Lotus has released official imagery of the Emira 420 Sport, the latest variant of its mid-engine sports car. The 420 designation refers to the engine's horsepower output, delivered by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 sourced from Toyota. This powertrain pairs with a manual transmission, a rarity in the modern sports car market and a deliberate choice by Lotus to preserve the driving engagement that defines the marque.
The Emira 420 Sport builds on Lotus's lightweight philosophy. The car tips the scales at approximately 3,100 pounds, translating to a power-to-weight ratio that rivals machines costing twice as much. Zero-to-60 mph arrives in under four seconds, with top speed exceeding 180 mph.
Visually, the 420 Sport carries aggressive styling cues that distinguish it from lesser-powered variants. The car features a sculpted carbon fiber front splitter, side intakes that feed the radiator, and a ducktail rear wing. Lotus offers the Emira in multiple colorways, and the gallery showcases both vibrant and understated palette options.
The Emira 420 Sport arrives at a moment when affordable, driver-focused sports cars have become nearly extinct. Porsche has abandoned naturally aspirated engines. BMW's M440i xDrive operates as a crossover. Lotus positions the Emira as an alternative for enthusiasts unwilling to compromise on engagement or spending capacity. The manual transmission option particularly appeals to a dwindling but vocal segment of the driving public.
Pricing starts around $110,000 in North America. That positions the 420 Sport below entry-level Porsche 911 models while offering comparable performance. Lotus's return to the North American market with a dedicated sports car represents a significant strategic