Lotus Emira V6 First Edition orders open

Lotus Australia has revealed that its last-ever traditional combustion-engined model – the 2022 Lotus Emira – is priced from $184,990 plus on-road costs.

Local orders are now open for the 2022 Lotus Emira V6 First Edition, ahead of first customer deliveries expected in July next year.

An updated online configurator is set to go live on the company’s website in the coming days, allowing buyers to tailor the specification of their vehicle, while those who have already placed a deposit can now expect to be contacted by their dealer.

The pricing positions the British brand’s all-new sports car some $10,000 upstream of the Porsche Cayman GTS and at the upper end of the spectrum compared with the Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora models that the Emira replaces.

As we’ve previously reported, Lotus is set to offer additional Emira models beyond the V6 First Edition, including an i4 First Edition which will be powered by a 268kW version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.

The car-maker confirmed today the i4 First Edition would target a price of $150,000 plus ORCs and should arrive in Australia “later in 2023”.

Lotus Cars Australia says the Emira V6 First Edition is fully optioned with technology, safety and performance equipment that will allow it to comfortably set new internal combustion benchmarks for the brand.

“The Emira is an exciting car in so many ways. It is the last and most accomplished internal combustion engine sports car Lotus will ever make,” said Lotus Cars Australia CEO Lee Knappett.

“It appeals to a much broader buyer group than any previous Lotus and does so without sacrificing the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance, best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience.”

Powering the newcomer is a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (a la Toyota Camry) boosted by an Edelbrock 1740 supercharger to make 298kW and 420Nm in six-speed manual form.

Owners after the six-speed automatic gearbox – which sees engine torque lifted to 430Nm – will need to pay an additional $4000.

According to Lotus, the manual Emira V6 features a 0-100km/h time of 4.2sec in automatic guise (4.3sec for the manual) as well as a top speed of 290km/h.

The Lotus Emira V6 First Edition boasts hydraulic power-assist steering, rides on 20-inch diamond-cut forged alloy wheels, stops via two-piece brake discs with branded callipers and has tyre pressure monitoring.

Exterior details include LED lights all round, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors, rear parking sensors and six exterior paint colours all paired with gloss black for items such as the splitter, diffuser and side sills.

Inside there are seven colour choices, 12-way adjustable heated seats with two memory settings for the driver, climate control, cruise control, keyless start and selectable drive modes.

A 10.25-inch touch-screen operates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation supported by Bluetooth and USB/12V sockets. A KEF 10-channel/340W premium audio system includes DAB digital radio.

A 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster sits behind a multifunction steering wheel.

There are configurable option packs that will be fitted to Australian vehicles as standard.

They include a Drivers Pack which gives customers the choice of Tour or Sport suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres, or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

The Design Pack adds privacy glass, sports pedals, a black Alcantara headliner and the choice of black, red, yellow or silver brake callipers. Lotus-branded footwell mats are also included.

The Convenience Pack adds front parking sensors, rear reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers with aero blades, auto-dimming mirrors and a rear luggage storage net.

Finally, the Lower Black Pack adds front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser finished in gloss black.

Options include a $2999 Extended Black Pack that colours the roof, cantrails, mirror backs, Lotus badge and exhaust.

Buyers can also order a full Alcantara-clad steering wheel with choice of black, grey, red or yellow top dead centre marker ($999), or a full leather tiller with the same colour choices (sans black) for the marker ($999). 

A vehicle tracker is available for $1199, while the Homelink wireless control system adds $499.

Lotus, now owned by Chinese auto giant Geely, has already revealed some of its post-Emira future, with the 2022 Lotus Evija battery-electric hypercar due for release next year.

How much does the 2021 Lotus Emira cost?
V6 First Edition – $184,990
V6 First Edition (a) – $188,990
*Prices exclude on-road costs