IF you are going to unveil a piece of stunning British engineering then what better place than beneath the wings of that icon of design ingenuity Concorde.
And that is just what Lotus did recently inviting yours truly to see the Emira – which Lotus says will be its last petrol powered sports car before it moves to an all-electric range.
The mid-engine two-seater, which made its world debut in July, was on a UK tour and made a special stop-off alongside the highly recognisable shape of Concorde at Manchester airport.
Customers and the motoring press could see, sit in and ask questions about the Emira V6 First Edition, finished in stunning Seneca Blue. The Emira First Edition, fully loaded with a host of desirable technology, infotainment and comfort features plus unique badging, costs £75,995 and the cars will start to be delivered to customers in the spring.
Lotus say the Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis – technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company’s sports car DNA. It is powered by the Lotus-honed 3.5-litre supercharged V6 Toyota engine, mid-mounted behind the two seats. Developing 400hp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a visible gear change mechanism and hydraulic power-assisted steering.
The car rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels, diamond cut to create a premium two-tone finish, though silver or gloss black versions are available as a no-cost option
Two-piece brake discs with branded calipers are part of the First Edition spec, plus a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Exterior details include LED lights all round, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The Lower Black Pack is fitted as standard, which means the front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser are all in finished in gloss black.
The First Edition comes in one of six vibrant colours – Seneca Blue plus Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey. More colours will be available during 2022.
There are seven interior colour choices, all available at no extra cost. They are red, black, grey and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with either red, yellow or grey stitching. Satin chrome trim finishers, white interior mood lighting and Lotus-branded sill kick plates complete the premium look.
Sadly we were not able to drive this beauty but the press pack figures are, as you would expect, impressive with 0 to 60 taking just 4.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 180. A four cylinder (slightly quicker) version from £59,000 will be coming next year.
Not quite as fast as Concorde’s. Mach 2 but still plenty fast enough for lots of track day fun and relaxed on road performance.
For more information on the Lotus Emira visit www.lotuscars.com
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth