New Lotus Emira gets both AMG and Toyota power

The all-new 2021 Lotus Emira has been unveiled early this morning at the car-maker's Hethel HQ in the UK.

The headline news is the replacement for the ancient Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora gets the option of either a circa-265kW AMG-sourced M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S or an even more powerful 294kW 3.5-litre supercharged V6 sourced from Toyota.

The AMG four-pot comes equipped with a dual-clutch transmission, while the supercharged V6 gets the option of either a six-speed manual or a conventional torque-converter automatic.

Created to rival both the Alpine A110 and the Porsche 718 Cayman, the Emira measures in at 4412mm long, 1895mm wide and 1225mm tall – dimensions that dwarf the Elise, Exige and even the largest Evora.

Weight has increased as a result of the more generous proportions. The fibreglass-bodied Emira, which sits on an all-new bonded aluminium structure, tips the scales at 1405kg for the lightest version.

Full performance details have yet to be released, but the Emira with the 2.0-litre turbo AMG donk is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than 4.5 seconds and top out at 290km/h.

Featuring advanced aerodynamics developed while creating the pure-electric Lotus Evija, the Emira's design is clearly inspired by the multimillion-dollar hypercar, including its slimline headlights.

Claimed to be the best-handling Lotus of all time, the rear-wheel drive Emira follows McLaren by shunning electric power steering for a traditional hydraulic steering rack for better feel.

Inside, the small Lotus gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that's joined by a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Cargo volume is limited to a small 151-litre storage space behind the engine that's claimed to be big enough for a set of golf clubs.

The list of new tech (for Lotus) is long. There's adaptive cruise control, 12-way electric seats, automatic headlights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, electric folding mirrors and even curtain airbags.

New options include a Lotus Drivers Pack that adds launch control.

There's also a stiffer suspension and more aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres offered on 20-inch rims.

Lotus has announced that prices will begin at £60,000 ($A110,000) when the Emira goes on sale in the UK in the third quarter. First Australian deliveries are expected late this year or early in 2022.