Lotus Emira i4: High-Octane Efficiency from a Compact Powerhouse
Ambition has never been foreign to Lotus, and the 2024 Emira i4 provides further testament to this. Building upon the colossal success of the Emira V6, Lotus now serves up a new iteration of the sports car, amplifying its appeal by injecting an advanced four-cylinder engine into the heart of the beast.
Unveiling the i4 Powerplant
The Emira i4’s sleek silhouette houses a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, courtesy of Mercedes-AMG. The all-aluminium, four-cylinder engine is designed for exceptional performance, while providing an impressively efficient ride. The boisterous engine, which holds the title of the world's most powerful series-production four-cylinder, is able to churn out 360 bhp and 430 Nm of torque, thereby matching the performance might of its supercharged 3.5-litre V6 cousin. Lotus' engineers have further optimized the engine by introducing a unique calibration, bespoke intake, and exhaust systems, as well as new transmission shift-mapping.
True to the Lotus Ethos
The Emira i4 exemplifies the Lotus principle of "simplify, then add lightness". It boasts an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis structure that is both lightweight and stiff, a pairing that enhances its dynamic performance. The inclusion of this new power unit aligns perfectly with Lotus’s objective of delivering exhilarating performance through mass reduction. Notably, this model sets a new standard for Lotus' four-cylinder powerhouses, boasting the highest specific power output in the Emira range.
Performance: Speed and Efficiency
The Lotus Emira i4 does not just bring raw power, but it also manages to do it with panache. As the last combustion engine two-seater from the British automaker, the Emira i4 hits 0-62mph in a mere 4.4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 180mph. In the same breath, the i4 model promises lower fuel consumption and a target CO2 emissions figure of 208g/km (WLTP combined), ensuring that while your heart races, your eco-conscience can rest easy.
Uniqueness in Every Drive
Lotus also acknowledges that the appeal of a sports car extends beyond raw performance figures, encapsulating a unique driving experience that can't be put into numbers. This is where the Emira i4 hopes to shine. Paired with a smooth, rapid-shifting dual-clutch transmission, the i4 brings its own unique character to the Emira range. It’s a car designed to offer the high-performance feel and connection that Lotus drivers have come to expect, while also providing the refinement and comfort required for day-to-day use.
The Dance of Dynamics
Part and parcel of the Lotus Emira i4’s appeal is its astonishingly agile performance, and much of the credit for this must go to the vehicle dynamics. The Emira’s nimble, light yet rigid, bonded aluminium sports car framework offers a platform for dynamic engineers to perform their magic. It's this underlying structure that gives the car its agility and ultra-responsive handling.
At the heart of the Emira's handling lies a race-derived, lightweight, forged aluminium double-wishbone suspension. This guarantees optimal control of the tyre contact patch throughout the suspension’s full range of motion. The introduction of the four-cylinder engine within the Emira lineup brings a lightweight cast aluminium rear subframe replacing the heavier steel version in the Emira V6, shaving off a nifty 12kg.
Enhancing its steering prowess, the Emira employs an electro-hydraulic system that amplifies every subtle input from the driver, achieving a thoroughly engaging driving experience. Depending on the chosen chassis setting, Lotus fine-tunes the Eibach springs and Bilstein high-pressure monotube dampers. This tweak, coupled with a completely new calibration for the Electronic Stability Control system and an e-Diff function, ensures grip, control, and performance in a wide range of conditions.
Adorned in Aerodynamics
As you trace your gaze along the Emira’s aerodynamically sculpted form, it's hard not to see the influence of the all-electric Evija hypercar. The exterior design takes a slice from the Evija's playbook, sporting sculpted doors with deployable handles and full-LED headlights. From front to rear, the design underscores the Emira's athletic persona.
The Emira’s design includes meticulous aerodynamic features, developed using computational fluid dynamics simulations, and fine-tuned in wind tunnels. The design boasts of passive downforce, balanced perfectly across both axles. Such careful detailing removes the need for any active aerodynamic features and ensures a predictable, accurate driving experience.
In the spectrum of 13 distinct exterior colors, you can have the Emira in everything from Hethel Yellow to Cosmos Black. The optional Black Pack takes things up a notch with a gloss black finish applied to the roof, mirror pods, and Lotus wordmark on the rear clamshell.
Indulgent Interiors
Step inside the Emira i4, and you're greeted by an interior that is as driver-focused as it is luxurious. Rich materials and the latest technologies blend seamlessly, crafting an environment that resets the benchmarks for comfort, usability, and practicality in Lotus sports cars.
In front of the flat-bottomed steering wheel, a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster showcases all necessary driving information. The centrally-located 10.25-inch touchscreen stands ready to entertain and guide with integrated navigation. To enhance the auditory experience, Lotus partnered with KEF to develop a 10-channel, 560W premium audio system that delivers a hyper-realistic sound experience.
The 12-way power-adjust heated seats can be covered in Nappa leather or black Alcantara, with an array of stitching options. Even storage was not an afterthought, with a generous 208-litre space behind the two seats, supplemented by an additional 151 litres in the rear luggage compartment.
As much as the Lotus Emira i4 is an automotive marvel, it's more than a collection of stats and features. It's a symbol of Lotus's forward momentum, a machine that pairs passion and precision in equal measure. It's the kind of car that prompts questions and curiosity, and we'll be watching closely to see how the Emira story unfolds.
Revving the Future: Lotus Emira i4 - A Symphony of Efficiency and Power
In conclusion, the Lotus Emira i4 stands as a testament to the blend of high-octane performance and efficiency that can be delivered by a compact powerhouse. It encapsulates the Lotus principle of simplicity and lightness, while boasting an advanced four-cylinder engine that matches the might of a supercharged V6. With an impressive combination of speed, efficiency, and agility, alongside luxurious and technologically advanced interiors, the Emira i4 offers a unique driving experience, striking a balance between high performance and everyday usability. It stands out as an emblem of Lotus' relentless ambition, merging passion with precision in a vehicle that redefines the sports car experience. The Emira i4 is not just a car—it’s an exhilarating journey set on wheels.
-Ed
2024 Lotus Emira i4
