Lotus Just Upgraded the Emira! Is the V6 SE Worth $131K?

Lotus is stepping up its game with the 2026 Emira lineup, showing it is not resting on the early success of its latest sports car. Even though the Emira only arrived in the United States last year, Lotus is already introducing upgrades aimed at both performance and everyday livability.

For starters, all updated Emira models now come with a revised cooling system. The rerouted lines help optimize the flow to both the main radiator and the transmission oil cooler. This not only helps with thermal management during spirited drives, but it also trims down some weight, which is always a bonus in a sports car. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been retuned for faster and smoother shifts, making every drive feel more engaging.

Lotus has added two new colors to the palette: EOS Green and a striking Purple Haze metallic. But it is not just about looks. The Emira with the supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine is now called the V6 SE. It keeps its 400 horsepower output but benefits from damper tweaks and new wheel alignment settings to improve both cornering stability and ride comfort. The standard six-speed manual transmission has also been upgraded with a new compression mount, promising more precise gear changes.

For buyers entering the Emira world, the Turbo model continues to feature the same Mercedes-AMG-sourced four-cylinder engine and enjoys the improved eight-speed dual-clutch setup as well.

Pricing starts at £79,500, which is approximately $107,969, while the top-tier V6 SE comes in at £96,500 or $131,057. Deliveries are expected to begin in September, with U.S. availability details still pending.