Lotus is really in a bit of a pickle with the Emira. The supercharged V6 and manual transmission combo that everyone loves might not be cutting it anymore. The issue? Well, that 3.5-liter Toyota engine won’t be emissions compliant come 2026 when the Euro 7 regulations kick in. So, what’s the solution? Apparently, Lotus is thinking about going big and bold with a V8 engine. Yes, you heard that right, a V8.
Why a V8, you ask? Well, the current alternative for the Emira is a four-cylinder engine. Specifically, a Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that sounds pretty decent on paper. But here’s the catch – American buyers just aren’t feeling it. The U.S. market hasn’t exactly been clamoring for the four-cylinder option, prompting Lotus to consider a V8 to cater to American tastes. CEO Feng Qingfeng even mentioned during an earnings call that they are looking into the feasibility of a V8. Woah, indeed.
But hold your horses, because fitting a V8 into the Emira isn’t as simple as it sounds. Sure, there’s the option of going with Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, but that might not be the best move. The V8 might not align with the lightweight, sporty vibe of the Emira, not to mention it only comes with an automatic gearbox. And let’s not forget the charm of the current V6, which offers a manual shift option that’s a hit in the U.S. market. So, is a thunderous V8 really the answer to take on the Porsche 911 GT3? Well, maybe not.
In addition to the engine dilemma, there’s also the issue of tariffs between the U.S. and the UK. While there’s a lower tariff on imported UK-built cars now, Lotus is still hesitant to restart shipments to the United States without more clarity. CEO Matt Windle mentioned that while the headline numbers are out there, the specifics are still up in the air. So, rushing into production of a new V8 model tailored for the U.S. market might not be the smartest move until the coast is clear.
Developing a whole new V8 model isn’t a walk in the park either. It’s not just about fitting the engine; there’s emissions testing, compliance with regulations, crash testing, and homologation for different markets. The entire process is long and costly, so Lotus really needs to weigh the pros and cons before diving into a V8 venture. While a V8 might sound exciting, it might not be the most practical choice in the long run. Time will tell what direction Lotus decides to take with the Emira, but for now, the V8 dream is still up in the air.
