There’s something poetic about Lotus perfecting its final combustion-powered sports car just as the automotive world pivots towards electrification. Since its 2021 debut, the Emira has carried the weight of being the last of its kind from Hethel, but with the new V6 SE and entry-level Turbo variants, we can clearly see how internal combustion still has something meaningful to offer.
The V6 SE: More Than Just Another Trim Level
Four years into its lifecycle, the Emira has found its rhythm. Where early iterations felt like Lotus was still figuring out how to balance its legendary driving purity for the modern driver, these latest variants suggest the company has cracked the code. The V6 SE balances the versatility of its supercharged Toyota engine with suspension tuning so you can finally use this for both joy rides and everyday errands.
The V6 SE isn’t revolutionary, but evolution can be just as compelling. Borrowed from Toyota and refined through generations of Lotus engineering, the 3.5-liter supercharged V6 still produces 400hp but now has the support of a new compression mount for the manual transmission that delivers crisper shifts. Meanwhile, retuned dampers and subtle wheel alignment adjustments sharpen handling.
There are also different driving modes for different occasions. Tour mode is more for day-to-day usability, while Sport mode transforms the car into something that would feel at home on the track. Also returning is the hydraulic steering, providing fantastic feedback that purists would say only combustion engines can give you.
Accessibility Without Compromise
Aside from the V6 SE, there’s the entry-level Turbo, which addresses the Emira’s price barrier. At £79,500 (~$108,000), it slots below the SE variants while retaining the Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Admittedly, it’s detuned to 360hp, compared to the Turbo SE’s 400 ponies, but that only decreases the 0-to-60 acceleration by a negligible 0.1 seconds. More importantly, it preserves the Emira’s hallmark mid-engine layout and sharp handling we mentioned with the V6.
On the inside, you’ll find twelve-way power seats, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, and modern safety tech like Autonomous Emergency Braking. It’s a far cry from the barebones Elise days, where Lotus infamously stripped down such features for the sake of shedding weight, but at the cost of comfort.
Refinement Through Evolution
Beyond the new variants, Lotus has addressed some nagging issues across the entire Emira lineup. Providing better flow to both transmission and radiator, the optimized cooling system will be a welcomed evolution for track-focused drivers. Similarly, the recalibrated dual-clutch transmission offers smoother shifts and better driver interaction, acknowledging the abrupt behavior the predecessor tended to have.
When Less Is More
Along with the new variants, the Emira has also gotten an optional Racing Line package for an extra £3,000 (~$4,100), introducing subtle pinstripes and color-matched details on the outside. Meanwhile, interior touches like color-matched stitching and special badging complete the theme.
Spec Sheet
Model: Lotus Emira V6 SE
Engine: 3.5L supercharged V6 (Toyota sourced)
Power: 400hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual (standard) / 6-speed automatic (optional)
0-60 Time: 4.3 seconds
Top Speed: 180mph
Price: £96,500 (~$130,500)
Model: Lotus Emira Turbo
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (Mercedes-AMG sourced)
Power: 360hp
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch
0-60 Time: 4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 171mph
Price: £79,500 (~$108,000)
Pricing & Availability
While no U.S. pricing or availability has been announced yet, these Lotus Emira variants are available to order now overseas, with showroom debuts scheduled for September 2025. The V6 SE starts at £96,500 (~$130,500), positioning it as the new flagship, while the Turbo serves as the entry point at £79,500 (~$108,000). Lotus offers extensive customization options, including 15 exterior colors, seven interior themes, and eight wheel designs at varying price points.
Recap
2026 Lotus Emira V6 SE & Turbo
For the 2026 Emira model, Lotus has sought to perfect its final gas-combustion vehicle with a V6 SE version and entry-level Turbo variant.
