The Emira gets a racing-bred GT4 makeover with a roll cage, more aggressive aero bits, and Öhlins coilovers, but retains Toyota’s 3.5-liter V6.
The sports car maker from Hethel may not have too many models on the road, but it has one of the strongest influences in motorsport. Indeed, under the sound and tactical mind of its founder Colin Chapman, Lotus earned seven constructors’ F1 titles, six drivers’ F1 titles and conquered the mighty Indianapolis 500. The partnership between Lotus 25 and Jim Clark was an almost invincible force during its era. The combination of a lightweight car with ground-effect aerodynamics and the God-given talent of Clark meant that nothing could slow them down except for regulations. This same ethos is carried forward in its driver-focused road cars and purpose-built racing cars like the Evora GT4 and now the Emira GT4.
As with any race-oriented car, the recipe is to maximize the available grip while keeping the weight to a minimum. Consequently, Lotus will retain the dynamic and lightweight platform of the Emira and add composite bodywork, a race-spec aero package, an FIA-mandated roll cage, and six-point harness and racing seats.
Lotus will still use the reliable 3.5-liter V6 Toyota 2GR-FE with a Harrop TVS 1900 supercharger. However, the stock 6-speed manual will give way to a 6-speed Xtrac sequential along with a limited-slip differential. Moreover, the Emira GT4 will receive uprated brakes, double-wishbone suspension with Öhlins coilovers, and sit on Pirelli GT4 Cup tires.
The whole project is a result of a collaboration between Lotus and RML Group, which also enjoyed a fair amount of success in the motorsport arena. Richard Selwin, Race Programme Manager, Lotus, said, “The all-new Emira GT4 is an exciting next step following the hugely successful launch of the Emira road car. We have worked hard with the team at RML Group to ensure this next-generation of Lotus GT car will deliver race-winning performance.”
Aside from the racing project, Lotus Engineering, a subsidiary of the Lotus Group, will serve as the technical partner of the JBXE racing team, Jenson Button’s Extreme E team. The automaker plans to build only a limited number of models next year and will look to make more depending on the demand later on. The Emira GT4 will officially be unveiled at its home test track in Hethel by the end of this year.
It remains to see how this would translate to on-track performance. Either way, a brand-new Lotus is coming, and we couldn’t be happier!
Gallery: Lotus Emira GT4
