Need Help Deciding on 2025 vs. 2026 Models

[Ft.S]

Hello everyone;

More than 2 years ago I had a deposit for an V6 FE, which I was very excited about. However, delay after delay and I ran out of patience, and purchased another car. Fast forward to today, and I am back in the market for a new car. I remembered how much I liked the Emira from years ago, and I thought I come back to these forums to learn the latest news. The fire is lit again in me for an Emira, but prices have skyrocketed for sure.

Prices aside, there are few 2025 models at the local dealership that I like, although none are in the exact configuration I would want. However, it appears that the for 2026 models there will be few changes that will yield better cooling and probably few things will be more reliable. I will be tracking the car, so cooling and reliability are very important to me. I think I would want a 2026, but history leads me to be hesitant ordering and waiting endlessly to receive a car and come up empty handed.

Can you please enlighten me as to the possible differences between the '25 and '26 models, and whether you think it maybe best to wait and get my exact configuration?

Thank you very much in advance.

 

[Kalel]

I’m making the same decision. Pricing is going up around 4K for the 2026 models but will have more driving aids (a little less so for the manual car but still some technology over the 25s).

Also , better cooling, improved damper setup, smoother shifting for both auto and manual, slightly lighter.

Also, tarrifs . . . But that increase hasn’t been announce yet. Probably another 5-7 K.

 

[Lotustoronto]

KEF system is upgraded and now includes more speakers for '26 model year. (if you choose that option) I think the 2026 SE is the better buy. Within a limit is my guess... but ya the extra waiting is another. Expect early spring 2026 for them to arrive

 

[Rcktmn]

I ordered my FE in June last year. They told me I'd have the car in November/December time-frame. I got the car midway through November. Just my experience

 

[jbug187]

Does anyone have details on the "better cooling, improved damper setup, smoother shifting.....slightly lighter" aspects of the 2026 models?

 

[Kalel]

Lotus introduces 2026 Emira V6 SE and Emira Turbo

The Emira V6 SE builds on the pure driving pleasure Lotus is known for, while the Emira Turbo is designed for everyday usability.

www.lotuscars.com

Unless an official lotus employee comes on and spills the beans this is all that’s out there.

 

[seriously]

KEF has more speakers?

There are also more configuration options for interior for 2026 like colored seat belts.

 

[Andrew25]

I'm one of those that would hardly buy a car without the exact configuration wanted...BUT, life is short and i learned to value time over everything else (except health). One year waiting is a no go for me. And by the time the "new fresh model" comes out, there might be new rumors about a newer new super duper racing model coming out the year after. Also, if you're serious about tracking your car, then some custom upgrades are needed anyway, I wouldn't rely on the stock ones. The current model is a little cheaper, so you could use the difference for the upgrades. I don't see the 2026 model to be so radically different to justify the price bump and the time "wasted" waiting.

 

[Orchardbike]

I don’t know but knowing Lotus, I would guess that a lot of these changes will be mainly marketing and there’ll be little that you’ll actually notice (apart for the cosmetic differences and options of course). Then at a later date you’ll get a faster, lighter special edition

 

[Milk242]

KEF has more speakers?

There are also more configuration options for interior for 2026 like colored seat belts.

The US spec listed they added tweeters into the currently empty a-pillars

Anyway, OP, if it was me, I’d order the 2026. Especially if you also wanted the driver aids. It sort of can justify the price increase in my mind.

 

[Ft.S]

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses, I really appreciate it.

As I suspected a 2026 model probably makes more sense, depending on the prices and waiting period.

None of the cars I purchased to date were to my exact specs, and I am a 60-year old and have had few cars as many of you I suspect. I feel the Emira is a special car, combining my nostalgia and contemporary desires. It should be to my exact spec, and I should just embrace patience.

I also feel lucky in other ways: The Lotus dealership is about 10 miles away, and a long-time Lotus specialist independent shop is about 90-mins away. I think I have enough technical support around me that I can get the technical support I might need. The Emira would be a perfect 'project' car for me to develop over the years, a hobby in a way.

The dealer told me that they can price a 2026 and order one with a deposit. I'll reach back out to them to see what the price would be and make a decision instead of procrastinating over this 1st world problem.

Thank you once again!

 

[Lotus64]

The 2026 SE model is the way to go. The >10% price increase is accompanied with content that while subtle will add to the overall experience.

FE2 models saw a similar price increase in exchange for a couple of new colors. This time, it comes with

• Recalibrated DCT with faster shift times (I4)
• New manual transmission compression mounts (V6)
• Damper and wheel alignment changes
• Simpler, lighter cooling system with recalibrated engine thermostat to improve performance in severe conditions
• Blind spot, adaptive cruise (I4) and other driving aids
• Recalibrated air-conditioning control system for more stability
• Colored seat belts and steering wheel

The new pricing is still less than an Evora 400 when accounting for inflation and the Emira remains unmatched at its price point. And ordering your exact spec makes an emotional experience like this that much more special. There's only one option...

 

[Rcktmn]

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses, I really appreciate it.

As I suspected a 2026 model probably makes more sense, depending on the prices and waiting period.

None of the cars I purchased to date were to my exact specs, and I am a 60-year old and have had few cars as many of you I suspect. I feel the Emira is a special car, combining my nostalgia and contemporary desires. It should be to my exact spec, and I should just embrace patience.

I also feel lucky in other ways: The Lotus dealership is about 10 miles away, and a long-time Lotus specialist independent shop is about 90-mins away. I think I have enough technical support around me that I can get the technical support I might need. The Emira would be a perfect 'project' car for me to develop over the years, a hobby in a way.

The dealer told me that they can price a 2026 and order one with a deposit. I'll reach back out to them to see what the price would be and make a decision instead of procrastinating over this 1st world problem.

Thank you once again!

If this isn’t your only fun car I’d absolutely order your exact spec and wait for it

 

[cryptovince]

The US spec listed they added tweeters into the currently empty a-pillars

Anyway, OP, if it was me, I’d order the 2026. Especially if you also wanted the driver aids. It sort of can justify the price increase in my mind.

I wonder if the tweeters will make a noticeable difference in the sound quality. I have a '24 model, and the general consensus has been that the KEF is pretty lackluster, which I tend to agree with.

 

[seriously]

Based on OPs response I would definitely go for the 2026 and spec it yourself. The emira is a special car itself but all the more when you spec it exactly as you like. You will enjoy it!

 

[Lotustoronto]

A little more than just tweeters... I suspect it will be a significant difference.

 

[1031ent]

Pretty sure the faster shifting on the DCT is just a software update and is available to the older models when you take your vehicle in for service.

Also the suspension may just be updated settings for toe and camber, not necessarily new parts. So an alignment to the new settings may solve that as well.

Can someone else confirm?

 

[Foxy87]

A little more than just tweeters... I suspect it will be a significant difference.

View attachment 68536

Where is this infosheet from?

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

A little more than just tweeters... I suspect it will be a significant difference.

View attachment 68536

Can I retro fit this into my 2024 car?

 

[Lotus64]

Pretty sure the faster shifting on the DCT is just a software update and is available to the older models when you take your vehicle in for service.

DCT got an update when the turbo launched and the press release reads as if the SE model has gotten an additional calibration change. A software update could retrofit older models but that's not guaranteed.