Lotus details Emira V6 First Edition, due July 2022

LOTUS has started to detail key specifications of its new Emira mid-engine sportscar, which will initially be offered globally solely in ‘V6 First Edition’ guise and the first Aussie-bound examples not expected to touch down until July next year – though GoAuto understands there is already a lengthy local waiting list.

While prospective Australian buyers will have to wait the best part of 10 months to see the car in the flesh, they need only wait a few more weeks before the local pricing and finer specification details are released by Lotus Cars Australia.

For reference, the brand has confirmed the V6 First Edition’s £75,995 ($A143,117) UK pricetag, which in that market is in the ballpark of a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 that costs from $206,600 in Australia before on-road costs.

Lotus has also confirmed an entry-level Emira will be priced from £59,995 ($A112,908) when it enters production in 2023, before which a four-cylinder AMG-powered First Edition will become available.

As alluded to by the nameplate, the First Edition will be powered by the familiar supercharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine courtesy of Toyota, which in this application produces 298kW of power and up to 430Nm of torque.

In classic form, drive is sent to the rear wheels only via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, although the DIY option reduces peak torque to 420Nm.

The manual is also slightly slower from 0-100km/h, stopping the clock in 4.3 seconds compared to the automatic’s 4.2s dash, but both will top out at 290km/h.

Riding on 20-inch forged alloy wheels, the V6 First Edition’s standard equipment list is predictably headlined by performance-minded touches including two-piece brake discs, branded callipers, titanium exhaust tips, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multiple drive modes and the choice of ‘Sport’ or ‘Touring’ suspension; the latter accompanied by Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Creature comfort highlights comprise heated seats with 12-way power adjustment and memory function for the driver, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and satellite navigation accessed via a 10.25-inch infotainment display, privacy glass, sports pedals, black Alcantara headliner, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors and a reversing camera.

With V6 First Edition production scheduled to start in the Northern Hemisphere spring, the next up will be the four-cylinder ‘I4’ version – utilising the same engine as the rabid Mercedes-AMG A45 S – before an entry-level variant materialises in 2023.

According to Lotus Cars managing director Matt Windle, the Emira is the “most accomplished” model the brand has “ever made”

“To celebrate and reward our keenest early customers, we want to make the first cars extra special to own,” he said.

“The features have been carefully selected by our design team to make for a truly special and distinct First Edition.”

Lotus has sold 47 cars in Australia so far this year ending August 31, marking a 42.1 per cent uptick in sales compared to the same period last year.