Lotus Emira 420 Sport: Lightest, Most Powerful Emira Yet
Lotus has unveiled the Emira 420 Sport, the most powerful, lightest and most aerodynamically capable Emira the brand has ever built. Sitting at the top of the Emira range, this new model delivers even greater performance on both road and track, while staying true to the agility, response and driver engagement that define Lotus.
The Emira 420 Sport produces 420PS from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It sprints from 0–62mph in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 186mph. Drivers who choose the optional Lightweight Handling Pack benefit from a car that weighs 25kg less than the Emira Turbo while generating 25kg of extra downforce. A range of aerodynamic revisions boosts cooling and track performance without adding drag.
Lotus has also introduced a removable tinted glass roof panel for the Emira, now available across the full model range.
Qingfeng Feng, CEO of Lotus Group, said: “Emira 420 Sport is proof of our commitment to Focus 2030, and we’re listening to our customers. This is what obsessive engineering looks like. We've built on everything Emira has achieved to date to deliver a car that is even more connected, more intuitive, and more rewarding to drive. It is a car for the drivers.”
The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine generates 420PS and 500Nm of torque, and Lotus pairs it with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for faster acceleration and sharper in-gear response. The Lightweight Handling Pack further sharpens agility and responsiveness, adding two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers, a titanium exhaust, a lithium-ion battery, carbon fibre components, and a dedicated Lotus Track Performance app that lets drivers measure and record their lap times.
Lotus has reworked the exterior to improve aerodynamics and cooling. A new front splitter, revised front vents, extended side sills, larger air intakes, a lip spoiler and a louvred tailgate all feature on the Emira 420 Sport. These changes increase airflow to the outboard radiators by 15 per cent and to the central radiator by 14 per cent, while brake cooling improves by 10 per cent and exhaust valve airflow rises by 30 per cent. Together, these upgrades help drivers maintain consistent performance in demanding conditions, particularly on track. The design updates also nod to Lotus’ heritage, echoing styling cues from cars such as the Esprit Turbo.
The Emira 420 Sport builds on Lotus’ reputation for precise steering and balanced handling. A 5mm lower ride height, combined with revised suspension settings and high-performance tyres, sharpens control and feedback. The bonded aluminium chassis and double-wishbone suspension strike a balance between the ride comfort and handling precision that the Emira is known for, while electro-hydraulic power steering delivers precise feedback to the driver.
Inside the cabin, Lotus has created a space that supports both road and track driving, featuring 12-way adjustable seats, a driver-focused layout and intuitive controls. New carbon fibre gearshift paddles work alongside updated haptics to add responsiveness and engagement.
Gavin Kershaw, Director of Attributes at Lotus Cars, said: “Emira is globally renowned for its ride and handling – it has been tuned to absorb, settle and communicate, working in harmony with a steering system that remains pure. With the 420 Sport, we've taken that foundation and pushed it further. Adjustable dampers, increased downforce, sharper responses, reduced roll - every detail obsessively engineered to put the driver more in control.”
Buyers can now personalise their Emira 420 Sport with an optional exterior carbon fibre pack that covers the front splitter, side sills, wheel arch vents, side pods, rear spoiler, and diffuser surround. Lotus also offers a choice of nine wheel designs and finishes, including new 20-inch 15-spoke forged alloy wheels finished in satin dark grey. A vibrant, extensive colour palette gives buyers 16 shades to choose from, and Tangelo Orange, a vivid colour exclusive to the Emira 420 Sport, continues Lotus’ long tradition of striking orange paintwork.
Two new optional cabin packs round out the personalisation options. The Carbon Fibre Pack reshapes the driver display surround with unique geometry and adds carbon detailing to the steering wheel’s centre spoke and the seat back logo surround. The Hand Painted Pack uses the Tangelo Orange launch colour to highlight the centre console, steering wheel spoke, gear lever inner and air vent surrounds.
For the first time, Lotus offers a removable tinted glass roof panel on the Emira. Inspired by the Esprit, the panel is designed for quick removal and is stored in a protective bag behind the seats, allowing drivers to switch easily between coupé and open-top driving. Lotus’ underlying architecture keeps dynamic performance unchanged, regardless of which configuration drivers choose. This feature is now available across all Emira variants.
The Emira 420 Sport is available to order now, with customer deliveries expected from August 2026. Starting prices are €129,900 in Europe, £105,900 in the United Kingdom and $122,900 in the United States.
