The future of Lotus is electric, but the present is still deliciously, addictively analog. Lotus has just turned the wick up on its stunning mid-engine sports car with the introduction of the 2026 Emira V6 SE and Emira Turbo models, confirming that the last of the internal combustion engine (ICE) Lotuses will be the very best.
For those who believe a true sports car requires three pedals and a proper mechanical soundtrack, the Emira V6 SE is the answer. This is the ultimate expression of the Toyota-sourced, supercharged 3.5-liter V6 that has defined Lotus performance for years.
Key Highlights of the V6 SE:
- Engine: Supercharged 3.5-liter V6
- Power Output: 400 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual with Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as standard (automatic optional)
- 0-62 mph: A blistering 4.3 seconds
- New Enhancements: Lotus engineers have subtly refined the V6 SE with optimized damper calibration and reconfigured cooling system lines to enhance both track performance and daily usability. The manual gearbox even benefits from a new compression mount for more precise shifts.
The V6 SE stands out visually with exclusive badging, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and a luxurious, Alcantara-finished cabin that truly feels like a cockpit designed for the driver.
The four-cylinder Emira Turbo receives a significant refinement, focusing on speed, precision, and the latest technology sourced from their partner, AMG. This model redefines the entry point into the Emira family.
Key Highlights of the Emira Turbo:
- Engine: AMG-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
- Power Output: 360 hp
- Transmission: 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) only
- 0-62 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Refined Dynamics: The DCT has been recalibrated for even faster, smoother gear changes. Like the V6 SE, the Turbo benefits from chassis tweaks, including optimized cooling and refined damper settings.
The Turbo is the Emira for the modern era—a lighter, incredibly potent machine that sacrifices nothing in terms of speed and offers a compelling blend of daily usability and track-day capability.
For enthusiasts who demand an uncompromising aesthetic, both the V6 SE and Turbo models are available with the new Racing Line design option. This package adds a visual edge with unique design elements and accents, perfectly capturing Lotus’s legendary motorsport heritage.
The 2026 Lotus Emira line-up represents the final chapter in Lotus’s gasoline-powered sports car history. By introducing these refined and focused models, Lotus is ensuring its internal combustion legacy goes out with a bang, not a whimper. They have taken an already spectacular sports car and given it the tweaks and technology needed to solidify its place as a modern classic.
