Dynamic performance, refined engineering, and bespoke style converge as Lotus unveils its most engaging Emira to date.
Hethel, 5 June 2025 – Lotus has lifted the veil on the new Emira V6 SE, a striking evolution of its mid-engined sports car that now leads a technically enhanced line-up. Priced from £96,500*, the Emira V6 SE is available to order now, with its first showroom appearances expected from September 2025.
The Emira, since its debut, has stood as a bold statement of intent from Lotus – blending the brand’s storied performance heritage with modern-day refinement and everyday usability. With the launch of the V6 SE, Lotus continues its mission to deliver exhilarating road cars “For The Drivers” while advancing the Emira platform through a series of detailed enhancements.
Emira V6 SE: Engaging More Than Just the Road
The new Emira V6 SE refines the analogue thrill of Lotus’ six-cylinder platform with a host of new design cues, mechanical improvements, and bespoke details. At its heart lies the charismatic 3.5-litre supercharged V6, generating 400 bhp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a standard Limited Slip Differential (LSD) — or an optional automatic for those preferring paddle-shift control. This powerhouse sprints from 0–62 mph in just 4.3 seconds, backed by a symphonic soundtrack and razor-sharp response.
For 2025, Lotus engineers have enhanced the Emira’s mechanical feel further with a new compression gearbox mount on manual versions, providing more tactile and precise shifts. Tweaked damper calibration and revised wheel alignment lend the Emira V6 SE sharper turn-in characteristics while improving overall ride quality — underscoring Lotus’ unique ability to balance comfort and control.
Two chassis settings remain available: Tour, which is tuned for day-to-day refinement, and Sport, which stiffens the setup for heightened response. Hydraulic steering ensures pure, unfiltered feedback from road to fingertips — a dying art in modern performance cars.
Design That Drives Emotion
Visually, the V6 SE captures the Emira’s essence — a sculpted, exotic silhouette with real-world usability. Finished in Zinc Grey as standard, it wears exclusive V6 SE badging, the extended Black Pack, and 20-inch forged alloys with red brake calipers. The cabin features alcantara trim, sport pedals, and a wealth of personalisation options — with 15 exterior paints, seven interior themes, four brake caliper colours, and eight wheel designs. The result is a car that’s as expressive as it is engaging.
Emira Turbo and Turbo SE: More Accessible, Just as Engaging
Joining the Emira V6 SE is the newly introduced Emira Turbo, now the entry point to the range. Powered by a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed DCT gearbox – both sourced from AMG – the Emira Turbo delivers 360 bhp, a 0–62 mph time of 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 171 mph.
Despite its positioning, the Emira Turbo doesn’t compromise on performance DNA. Double wishbone suspension, electro-hydraulic steering, and Sport/Tour driving modes ensure a lively and capable driving experience. Lotus also offers a range of optional packs, including the Convenience Pack, Extended Lower Black Pack, and Extended Co-Driver Pack, to customise the Turbo to individual tastes.
Inside, the Emira Turbo provides luxury features such as 12-way electric memory seats, 190W audio, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — all part of a broader strategy to combine Lotus’ dynamic roots with premium comfort and technology.
Starting at £79,500*, the Emira Turbo opens the brand up to a wider range of enthusiasts without diluting its driver-first philosophy.
Technical Upgrades Across the Range
With the arrival of the V6 SE, Lotus has rolled out several mechanical and quality-of-life improvements across the Emira family:
- Cooling System Redesign: A new routing for coolant lines now improves flow to the transmission oil cooler and main radiator, resulting in better cooling and reduced weight.
- Enhanced A/C Calibration: For improved cabin stability in extreme heat.
- Thermostat Adjustment: New opening temperature raised from 65°C to 75°C, improving engine performance in demanding conditions.
- Refined DCT Gearbox Software: Faster and smoother shifts, improving both drivability and response.
These changes reflect Lotus’ ongoing commitment to fine-tuning the Emira platform in line with customer feedback and technical advancements.
Safety and Driver Assistance – With a Driver’s Focus
Standard across the range are critical ADAS features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Fatigue Detection. The optional Extended Co-Driver Pack adds Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning, and High Beam Assist — with all features easily customisable via the car’s intuitive interface, ensuring the focus remains firmly on driving enjoyment.
Racing Line: A Finishing Touch of Flair
For those who seek an even bolder look, Lotus introduces the Racing Line — a design pack available on the V6 SE and Turbo SE. This package includes:
- A lower pinstripe accent in yellow, red, or silver
- Colour-matched brake calipers and mirror caps
- Gloss black wheels, Racing Line badging, and a black/silver exterior Lotus logo
- Interior stitching and badges in matching accent colour
It’s a subtle yet powerful visual upgrade that celebrates the Emira’s motorsport roots.
Crafted in Hethel, Driven by Passion
Every Emira continues to be hand-built at Lotus’ historic Hethel facility, which has been producing sports cars since 1966. With its cutting-edge manufacturing processes and meticulous attention to detail, the Emira V6 SE represents a perfect blend of tradition and modernity — an automotive experience that is engineered not just to be driven, but to be felt.
Emira V6 SE | £96,500*
Emira Turbo | £79,500*
Available to order now | First showroom appearance September 2025
*Prices correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply.
