2025 Lotus Emira updated with more power, return of classic names
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Lotus has updated its final petrol-powered sports car with a new Turbo SE four-cylinder performance special – plus fresh colours and design options for other grades.
The 2025 Lotus Emira sports car range has been reshuffled with a more powerful turbo four-cylinder engine – and new variants reviving retro nameplates – for an unchanged base price.
First Edition variants of the Emira have been phased out for Model Year 2025 (MY25), replaced by three variants – Turbo, new mid-grade Turbo SE and V6.
Australian orders open for the Turbo variants in mid-October 2024, with the MY25 V6 expected to follow sometime next year, according to Lotus.
New for 2025 is the Turbo SE, a middle-of-the-range performance variant with more power, upgraded brakes and stiffer suspension than the standard Turbo, which succeeds the outgoing 2.0T First Edition.
MORE: 2024 Lotus Emira 2.0T review – Quick drive
It is priced from $209,990 plus on-road costs – $10,000 more than the Turbo ($199,990), which is no more expensive than the 2.0T First Edition despite added features.
The Turbo SE ups outputs from the Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to 298kW/470Nm, up from the regular Turbo’s 268kW/430Nm.
It is good for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.0 seconds, towards a 293km/h top speed – compared to the Turbo’s 4.4sec and 275km/h claims – matched with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Compared to the base Turbo, it gains the typically optional Lotus Drivers Pack with ‘Sports’ suspension tuning, launch control, and upgraded ventilated and cross-drilled two-piece brake discs.
Other SE additions include 20-inch forged satin grey wheels, a new Zinc Grey paint finish, Alcantara interior headlining, red brake calipers, new Emira Turbo SE badging, black exhaust tips, and black Lotus badges.
Previously used to signify a ‘Special Equipment’ package, the SE badge was first introduced on the Lotus Elite (Type 14) of 1960, and has been applied to versions of the Esprit Turbo, Excel, Elan and Europa in the years since.
The entry-level Turbo is the same price as the 2.0T First Edition, but gains upgraded single-piece brakes, as well as new 20-inch silver wheels, Emira Turbo badges, restyled pedal covers, and ‘technical fabric’ interior headlining.
Vivid Red paint is now the base colour for 2025, alongside standard features including black brake callipers, a black leather interior, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, ‘Touring’ suspension and Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres.
Lotus references a new “audio option” for select variants, but does not identity the sound system or confirm the variants on which it is available.
It remains powered by a 268kW/430Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from Mercedes-AMG, good for 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds and a 275km/h top speed.
Meanwhile, the flagship Emira V6 is gains new badges and ‘technical fabric’ interior headlining, on top of carry-over cross-drilled and ventilated two-piece brake discs, Goodyear tyres, Touring suspension, and on manual versions, a limited-slip differential.
It retains a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine – derived from Toyota – producing 298kW, and either 420Nm with a six-speed manual transmission, or 430Nm with the optional six-speed torque-converter automatic.
Prices for the 2025 Lotus Emira V6 are yet to be confirmed. The outgoing V6 First Edition starts from $209,990 with a manual, or $213,990 with an auto.
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