- Lotus has replaced the Emira First Edition with the Emira Turbo SE
- The Emira Turbo SE keeps the AMG-sourced 2.0-liter turbo-4
- Output rises to 400 hp, matching the output of the Emira V6’s supercharged 3.5-liter V-6
The Lotus Emira has only been in production for just over three years, yet Lotus reached a significant milestone recently by building its 10,000th example. This is a notable achievement, considering production at Lotus’ Hethel, U.K., plant was limited to just 1,500 units annually not long ago. Thanks to recent upgrades, production capacity has now risen to around 5,000 units per year.
To mark the milestone, Lotus on Tuesday announced key updates to the Emira lineup. The most significant change is the replacement of the Emira First Edition with the Emira Turbo SE, a new model positioned much closer to the Emira V6 in terms of performance and features.
The “SE” in the name stands for “Special Equipment,” a designation Lotus first introduced on the Type 14 Elite, signifying increased power and features. True to its name, the Emira Turbo SE receives a power boost, with its AMG-sourced 2.0-liter turbo-4 now producing 400 hp—an increase from the 360 hp in the Emira First Edition and on par with the supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Emira V6.
With the added power, Lotus claims the Emira Turbo SE can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just four seconds, shaving 0.4 second off the previous time. The top speed increases by 11 mph to 180 mph. It is available exclusively with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Additional standard features include the Lotus Drivers Pack, which enhances performance with upgraded suspension and brakes, as well as launch control. The Turbo SE also comes with new 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers, an Alcantara headliner, and unique badges.
The Emira V6 also sees some updates, including a new headliner trim and black interior trim for the A-pillars and cantrails. Performance remains unchanged, with a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds for the automatic and 4.3 seconds for the manual, and a top speed of 180 mph for both.
Lotus has been delivering Emiras to the U.S. since mid-2023, though there’s no confirmation yet on whether the latest versions will reach this market. Orders for the updated models are already open in other regions.
