by Lotus Emira may get a V8 instead of the current V6
Lotus is considering the possibility of installing a V8 engine in its Emira model instead of the current V6. The reason is that the current supercharged Toyota V6 engine will not comply with the upcoming Euro 7 emission standards. The manufacturer is looking for an alternative among existing suppliers, including AMG.
Initially, it was planned that the Emira would only be equipped with a four-cylinder engine from AMG with 400 hp. However, due to high demand for the V6 in the U.S., the company decided to keep both options. Since the Toyota V6 will not meet the new environmental regulations, Lotus is looking for a replacement, and the most likely candidate is a V8.
We are currently exploring the possibility of using a V8, — stated Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng.
AMG engine — the most logical option
There is a high probability that the new engine will be supplied by AMG, which already collaborates with Lotus. Additionally, AMG supplies its biturbo V8 to Aston Martin, making this option quite realistic. The main question is whether it will be possible to fit such an engine into the rear of the Emira.
Previously, Lotus could have considered other options, such as the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 from Lexus. However, due to legislative restrictions in Europe, this engine is no longer available, so AMG remains the primary candidate.
A separate issue for Lotus is the resumption of Emira deliveries to the U.S. Due to changes in tariff policies, the company temporarily suspended exports but plans to resume them after clarifying the details of the agreement.
If Lotus succeeds in implementing these plans, the Emira could become the brand’s first sports model with a V8 engine since the Esprit, which disappeared from the market back in 2004. The question remains whether engineers will be able to provide a manual transmission for such an engine, as was done in Aston Martin, albeit not very successfully.
