by Powerful Special Edition Lotus Emira for Australia
The official Australian distributor of Lotus, Simply Sports Cars, has unveiled a unique special edition of the Emira sports car. The model is named the Turbo Bathurst Edition in honor of the famous Australian race track and has received serious modifications to improve its dynamics.
Heart and Record Power
The special edition is not a development of Lotus’s headquarters in Hethel but was created specifically for the Australian market. Engineers decided that the standard car needed more of the Bathurst racing spirit.
The Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition is a track-focused version with added power, a sharper suspension, and improved aerodynamics. Production is limited to just 15 units.
Named after Australia’s most famous circuit, the Bathurst edition is equipped with an upgraded 2.0-liter AMG M139 turbocharged engine. Power has increased to 503 hp (375 kW) and 600 Nm of torque. This is a significant increase of 103 hp and 120 Nm compared to the Emira SE version.
These figures make this model the most powerful Emira to date. It surpasses both the V6-engined road version and even the GT4 race car. Furthermore, it is the most powerful series-production Lotus with an internal combustion engine, outpacing all previous Elise, Exige, and Evora models.
The drive remains rear-wheel drive, and the eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission has been “enhanced,” along with recalibrated electronic stability control system settings for a more vivid driving feel.
Aerodynamics and Chassis
Visually, the Bathurst Edition is distinguished by a fixed swan-neck rear wing and a new front splitter made of carbon fiber. The car also received a racing livery with Bathurst-themed graphics on the sides and rear. Interior photos are not yet available, but it is known that each car will have a numbered plaque emphasizing its exclusivity.
The chassis has been upgraded to handle the additional power. It received three-way adjustable dampers from the Australian firm Modal Suspension, a lowered ride height, and revised wheel alignment settings.
The car is also fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, shod in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which favor race tracks. The braking system features four-piston AP Racing calipers clamping ventilated discs of a two-piece construction.
Exclusivity and Cost
Production of the 2026 Emira Bathurst Edition is limited to 15 units for Australia, with the first car already having found its owner. The starting price is 249,990 Australian dollars (approximately 176,600 US dollars) excluding additional fees. This is 50,000 Australian dollars more expensive than the standard Emira Turbo on which it is based.
As a special bonus, buyers will also receive free entry to the next Lotus track day at the Bathurst circuit, scheduled for 2027.
The appearance of such a version from a regional distributor, rather than the manufacturer, is an interesting trend that demonstrates how local markets can adapt global products to their specific requirements and traditions. The limited run and focus on a specific, legendary track for Australians make this car not just a more powerful modification, but a true collector’s item dedicated to local automotive culture. It also shows how viable the Emira platform can be for creating extreme, yet road-legal versions.
