Lotus Emira V8 in Testing & Other News

Okay so today's Lotus Technology group investor call happened this morning.

Here are some updates:

- Hybrid Plugin Macan Competitor 2026Q1 China, Q3 ROW
- Facelift 2027 Lotus Emira I4 with power increase
- Lotus Emira V6 Discontinued
- Lotus Emira V8 Euro 7 Compliant powertrain in investigation/testing/development.

Thanks @Lotustoronto for being our live discord blogger


Disclaimer: I'm basing this off recollections from someone else from the call, I haven't had time to listen to the full call myself, but some things may be inaccurate, and a lot of info has been missed too, I recommend you listen to the call yourself, the QA starts at 21 minutes in.

 

[EspritGuy]

come on guys we all know which v8 theyre going to go with

There’s life in the V8 and V12 yet! Big Mercedes engines will sail through Euro 7 emissions tests | Auto Express

German giant is confident its line-up of ICE engines, including much loved V8 and V12, will have no problem dealing with incoming regulations

www.autoexpress.co.uk

This makes the v8 'feasibility investigation' (see post #51) plausable but still fanciful. I take this as a throwaway comment meant to juice the presentation at a time of flagging Emira interest (i.e. dismal 1Q sales) .
The 'add lightness' fans who complained about the Emira being heavier than the Evora can take issue with a larger/heavier v8 engine affecting dynamics. The present nicities would have to be dialed back, perhaps with expensive carbon fiber. I can't imagine the end product - attractive as it might be to serious drivers - significantly boosting sales versus stalling decline. Each price increase further trims prospect interest. Diehard Lotus fans aside, if someone has Porsche-money to spend it will go to Porsche products. The FE Emira was successful at the price point.
For 2027 and beyond the workhorse engine will be the AMG i4 with various permutations like R models. And remain low volume.
Meanwhile, enjoy your drive and the speculation.

 

[Tobiasz17azs]

We all gonna die till we will see v8 from lotus

 

[Rayjoedef]

Shoe horn a V8 into the back of an emira and call it a Gt3 competitor? Not a chance.....fun, yes, 6:56 ring time, wouldn't be close.

 

[cyanmauve]

V8 ain’t gonna happen.

Prove me wrong Lotus, prove me wrong!

 

[Tod]

I’m happy with my V6.

 

[Steve24]

Shoe horn a V8 into the back of an emira and call it a Gt3 competitor? Not a chance.....fun, yes, 6:56 ring time, wouldn't be close.

Who cares? Would still look way better and be far more interesting.

 

[Beachbum]

I’m happy with my V6.

I'm happy with my UK I4. The cost of a reworked Emira with a V8, is going to be prohibitive for most people

 

[JClem]

If the facelift resolves the many issues, has better seats, they get dealers back onside to actually sell them and they stick a V8 in it I may be tempted to return.

 

[Beachbum]

If the facelift resolves the many issues, has better seats, they get dealers back onside to actually sell them and they stick a V8 in it I may be tempted to return.

Would you really be OK with paying upwards £120K for a Lotus? Given the usual issues with both quality of finish and customer service, I could never justify that expense on a Lotus

 

[Hethel Merman]

Would you really be OK with paying upwards £120K for a Lotus? Given the usual issues with both quality of finish and customer service, I could never justify that expense on a Lotus

Some people paid £2million for their Evija!

 

[Rayjoedef]

Who cares? Would still look way better and be far more interesting.

It's not about caring, it's about comparing. Love my i4 and with a bit of modification at this price point, I'm very happy. Never bought it as an investment, nor last ice. Bought it to have a blast.

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

If the V8 does happen, I think they're gonna keep it for the New Model 2.

 

[cedricchew]

Would you really be OK with paying upwards £120K for a Lotus? Given the usual issues with both quality of finish and customer service, I could never justify that expense on a Lotus

A new Esprit V8 was well over $160k in today's dollars, apparently.

 

[Lotustoronto]

The pivot away from EV only is an obvious one if you compare the latest presentation to the first Lotus Tech presentation last year. I do think we will see a V8 Emira. The only real question I have is will this have a manual? I really hope so, otherwise we might be looking at another MC20. (ya it's a V6 - but same concept) Especially considering the price increase this model would command. I just hope they don't go after 296 Ferrari or Mclaren Artura, I don't think it's a battle they can win, unless priced well below the Mclaren. Then maybe I can see it being successful. 150K GBP Artura rival - with similar performance? That might work. At least we have something to look forward to in terms of ICE development to the Emira.

On another note - I do agree with above post that mentioned Theory 1 as the possible 2nd model to be released. I think they will be aiming this directly at super car territory. Even if EV only, I am very excited at the possibility of Theory 1 making production, as it a lovely piece of design and if priced correctly (half price Valhalla?) would be fantastic.

 

[geoffbland]

A new Esprit V8 was well over $160k in today's dollars, apparently.

Sounds about right. Lotus Esprit V8 was priced around £60K in 1996 - equivalent of £144K today. I would like a V8 Emira but wouldn't pay £140+ (might pay 10-12K over the V6 price though).

 

[bif]

Question is what V8 would they use? Most V8's these days don't have manual transmissions available so I would be thinking about an MB powertrain since Lotus already gets the 2.0 from AMG. Maybe the 4.0 but this would be auto only. As far as I am aware, the only off the shelf V8s that have manuals would be some LS derived block from GM or Coyote from Ford. The LS might work as they are very compact. I don't see a coyote fitting in the engine bay.

I am sure that there are other options but cost would be a huge factor with a more bespoke solution.

All of that being said if there is a manual V8 (Emira GT3?) I'd buy one in a heart beat.

 

[Bulls-Vivid-Red]

Bankruptcy or V8, which will come first........ "Investigation" is far from an official announcement stage, let alone actual production.

Hell, I'm still waiting for Lotus to deliver these babies: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/pictures/lotus-concept-lineup-photos/

 

[Foxy87]

Hell, I'm still waiting for Lotus to deliver these babies: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/pictures/lotus-concept-lineup-photos/

I have some bad news for you mate…

 

[EspritGuy]

Bankruptcy or V8, which will come first........ "Investigation" is far from an official announcement stage, let alone actual production.

Hell, I'm still waiting for Lotus to deliver these babies: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/pictures/lotus-concept-lineup-photos/

There's truly only one response: Soon

 

[Tomwa]

Those are from very funny long time ago. But it's clear with the Emira now why they would not release that Esprit.

They could justify it if they were going to do it as a clear departure from the Emira engine/subframe configuration and use a Longitude V8 (though the option for an IS-F derived supercharged v8 is gone).

For the rest? Likely all dropped since those concept cars were developed now over a decade ago.