► Emira sports car receives an update
► Power up to 414bhp from the AMG 4cyl
► It now has a removable top
Lotus has revealed the Emira 420 Sport, a new and improved version of the Emira Turbo with a weight loss of 25kg and a bump in power.
The 420 Sport uses the 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, developing 414bhp and 369lb ft of torque. 0-62mph takes just 3.9 seconds and it’ll go onto a top speed of 186mph.
The Emira 420 Sport is teamed to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox as before. If you want a manual, you have to get the 3.5 litre V6 version (for now, before the new engines from powertrain manufacturer Horse arrive). Don’t fret, though, because the 420 Sport comes with reams of handling improvements for added agility.
This is a result of the Lightweight Handling Pack; it throws in two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers, a titanium exhaust system and plenty of carbon fibre to add up to the 25kg weight saving. It’s also 5mm lower than the outgoing car with a revised suspension setup and even carbon fibre shift paddles.
Incremental improvements extend to the aero, too. Lotus says airflow to the outboard radiators is increased by 15 per cent and brake cooling is 10 per cent better than before. In case you want to know the really thorough details, exhaust valve airflow is increased by 30 per cent – allowing for a bit more poke. As well as the 25kg weight saving, the 420 Sport also generates 25kg of extra downforce over the outgoing model. Nerdy stuff.
Our personal favourite upgrade, though? That would be the removable roof panel, which can be neatly tucked away in a bag behind the seats. It’s been a while since we’ve had an open-top Lotus, so, it’s nice to see it make a return here. What’s more, this feature is available across all Emiras – not just the 420 Sport.
Pricing for the Emira 420 Sport starts at £105,900, which puts it firmly into the firing line of the Porsche 911. That’s a lot of cash, but you do get rather a lot of car.
The order books are open now and the first customer deliveries are expected from August 2026.
