Lotus Emira 2027: New V6 Engine and Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Confirmed
The automotive world is buzzing with fresh
news from Lotus. The British automaker has officially confirmed that the Lotus Emira, its
latest and last internal combustion sports car, will not be discontinued in 2027 as initially
planned. Instead, the brand has announced a facelift that brings exciting updates, including
a brand-new V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid option. This move not only secures the Emira’s
future but also marks a significant evolution for Lotus in balancing performance
heritage with the demands of electrification. Lotus had previously positioned the Emira as its
final pure internal combustion sports car before moving fully into the electric era. However,
the company’s leadership has now taken a different route, showing clear acknowledgment
that passionate enthusiasts still crave the thrill of combustion engines. CEO Feng Qingfeng
confirmed that the 2027 update will include two new powertrains. While details remain under
wraps, the most intriguing highlight is the replacement of the supercharged Toyota-sourced
V6, along with the introduction of a PHEV system. Interestingly, Lotus is unlikely to adopt
the same Hyper Hybrid technology seen in its Eletre SUV or Emeya sedan. Instead,
speculation suggests that the Emira may follow a performance-focused PHEV format
similar to the McLaren Artura or Ferrari 296 GTB. Both of those supercars utilize
compact V6 hybrids with rear-wheel-drive layouts, perfectly balancing
speed, agility, and efficiency. The technical challenges, however, are
substantial. The Emira’s platform, which evolved from the Evora, Elise, and Exige, was
never designed for electrification. Integrating a hybrid system would therefore require extensive
reengineering. Yet, Lotus has already shown its willingness to adapt, previously offering Emira
buyers the choice between a Toyota-sourced supercharged V6 and a Mercedes-AMG-sourced
turbocharged inline-four engine. This leads to another intriguing possibility: the next-generation V6 could come
from Mercedes-AMG. Markus Schaefer, CTO at Mercedes-Benz, has confirmed that AMG
is developing V6 powertrains, though it remains unclear if these engines can be tailored for
the Emira. Still, given Lotus’ partnership with AMG for the M139 engine, it wouldn’t
be surprising if the collaboration deepens. For context, the AMG-sourced M139 is one of the
most powerful production four-cylinder engines in the world. Producing up to 470 horsepower
in plug-in hybrid form, it has powered models like the AMG A45, CLA45, and GLA45 before
making its way into the Emira. In Lotus trim, the 2.0-liter turbo-four generates 400
horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, capable of launching the car from 0 to 62 mph
in just 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 181 mph. Meanwhile, the Toyota-derived V6 delivers
a similar 400 horsepower but slightly less torque, achieving 0–62 mph in 4.3
seconds and topping out at 180 mph. The big differentiator is the
driving experience. Only the V6 is available with a six-speed manual
transmission, something purists adore. The inline-four is exclusively paired with a
dual-clutch automatic, while the V6 also offers a torque-converter automatic option. If Lotus
replaces the V6 with an AMG unit, enthusiasts will be watching closely to see whether the
manual gearbox survives into the next generation. Ultimately, the Lotus Emira’s facelift
signals that Lotus is carefully balancing tradition with innovation. By
introducing both a hybrid and a new V6, the company is ensuring its iconic sports
car appeals to both driving purists and forward-looking enthusiasts. As electrification
sweeps the automotive world, the Emira’s next chapter could be one of the most fascinating
stories in the evolution of modern sports cars.
Lotus Emira 2027: New V6 Engine and Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Confirmed
The automotive world is buzzing with fresh news from Lotus. The British automaker has officially confirmed that the Lotus Emira, its latest and last internal combustion sports car, will not be discontinued in 2027 as initially planned. Instead, the brand has announced a facelift that brings exciting updates, including a brand-new V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid option. This move not only secures the Emira’s future but also marks a significant evolution for Lotus in balancing performance heritage with the demands of electrification.
Lotus had previously positioned the Emira as its final pure internal combustion sports car before moving fully into the electric era. However, the company’s leadership has now taken a different route, showing clear acknowledgment that passionate enthusiasts still crave the thrill of combustion engines. CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed that the 2027 update will include two new powertrains. While details remain under wraps, the most intriguing highlight is the replacement of the supercharged Toyota-sourced V6, along with the introduction of a PHEV system.
Interestingly, Lotus is unlikely to adopt the same Hyper Hybrid technology seen in its Eletre SUV or Emeya sedan. Instead, speculation suggests that the Emira may follow a performance-focused PHEV format similar to the McLaren Artura or Ferrari 296 GTB. Both of those supercars utilize compact V6 hybrids with rear-wheel-drive layouts, perfectly balancing speed, agility, and efficiency.
The technical challenges, however, are substantial. The Emira’s platform, which evolved from the Evora, Elise, and Exige, was never designed for electrification. Integrating a hybrid system would therefore require extensive reengineering. Yet, Lotus has already shown its willingness to adapt, previously offering Emira buyers the choice between a Toyota-sourced supercharged V6 and a Mercedes-AMG-sourced turbocharged inline-four engine.
This leads to another intriguing possibility: the next-generation V6 could come from Mercedes-AMG. Markus Schaefer, CTO at Mercedes-Benz, has confirmed that AMG is developing V6 powertrains, though it remains unclear if these engines can be tailored for the Emira. Still, given Lotus’ partnership with AMG for the M139 engine, it wouldn’t be surprising if the collaboration deepens.
For context, the AMG-sourced M139 is one of the most powerful production four-cylinder engines in the world. Producing up to 470 horsepower in plug-in hybrid form, it has powered models like the AMG A45, CLA45, and GLA45 before making its way into the Emira. In Lotus trim, the 2.0-liter turbo-four generates 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, capable of launching the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 181 mph. Meanwhile, the Toyota-derived V6 delivers a similar 400 horsepower but slightly less torque, achieving 0–62 mph in 4.3 seconds and topping out at 180 mph.
The big differentiator is the driving experience. Only the V6 is available with a six-speed manual transmission, something purists adore. The inline-four is exclusively paired with a dual-clutch automatic, while the V6 also offers a torque-converter automatic option. If Lotus replaces the V6 with an AMG unit, enthusiasts will be watching closely to see whether the manual gearbox survives into the next generation.
Ultimately, the Lotus Emira’s facelift signals that Lotus is carefully balancing tradition with innovation. By introducing both a hybrid and a new V6, the company is ensuring its iconic sports car appeals to both driving purists and forward-looking enthusiasts. As electrification sweeps the automotive world, the Emira’s next chapter could be one of the most fascinating stories in the evolution of modern sports cars.
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Lotus Emira 2027: New V6 Engine and Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Confirmed
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