The sports car specialist Lotus from the British Hethel has already committed to building only electric cars from 2028 onwards.

But in 2022 the new Emira should once again set a highlight as a flawless combustion engine.

The model trio Elise, Exige and Evora has now had its day.

Boris Schmidt

Editor in the “Technology and Engine” section.

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Lotus speaks of the new model as a “junior sports car” and positions the 4.41 meter long and 1.23 meter flat two-seater with a starting price of 72,000 euros directly against the Porsche Cayman.

Lotus works with AMG on the Emira, and the Mercedes subsidiary comes with a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine that is adapted for use in the British sports car.

The engine is installed transversely in the middle, the rear wheels are driven, the four-cylinder from AMG develops 360 hp.

In addition, a 3.5-liter V6 that was taken over by Toyota and offers 400 hp is on offer.

This means that the Emira should be able to travel up to 290 km / h.

AMG also contributes an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, with the V6 six gears are still sorted by hand, or a six-speed automatic takes care of the power transmission.

Lotus is also breaking new ground in the design of the interior.

It is no longer a spartan cave that lacks almost any comfort.

There is now more space for the pilot and co-pilot as well as amenities such as electrically adjustable seats, ambient lighting, cup holders and side airbags.

For more active safety, things like a collision warning or traffic sign recognition, to name just two examples, and of course the infotainment system Android Auto and Apple Car Play, the associated touchscreen is 10.25 inches.

The instruments are also shown on a TFT display.

A Lotus has probably never been so comfortable, a 200-liter stowage space behind the seats and a 150-liter trunk are ideal for vacation trips.