Only weeks after the first customer deliveries of the Lotus Emira, Milltek Sport has created a performance exhaust system to optimise the sound, weight and driving dynamics of what is one of the year’s most exciting sports cars.
Milltek Sport was able to fast-track the development of its latest exhaust after working with Litchfield to engineer a bespoke system for the renowned tuner’s supercharged 3.5-litre V6 manual-powered launch edition.
Taking its learnings from the in-depth development stage and the real-world results from Litchfield’s demonstrator, Milltek Sport is now one of the first to offer a choice of performance-focused systems for Lotus’ last ever model to be powered by a traditional combustion engine.
As with all Milltek Sport systems, the Lotus Emira exhaust upgrade improves on the standard system in terms of weight, aesthetics, sound, and performance. Crafted from aircraft-grade T304L stainless steel and utlising the factory mounting points, the Milltek Sport system also scores in terms of durability and ease-of-installation.
The OPF/GPF-back system works seamlessly with the factory OE valve control motor and features freer-flowing 3-inch pipework, culminating in left hand and right hand 2.5-inch outlet pipes. On its own, the stainless steel rear silencer provides a 1kg weight saving against the stock item.
An optional OPF/GPF bypass pipe, which is fitted to Litchfield’s demonstrator, is also available, which works in conjunction with the optional plug-and-play Milltek Sport valve control system. When the bypass pipe is fitted, the rear silencer is even lighter, weighing-in at 2.7kg less than the factory version.
With no additional wiring required, the Milltek Sport valve control system opens the valve to bypass the rear silencer completely, unlocking the best possible sound for the engine.
The Milltek Sport system generates an 18% drop in back pressure and although delivering an enhanced, more aggressive engine note, will not cause issues should customers wish to explore the potential of their Lotus Emira on track. With the rear silencer, the Emira is fully track day-compliant, while even with the OPF bypass pipe and valves open, the Lotus will be within reach of the noise regulations of certain UK tracks.
For even more added lightness, Milltek Sport is currently replicating the upgraded exhaust in titanium. Once fully developed, the rear silencer alone is expected to offer a significant weight saving of between 6-7kg compared to the factory version.
The systems have been designed, developed and produced at the company’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Derby, UK. From its initial work on the system for the V6 Lotus Emira, Milltek Sport will also be able to accelerate production of a similar, weight-saving system for the forthcoming 2.0-litre turbocharged AMG engine option.
“Once again, we are exceptionally pleased to be one of the first to offer an enhanced sports-focused exhaust for another of 2023’s most exciting performance cars,” says Steve Pound, Managing Director at Milltek Sport. “It follows our recent systems for the new Honda Civic Type R FL5 range and BMW M3 Touring, and underlines our commitment and resources in being able to efficiently bring to market superior exhausts for the most eagerly-anticipated and sought-after performance vehicles.
“Our work with Litchfield has helped us to create a system that not only enhances the Lotus Emira as a standalone upgrade, but which is also designed to work in parallel with other tuning enhancements to fully optimise the performance potential of the supercharged V6.”