Lotus is known for making lightweight, agile and exhilarating sports cars that are powered by high-revving engines. But the British brand is taking a different approach with its latest model, the 2024 Lotus Emira i4.
The Emira i4 is the first Lotus to use a four-cylinder engine from Mercedes-AMG, the performance division of the German luxury automaker. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 360 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to propel the Emira i4 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and to a top speed of 180 mph.
The 2024 Lotus Emira i4 is also the first Lotus to offer an automatic transmission with paddle shifters, in addition to a six-speed manual gearbox. The automatic transmission is sourced from Mercedes-Benz, while the manual is from Toyota.
The Emira i4 is not an electric car, nor a hybrid. It is a pure gasoline-powered sports car that aims to deliver a thrilling driving experience with a distinctive sound and feel. Lotus says the Emira i4 will be one of the last internal combustion engine cars it will ever make, as the company plans to switch to electric vehicles in the future.
The Emira i4 sports car is not just about the engine, though. It is also a stunningly beautiful car that draws inspiration from Lotus’s past and present models, such as the Elise, the Evora and the Evija. The Emira i4 has a sleek and sculpted body with sharp lines, large air intakes, LED headlights and taillights, and a prominent rear spoiler.
The interior of the Emira i4 is equally impressive, with a modern and luxurious design that features leather seats, a digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging, and a 10-speaker sound system. The Emira i4 also offers more space and comfort than previous Lotus cars, with more headroom, legroom and storage capacity.
The Lotus Emira i4 is not only a departure from Lotus’s tradition in terms of its engine and technology but also in terms of its price and availability. The Emira i4 will start at $97,995 in the US, which is significantly higher than the $62,450 starting price of the outgoing Evora GT. However, it is still cheaper than some of its rivals, such as the Porsche 718 Cayman S ($74,850) and the BMW M2 Competition ($61,900).
The Emira i4 will also be more widely available than previous Lotus cars, as the company plans to expand its dealer network in North America and other markets. Lotus expects to sell about 5,000 units of the Emira i4 per year globally, which would make it one of its most successful models ever.
The Emira i4 is scheduled to go on sale in the US in late-2023 as a 2024 model year vehicle. It will be joined by another version of the Emira that uses a supercharged V6 engine from Toyota, offering more power but less fuel efficiency than the Emira i4.
The Lotus Emira i4 is a bold and exciting move for Lotus, which hopes to attract new customers and fans with its stunning design, surprising engine and advanced technology. The Lotus Emira i4 may not be what some purists expect from Lotus, but it may be what the brand needs to survive and thrive in the changing automotive landscape.
