Lotus Emira 420 Sport revealed as most powerful Emira yet

Lotus has revealed the new Emira 420 Sport, the most powerful and lightest Emira in the line-up so far. Based on the four-cylinder Emira Turbo, the 420 Sport gets more power, revised aerodynamics, lower weight and cooling upgrades aimed at improving both road and track performance.

1. 0-100kph time of around 3.9 seconds and top speed of 299kph (claimed)
2. Optional Lightweight Handling Pack cuts weight by 25kg
3. Revised aero improves cooling and adds downforce
4. Removable glass roof now available across Emira range

Lotus Emira 420 Sport: Engine and performance

The Emira 420 Sport uses a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 420hp and 500Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Lotus says the new model can accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 299kph.

The carmaker also claims the optional Lightweight Handling Pack reduces weight by 25kg compared to the standard Emira Turbo. The package includes two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers, a titanium exhaust, carbon-fibre components and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. The 420 Sport also gets a 5mm lower ride height and revised suspension settings.

Lotus Emira 420 Sport: Exterior design

Exterior updates on the Emira 420 Sport include a new front splitter, revised front vents, larger air intakes, extended side sills, a rear lip spoiler and a louvred tailgate.

An optional exterior carbon-fibre pack is also available. This includes carbon-fibre finish for the front splitter, side sills, wheel arch vents, side pods, rear spoiler and diffuser surround.

According to Lotus, airflow to the outboard radiators has increased by 15 percent while that to the central radiator is up by 14 percent. Brake cooling is also said to have improved by 10 percent, while airflow through the exhaust valve system has increased by 30 percent.

Lotus will offer the Emira 420 Sport with 16 exterior colour options and nine wheel designs. A new Tangelo Orange shade is exclusive to this variant.

Lotus Emira 420 Sport: Interior

Inside, the Emira 420 Sport gets 12-way adjustable seats, carbon-fibre gearshift paddles and updated cabin detailing. Buyers can also opt for additional Carbon Fibre and Hand Painted interior packs. The Carbon Fibre Pack adds carbon trim around the driver display, steering wheel centre spoke and seatback logo surround, while the Hand Painted Pack adds Tangelo Orange accents to areas such as the centre console, steering wheel spoke, gear lever surround and air vent surrounds.

Lotus has also introduced a removable tinted glass roof panel for the Emira for the first time. Inspired by the Lotus Esprit, the panel can be removed manually and stored behind the seats in a protective bag. The brand says this feature will now be available across the entire Emira range.