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.

 

[Steve24]

They did it with the V6 in the Exige. Longer wheelbase, new rear subframe and rear bodywork. Emira V8 would probably need a longer rear subframe and body. Something like this?
View attachment 63488
or View attachment 63490

Waaaaaay too long.

For reference, the Esprit V8 was a whole 1mm longer than an Emira, with a wheelbase 155mm less.

Surely in 2025+ they could engineer a V8 that would fit in the existing Emira dimensions without turning it into a cartoon?

If not why not just replace the gearbox (which is the weak link) so we could have a developed version of the V6 (potentially hybrid) that can handle 500hp / 500Nm?

 

[MickOpalak]

If not why not just replace the gearbox (which is the weak link) so we could have a developed version of the V6 (potentially hybrid) that can handle 500hp / 500Nm?

Because the V6 won't be in production much longer.

 

[Eagle7]

Lotus should either license this technology from Koenigsegg, or make a deal to buy these transmissions from them. It's an incredible hybrid of both a 9 speed multi-disc clutch automatic, plus it can also function as a 6 speed manual; all in the one unit. There wouldn't be any need to have multiple transmissions. Lotus could go with a single trans unit and offer both auto and manual at the same time in the same car. It's a tight, compact unit that's longitudinal. This would eliminate having to have two different transmissions, a manual and an automatic, eliminates the need for two different chassis/rear axle setups (speaking of a mid-engine sports car), and reduce the cost and time to get the engine/trans combos certified for regulations.

This could be used with a 4, 6, 8 or 12 cylinder engine. I'm thinking of a small Elan/Miata style sports car for an entry-level Lotus, the Emira for the mid-range, and the Evija or a variant adapted to ICE as the high-end car. This could be used for a 4-door saloon, or even an SUV. One trans for everything.

The Koenigsegg CC850:

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/koenigsegg-light-speed-transmission-manual-automatic-how-it-works-explained

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

Lotus should either license this technology from Koenigsegg, or make a deal to buy these transmissions from them. It's an incredible hybrid of both a 9 speed multi-disc clutch automatic, plus it can also function as a 6 speed manual; all in the one unit. There wouldn't be any need to have multiple transmissions. Lotus could go with a single trans unit and offer both auto and manual at the same time in the same car. It's a tight, compact unit that's longitudinal. This would eliminate having to have two different transmissions, a manual and an automatic, eliminates the need for two different chassis/rear axle setups (speaking of a mid-engine sports car), and reduce the cost and time to get the engine/trans combos certified for regulations.

This could be used with a 4, 6, 8 or 12 cylinder engine. I'm thinking of a small Elan/Miata style sports car for an entry-level Lotus, the Emira for the mid-range, and the Evija or a variant adapted to ICE as the high-end car. This could be used for a 4-door saloon, or even an SUV. One trans for everything.

The Koenigsegg CC850:

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/koenigsegg-light-speed-transmission-manual-automatic-how-it-works-explained

View attachment 63507

This transmission probably costs as much as entire lotus emira

 

[jp129]

It's entertaining and fun to think about and even more entertaining to see people's opinions and theories!

With enough money, anything is possible. In the end, Lotus is a business, and it all comes down to feasibility and profits.

I personally wouldn't hold my breath on any of this considering they can't even resolve an issue with paint malfunction on their panels. They have skin in the game to figure it out since rework is very cost inefficient and hurts their reputation as well.

 

[MickOpalak]

Based on my Lotus experiences, Lotus will update the Emira or roll out a new special edition every year or two. It will have about 20 more horsepower than the last Emira, along with slightly less weight, and some unique colors or stripes or stickers. The power increases will come from ECU tuning mostly. We will see the refreshed Emira in 2026 and it should arrive in 2027. It will have updated front and rear bumpers, perhaps side skirts, new wheels, along with minor updates to the interior.

Just think of the progression of the Esprit from a 160hp four cylinder to the 350hp V8. The Elise went through a similar evolution from 118hp to 260hp. The Evora from 245hp to 430hp. All with styling and equipment updates along the way.

 

[VulcanGrey]

Waaaaaay too long.

For reference, the Esprit V8 was a whole 1mm longer than an Emira, with a wheelbase 155mm less.

Surely in 2025+ they could engineer a V8 that would fit in the existing Emira dimensions without turning it into a cartoon?

If not why not just replace the gearbox (which is the weak link) so we could have a developed version of the V6 (potentially hybrid) that can handle 500hp / 500Nm?

The Esprit doesn't have 1" behind the driver. With a longitudinal V8 and transmission, the wheel base would grow unless they want to create a new firewall right behind the seats. The major challenge will be the transmission, there just aren't many choices for a suitable transmission from a supplier who would sell to Lotus. This is the same problem they faced with the Esprit back in the day. I don't think Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche will be offering any for Lotus. Then you look at Graziano, XTrac, Mendeola, Chevrolet?

 

[Lotustoronto]

Based on my Lotus experiences, Lotus will update the Emira or roll out a new special edition every year or two. It will have about 20 more horsepower than the last Emira, along with slightly less weight, and some unique colors or stripes or stickers. The power increases will come from ECU tuning mostly. We will see the refreshed Emira in 2026 and it should arrive in 2027. It will have updated front and rear bumpers, perhaps side skirts, new wheels, along with minor updates to the interior.

Just think of the progression of the Esprit from a 160hp four cylinder to the 350hp V8. The Elise went through a similar evolution from 118hp to 260hp. The Evora from 245hp to 430hp. All with styling and equipment updates along the way.

