The Emria i4 is the "most powerful four-cylinder Lotus sports car of all time," according to its original 2021 announcement, and a mid-mounted 2.0-litre Mercedes-AMG turbocharged engine powers it. However, it has a few improvements, such as a new intake and an updated exhaust.
The engine produces 360 horsepower (268 kW/365 PS) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. The supercharged 3.5-litre V6 only has 40 horsepower (30 kW/41 PS), but the four-cylinder has an additional seven lb-ft (9 Nm) of torque.
The four-cylinder, the "final mainstream combustion engine" used in a two-seat Lotus, is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox from Mercedes that has been custom-calibrated for shift patterns. The dual-clutch transmission is the first to be installed in a Lotus, and according to the manufacturer, it enables quicker gear changes than the six-speed automatic featured in the Emira V6.
Thanks to this configuration, the Emira i4 can reach its highest speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) after accelerating from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Customers will discover launch control, an e-Diff feature, and paddle shifters on the steering wheel, which is just a little slower than the V6-powered variant.
The vehicle has a double-wishbone suspension of forged aluminium and rides atop the bonded aluminium Lotus Sports Car Architecture. The rear subframe of the four-cylinder version is made of lightweight cast aluminium, contributing to a weight savings of 26.5 lbs (12 kg) compared to the steel unit used in the Emira V6.
If consumers choose the Tour or Sport chassis, the suspension's Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers will each provide a different level of adjustability. While the latter is "focused on the track," the former is "optimized for road use" and has softer springs and dampers.
Other features include specially designed tires and a fresh calibration for the electronic stability control system. Cross-drilled and slotted discs with front and rear measurements of 14.6 inches (370 mm) and 13.8 inches (350 mm) are used to connect them.
Despite its unsurprising design, the 3,188 lb (1,446 kg) coupe has flush-mounted door handles, rear solid haunches, and LED headlights. In addition, the model has a twin exhaust system, a gloss black diffuser, and a deliberate design that produces "passive downforce that's perfectly balanced between the front and rear axles at all speeds." Additionally, 13 other colour options are available to buyers, ranging from Cosmos Black and Osmium Silver to Atlantis Blue and Hethel Yellow.
20-inch ultra-lightweight forged wheels with a diamond-cut finish complete the highlights. Customers may optionally select a Black Pack, which gives the roof and mirror caps a gloss black finish.
Moving inside, drivers are presented with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as they sit behind flat-bottomed steering wheels. A 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection connects to the latter.
Other comforts include twelve-way power heated seats with an Alcantara or Nappa leather covering. A premium audio system created in collaboration with KEF, an Alcantara headliner, and an option of contrast stitching are added.
The Emira V6 has already proven very popular, with thousands of orders coming in worldwide, said Lotus Group Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Mike Johnstone. With the addition of the four-cylinder Emira to the lineup, we are expanding the scope of the vehicle's capabilities and appeal while bringing new levels of accessibility and efficiency while maintaining the performance and agility our customers have come to expect from us.
