What are the hard numbers? Well, as above, power maxes out at 400PS for now. Lotus claims the Emira should be good for 62mph in under 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180mph. The car is expected to have a lightest weight of 1,405kg. Not exactly an Alpine-botherer just yet… Two driving modes dictate dynamic feel. ‘Tour’ is pitched as a cover-all setting good for both spirited driving and commuting. Lotus Driver’s Pack-equipped cars will come with a ‘Sports’ mode, stiffening up the suspension. All Emira’s will run a hydraulic steering rack, instead of an electrified system, to maximise steering feel. It’s a Lotus. We don’t need convincing that it’ll be great to drive.
If the outside is familiar but advanced by a decade and the innards initially familiar but with added options, the cabin will be an alien world to someone used to outgoing Lotuses. This is a thoroughly modern, ergonomic and high perceived-quality cabin, with high-definition screens, an all-new wheel and new switchgear. Thank heavens the old GM-sourced indicator stalks have finally bowed out.