Lotus Emira: Final petrol-only Lotus coming in July

Lotus is getting ready to start a new era, having farewelled the Elise, Exige, and Evora.

The first car in that rebirth will be the Emira, the last purely petrol-powered car Lotus is planning to build.

What’s more, it’ll be available with a choice of engines as part of an “exciting new powertrain partnership”.

It’ll be revealed on July 6, 2021, and will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed between July 8 and 11.

Built on a new extruded aluminium platform, the Type 131 won’t be a direct replacement for an existing model, and will reportedly sit between the Exige and Evora when it comes to performance.

It’ll differ from rival sports cars and past Lotus models in offering sufficient interior space and visibility for day-to-day use.

Lotus has also teased direct successors for the Elise, Exige, and Evora, each hiding beneath a sheet.

The trio of sports cars have similar faces to the range-topping Evija electric hypercar, although each has its own unique light signature.

The new Emira and its as-yet unnamed brothers form part of the Driving Tomorrow strategy from Lotus.

There are four vehicle platforms involved in the new plan: Hypercar, Premium, Sports, and E-Sports.

The look and feel of Lotus dealerships will be updated under the plan, and the Lotus Engineering business will get a new headquarters.

Lotus Engineering will also seek out partnerships with other carmakers keen to use one of the four Lotus vehicle platforms.