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

Lotus Emira Plug-In Hybrid 2027 in New London | Lotus New London

Learn about the Lotus Emira plug-in hybrid planned for 2027 and what it means for performance drivers in New London. Stay informed with Lotus New London.

www.lotusnewlondon.com

 

[geoffbland]

I know this thread but not exactly a confirmation that it will be i4 only, right?

It says...
"The 420 Sport is equipped with the 2.0L AMG engine with the highest tune delivering 416 BHP, 0-62 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. Completed with the 8-speed DCT, -5mm lowered chassis, -32kg weight deduction, improved brake cooling, and 7 exclusive aero upgrades with Lotus Lightweight Handling Pack, you’ll lose track of the times this Emira amazes you."

 

[Foxy87]

Thanks, I read over the first sentence I guess…
Well, saves me some money then.

 

[finny76]

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).

Product roadmap
View attachment 80793

So this is a bit confusing. A facelift usually means redesigned front/rear bumpers, updated headlights or taillights, and sometimes other exterior styling changes. But so far, the only confirmed updates seem to be weight reduction and a new rooftop option, which sounds more like model upgrades or optional packages rather than an actual facelift.

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

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.

So this is a bit confusing. A facelift usually means redesigned front/rear bumpers, updated headlights or taillights, and sometimes other exterior styling changes. But so far, the only confirmed updates seem to be weight reduction and a new rooftop option, which sounds more like model upgrades or optional packages rather than an actual facelift.

The leak didn’t include final images of the bumper, fender vents, side skirts and side intake but it did describe them being updated in the facelift.

 

[geoffbland]

The leak didn’t include final images of the bumper, fender vents, side skirts and side intake but it did describe them being updated in the facelift.

Maybe the leak didn't show images of the actual new car?

https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/something-new.7856/

https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/something-new.7856/post-203284

 

[Beachbum]

Will people stop posting pics of that targa roof !!!
I so want one, but cant have one

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

Maybe the leak didn't show images of the actual new car?

https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/something-new.7856/

https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/something-new.7856/post-203284

View attachment 81680

View attachment 81678

View attachment 81679

Yeah these are not the final images of the car. See the “R” in the front grill? These must be mock up images of a partial render and/or outdated images. They repeat the same images all across the website so they must have been placeholders.

“7 exclusive aero upgrades with Lotus Lightweight Handling Pack, you’ll lose track of the times this Emira amazes you”
“Highlights are the more aggressive front splitter, front air intakes, front wheel arch vents, extended side sills, side intakes and louvred tailgate.”

The only upgrade visible is the front splitter and tailgate in these images, but there are more being described.

The leak website also describes Tangelo Orange as the launch color for this car but that color is already available.

 

[seriously]

front wheel arch vents

People will want to buy the car if they do this right.

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

front wheel arch vents

People will want to buy the car if they do this right.

If we can order the parts from Lotus, maybe i'll retro fit my Emira.

 

[Frimley111R]

I was reading a recent copy of Autocar magazine (UK) and there's a small article about the Horse engines and it mentions the 535bhp hybrid V6 in it and says it is modular and could be made into a V8 (which it looks like it is for the new Esprit). This was before any mention of Lotus. Looks like it is going into a lot of vehicles.