, beyond just sports and automotive sectors.
