2023 Lotus Emira Review: Junior Supercar Marks The End Of An Era – SlashGear

The Emira tested here is powered by a supercharged, 3.5-liter V6 engine from Toyota. It’s an engine Lotus has used for a while now and, in the Emira, produces 400 hp and 310 ft-lbs of torque. The zero to 60 mph sprint takes 4.2 seconds, depending on how quick you are with the gear shift from first to second, and the top speed is a claimed 180 mph.

Another version of Emira will be along later this year, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine from Mercedes-AMG, producing 365 hp and driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed DCT automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

While the V6 is likely the quicker car for now — Lotus hasn’t announced performance statistics for the AMG model just yet — the Toyota engine doesn’t have much headroom, while the AMG motor produces over 400 hp in the Mercedes A45 S, so a quicker Emira could well be on the cards.

Back to the V6, and it’s a thoroughly mechanical and somewhat old-school motor. Combined with the heavy clutch and gear shifter, it can be a little tricky in traffic, while emitting a soundtrack that is harsh and mechanical rather than tuneful. Unleash it though, and above 3,000 rpm the V6 comes alive, serving up a serious shove of acceleration accompanied by a high-pitched wail from the twin exhaust that is properly loud. It’s a noise that can comfortably afford the checks written by the supercar styling.