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First Look

The new Lotus Emira Turbo SE is a 400bhp version of the four-cylinder sports car

Lotus finally gets to use more of AMG’s banzai turbo four-pot engine, but it’s not for Europe… yet

Published: 08 Oct 2024

When Lotus first unveiled the four-cylinder engined Emira, it’d be fair to say we were a little disappointed with its 360bhp output. We were told that figure was a result of a new intake and exhaust, as well as Lotus not wanting the baby Emira to trip up the full-fat 400bhp V6 version.

Well, it seems the latter worry has now gone out of the window, because the four-pot hasn’t just tripped up the V6, it’s put in a full-blooded, two-footed tackle. 

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You see, this new Emira Turbo SE comes complete with 400bhp and 353lb ft of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, and because it uses an eight-speed DCT gearbox it’ll do 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds. The supercharged V6 with a manual ‘box can only manage the same sprint in 4.3 seconds. Might still be the one to have though...

Although actually, if you’re based in Europe you won’t be able to make that choice just yet, because the Emira Turbo SE is only for the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions… for now. It comes as First Edition Emiras move off the table, to be replaced by the original 360bhp four-pot with the softer Touring suspension (now called Emira Turbo), this new 400bhp four-cylinder with the Lotus Drivers Pack and Sports suspension (Emira Turbo SE), and the 400bhp V6 that can be had with either the six-speed manual or a six-speed auto (Emira V6). 

There’s no word on whether this range will be reflected on our shores just yet, but given the choice, which would you go for?

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