Lotus Emira V6 First Edition
The Lotus Emira carries an enormous weight of significance: it is the last Lotus to be powered by an internal combustion engine, as the company transitions fully to electric vehicles under Geely ownership. Thankfully, the Emira is worthy of such an honor. Dramatically styled — a genuine head-turner in a way few modern sports cars manage — the Emira sits on an evolution of the Evora's bonded aluminum platform but with substantially improved build quality and interior appointments. The V6 First Edition uses the familiar Toyota 2GR-FE supercharged engine producing 400 horsepower, providing proven reliability and strong performance. But the real magic is in the driving experience: the Emira retains Lotus's supernatural ability to make a car feel alive and connected to the road. The hydraulic power steering, progressive brake pedal, and balanced mid-engine chassis create a driving experience that digital-age cars simply cannot replicate. The interior is vastly improved over previous Lotuses, with a proper infotainment system, quality materials, and genuine comfort — proving that a Lotus doesn't have to be spartan to be brilliant.
First Edition models hold value well. The Toyota V6 is well-proven and reliable. Check for panel gap consistency — early production cars had some quality variations. The AMG 4-cylinder option offers different character (turbo vs supercharged). Manual transmission models will likely hold value better. Verify First Edition specification.
The Emira is the last ICE-powered Lotus. A 2.0-liter AMG turbocharged four-cylinder option was added later. Under Geely ownership, Lotus invested heavily in improving build quality and interior finish. The car was developed at Hethel alongside engineering consultancy work for other manufacturers.