2027 Lotus Emira Plug-In Hybrid Confirmed

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Lotus is preparing to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Emira, expected to arrive around 2027, signaling a major shift in the future of the brand’s last combustion-based sports car.

According to a report from Lotus New London, the upcoming Emira hybrid is part of Lotus’ broader strategy to meet tightening global emissions regulations while extending the lifecycle of the current platform. Rather than discontinuing the Emira as originally planned, Lotus appears set to evolve the model with updated powertrains and continued production.

The current Emira lineup features a supercharged V6 sourced from Toyota and a turbocharged four-cylinder from Mercedes-AMG, both of which face challenges under upcoming emissions standards. The addition of a plug-in hybrid system would allow Lotus to maintain performance while improving efficiency and compliance.

While full technical details have not yet been released, the hybrid Emira is expected to incorporate elements of Lotus’ next-generation electrified performance technology, potentially delivering improved torque and overall performance without sacrificing the driving experience.

The move also suggests the Emira will receive ongoing updates beyond 2027, giving the platform a longer runway than initially expected and ensuring continued support for owners.

For enthusiasts, the shift to a hybrid Emira raises new questions about weight, drivetrain configuration, and whether the brand can preserve the character that defines the car today—but it also points to a future where the Emira remains relevant in an increasingly electrified market.


Source: Lotus New London
 
I doubt Lotus is going to put a huge battery pack in the Emira. I am betting 10-15kWh max, for maybe 30 miles of electric only range. I am thinking a split of 250HP 1.5T turbo 4, plus a 150HP motor integrated into the transmission. They can reduce the gas tank size to add the battery pack needed. It's possible they can get away with this and add only 150-200kg to the car weight.
No way this car only outputs 400HP with the extra weight they are adding. Honestly, if the Emira X or whatever they call it isn't at least 500HP its a complete fail on Lotus. One of the launch Emiras should have had at least 450HP and its years later and they are still dicking around at 400HP with its constantly climbing price tag. The V6 can't even beat a Golf R in a straight line. I know, I know, that's not all that matters, but Lotus does not have the prestige of Porsche, they can't get away with underpowered cars for inflated prices in the same way Porsche can.
 
No way this car only outputs 400HP with the extra weight they are adding. Honestly, if the Emira X or whatever they call it isn't at least 500HP its a complete fail on Lotus. One of the launch Emiras should have had at least 450HP and its years later and they are still dicking around at 400HP with its constantly climbing price tag. The V6 can't even beat a Golf R in a straight line. I know, I know, that's not all that matters, but Lotus does not have the prestige of Porsche, they can't get away with underpowered cars for inflated prices in the same way Porsche can.

Well, yea, 500HP would be nice, but this would be quite a complicated design. It would be difficult enough for them just to match the status quo. Of course we'd all be happy if they do give us 450 or 500HP. That would be able to justify the higher price the vehicle will carry.
 
Not sure how technical or the cost involved with the R&D to do a turbo system the equivalent to Porsche 992.2 GTS but that might be the best solution to improving power and emissions.
 
Since were in Q2 26, and no official announcements, seems that this is not happening for 2027, maybe 2028?
 
Since were in Q2 26, and no official announcements, seems that this is not happening for 2027, maybe 2028?
This wasn't even a real Lotus announcement in the first place - just a dealership digging for sales it seems to me.
Lotus haven't said anything about a EV/Hybrid since 2025 and the market and their stance has changed a lot since then.
That said, maybe the Horse Powertrain engine is a possibility and maybe that'll be a hybrid - if so Horse have said the earliest cars won't be until 2028 and these will be a Chinese SUV and not the Emira.
 
Lots of rumors constantly flying around. Try not to get too excited. That V6 that some here were convinced was going away over a year ago is still available (thank goodness).
 
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The only sure thing is that the V6 is no longer available and Feb 2025 was the last chance to order one… Toyota stopped making them so dont hold your breath, they ran out of engines by the end of last year. :poop:
 
The only sure thing is that the V6 is no longer available and Feb 2025 was the last chance to order one… Toyota stopped making them so dont hold your breath, they ran out of engines by the end of last year. :poop:
You can still order new V6s. They also do the new V6 SE. There's 2026 V6s available in UK dealerships now.
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The only sure thing is that the V6 is no longer available and Feb 2025 was the last chance to order one… Toyota stopped making them so dont hold your breath, they ran out of engines by the end of last year. :poop:
This is exactly what I am talking about. Lots of very confident speculation.
 
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If Lotus releases a Hybrid, it could offset emissions so they can offer a V8 model in the lineup...
 
I see you guys werent around when the other Wizz33 guy stated this over and over again. It has been repeated multiple time and never been true. I ordered my V6 SE also this year.

It was meant sarcastic, hence the BS Emoji…
 
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I see you guys werent around when the other Wizz33 guy stated this over and over again. It has been repeated multiple time and never been true. I ordered my V6 SE also this year.
It was meant sarcastic, hence the BS Emoji…
Ah, I did consider that you might be being sarcastic. But the way it was written I thought you mean this seriously.
Thanks for clarifying.
 
Gentlemen, I saw a video interview of Lotus CEO at the Beijing Auto Show just now, he said that the Emira 2027 facelift is the 420 launching this year (that was posted on the forum last week), and the new hybrid model is going to be another new car (named vision x on the latest investor call slides).

No mention of which engine for the 420.

Video of interview in Chinese (Emira part from 40s to 1:40s)

Product roadmap
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That's the same pipeline as given by Lotus end of last year - but updated with the Eletre X uncovered now that we've learnt about it recently after the launch.
So the Emira `facelift` is just a sun/moonroof and 20bhp extra? Not sure what I think about that.

Lotus has said the Vision X will be a smaller (than the Eletre) SUV. Source : https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/lotus-will-launch-new-range-hybrids-europe-next-year.
 
I desperately need to know if the 420 is available with the V6 and the manual. If so I would probably wait/make an order and reject the V6 SE arriving in about 2 weeks (in agreemet with the dealer)
 

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