Lotus Emira 420 Sport Just Became a Porsche Rival

The new Lotus Emira 420 Sport is shaping up to be one of the most exciting versions of the Emira yet. Lotus has taken its already sharp mid engine sports car and pushed it further with more power, less weight, and several upgrades focused on driving performance. For enthusiasts who felt the standard Emira needed a little more aggression, the 420 Sport looks like the answer.

Power comes from the familiar turbocharged 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine sourced from Mercedes AMG, but Lotus engineers have increased output to 414 horsepower. That is a noticeable jump over both the standard Emira and the previously introduced Emira SE. Torque has also climbed to 369 pound feet, giving the car stronger acceleration throughout the rev range. The power is still sent to the rear wheels through an 8 speed dual clutch automatic transmission, helping the Emira maintain its balanced sports car personality.

Performance numbers show just how much quicker this new version has become. Lotus says the Emira 420 Sport can sprint from 0 to 62 miles per hour in only 3.9 seconds. That makes it the quickest Emira ever produced so far. Top speed also rises to 186 miles per hour, giving the car even more credibility against rivals from Porsche and Alpine.

Lotus did not stop with extra horsepower. Engineers also focused heavily on reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. With the Lightweight Handling Pack installed, the Emira 420 Sport weighs only 3153 pounds, making it the lightest Emira available. At the same time, the updated aerodynamic package produces an additional 55 pounds of downforce, helping improve stability during high speed driving and aggressive cornering.

One of the most interesting additions is the removable tinted glass roof panel. Inspired by classic Lotus sports cars and even carrying a bit of Esprit flavor, the roof can be removed for a more open driving experience. While it is not a full convertible, it gives drivers a way to enjoy fresh air without sacrificing the coupe design. Lotus also made the roof practical because it can be stored neatly behind the seats.

The suspension setup has also been revised, and the car now sits slightly lower to the ground. Combined with stickier tires, the Emira 420 Sport should feel even sharper when pushed on a mountain road or race track. Inside the cabin, the changes are more subtle, but carbon fiber shift paddles and available carbon fiber trim packages help separate this version from the rest of the lineup.

Pricing places the Emira 420 Sport firmly into premium sports car territory. Starting at $122,900, it costs $16,000 more than the Turbo SE. Still, Lotus is clearly targeting buyers who want the most focused and capable Emira possible before the automotive industry continues shifting deeper into electrification.

For many driving enthusiasts, this could end up being one of the last truly exciting lightweight gasoline powered Lotus sports cars. That alone may make the Emira 420 Sport a very special machine in the years ahead.