I would agree with this assessment, but the Emira was never executed for this. It was a final ICE before all electric type 135. They obviously pivoted away from EV only and now are looking to go up market and compete with 911/MC20/Artura/Z06. I don’t think it will be small power bumps. When you’re trying to sell 150k SUV’s from a motorsports centered brand , expect it to be competitive in that market with the actual sports cars that represent the brand. This is what Evija was suppose to be, but fell flat once the EV super car thing was not working. Porsche luckily never launched the mission X concept for this reason. Whatever comes next from Lotus - expect it to compete with high level sports/super cars. Either that or there will be no hope in transition to sell high power sporty SUV’s for big money.

I will add that special editions and power bumps will happen to Emira to squeeze more money out. But there is a limit what a customer will pay for an Emira- no matter the power train. It’s a cayman rival and that alone will always keeps its max price at a certain level. Could we see a cayman GT3RS rival? Perhaps. But that’s the absolute limit.

Most likely scenario is a super hybrid 1000 BHP Theory 1. Still has the heritage of Esprit (somewhat) with modern super car performance. If I was to bet, this would be the route to selling high priced sporty SUV’s. Not Emira. Porsche sells cayenne and Macan because of 911 Turbo. Not Caymans.

 

[seriously]

It's fun to dream, but I think @MickOpalak is right based on history. The Emira is a Cayman rival. I don't think it gets to GT4RS rival level without an exotic power plant (i.e. v8). The GT4RS engine is the exotic 9k rpm engine after all. It IS plausible to beat the Porsche's 500HP/330lbsft with a modern v8...

 

[Tomwa]

Audi are also bringing the R8 back with a V8, potentially the one from the new Lambo, that would place the emira in a VERY challenging market sector

Not really if the Audi R8 is going to cost 250k

 

[Man.v.Cars]

Emira with carbon kit? Got one from CT Carbon, and it fits straight into the existing fittings placed by Lotus. I’ve no doubt they intended to release a carbon edition at some point hence the fitting points. Lots of different carbon kits available on AliExpress for the Chinese Market.

 

[MiamiBlue]

We were previously told unequivocally that the Emira was going to be discontinued in 2028. In fact, we were told it was the last ICE Lotus, ever.

The last three Porsche GT3 cars have been the last ice ones. I'm always suspicious of manufacturers exclusivity statements.

 

[Jinba ittai]

The last three Porsche GT3 cars have been the last ice ones. I'm always suspicious of manufacturers exclusivity statements.

Yeah they know how to motivate buyers. I probably would have sat on the sidelines for another 10 years, but hearing this would be the last ICE Lotus (and especially last manual Lotus) sprung me into action. Now, who knows? No regrets though, even if they make more. I’m just happy I have mine.

 

[Eagle7]

This transmission probably costs as much as entire lotus emira

Maybe. Depends on the licensing deal Geely could possibly make with Koenigsegg. If nothin else, at least for an ICE version of the Evija. It would certainly be worth looking into. Right now they have 3 transmissions for 2 engines for the Emira. It would be worth doing a cost analysis to compare that to being able to use a single transmission instead of 3. It would also gain the advantage of economy of scale compared to the lesser quantities for the 3 transmissions they're using now.

 

[Eagle7]

Based on my Lotus experiences, Lotus will update the Emira or roll out a new special edition every year or two. It will have about 20 more horsepower than the last Emira, along with slightly less weight, and some unique colors or stripes or stickers. The power increases will come from ECU tuning mostly. We will see the refreshed Emira in 2026 and it should arrive in 2027. It will have updated front and rear bumpers, perhaps side skirts, new wheels, along with minor updates to the interior.

Just think of the progression of the Esprit from a 160hp four cylinder to the 350hp V8. The Elise went through a similar evolution from 118hp to 260hp. The Evora from 245hp to 430hp. All with styling and equipment updates along the way.

If this were the old Lotus, your analysis would be dead spot on. This new Lotus is somewhat odd. They tried to transform a 20th Century company into a 21st Century company practically overnight, and didn't quite make it. It's somewhere in the middle right now, at least Hethel certainly is.

They're obviously going to recalibrate and re-embrace ICE development now, but it remains to be seen how fast, and how effective they're going to be at that since that's something this new Lotus has actually never done. The Emira was supposed to be the swan song of that era, and the end of that version of Lotus. I'm hoping Geely continues to believe in the brand, and put the money into it to go the distance and figure out how to make Lotus viable. The Emira was actually a better start than I think they anticipated, while the Evija, Eletre and Emeya were clearly not.

Your analysis is pretty good though, and I expect we'll see at least some of what you've described.

 

[Lotustoronto]

https://insideevs.com/news/757966/zeekr-9x-flagship-phev-suv/

 

[Lotustoronto]

Take a dive into zeekr’s super hybrids. Powerplant looks interesting. 275 BHP 4 cylinder turbo and 900v battery architecture. Over 800 BHP total and 3.0 sec 0-60 in a massive SUV. I can see something similar going into a Lotus. EV only range is around 220 miles EDIT: total range including gas engine is 1,500 KM's.(that's incredible for such a big SUV) What do you guys think of this new tech?

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

As expected, Lotus is gonna be pumping out lots of special edition Emira's. I'm kinda digging this livery too, just hope the green isn't dark verdant and something more like BRG. Jim Clark edition