Lotus is exploring the possibility of equipping its Emira sports car with a V8 engine to enhance its performance and broaden its market appeal. The company, under the ownership of Geely, is looking to introduce a higher-powered variant of the Emira, with CEO Feng Qingfeng expressing interest in the V8 option during a recent investor call.
Currently, the Emira is available with V6 and four-cylinder turbo engine choices, both delivering 400bhp. However, due to impending Euro 7 emissions regulations, enhancing the V6 powertrain is not feasible. Lotus had initially planned to transition from the V6 to a four-cylinder engine supplied by Mercedes-AMG. Still, the enduring popularity of the V6 in the US market, a key segment for sports cars, has prompted considerations for a more potent engine.
The potential shift to a V8 power plant could see Lotus collaborating with AMG, which already supplies Aston Martin with its 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engines for models like the Vantage and DBX. Integrating a larger V8 engine into the mid-engined Emira may necessitate some modifications to accommodate the new powertrain within the car’s compact frame.
If Lotus proceeds with a V8 option for the Emira, it would mark the first time the company has offered a V8 engine since discontinuing the Esprit V8 in 2004 after an eight-year production run. The move towards a V8 configuration comes in response to market demands, with suggestions for a high-power V6 variant capable of rivaling performance models like the Porsche 911 GT3.
Lotus has faced challenges in the US market, with recent tariff impositions affecting shipments of the Emira. Despite the hurdles, the company remains committed to its sports car segment, contemplating the introduction of an electric sports car as a future replacement for the combustion-powered Emira, pending market readiness.
The strategic consideration of a V8 option for the Emira aligns with Lotus’s efforts to enhance its product portfolio, cater to evolving emissions standards, and meet the demands of performance-oriented markets. The potential introduction of a V8-powered Emira signifies a significant step for Lotus in expanding its offerings and appealing to a broader range of enthusiasts.
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