Race spec Lotus Emira GT4 arrives

IF THE $184,990 V6-powered Lotus Emira First Edition simply doesn’t cut the ice, Lotus provides a souped-up alternative in its just announced GT4 race version.

The enhanced, Toyota-powered Emira GT4 V6 ups the ante on performance across the board but the same applies to the price… nearly doubled from £179,000 plus on-road costs in the UK, or $A333,500.

Lotus has confirmed the Emira GT4 is in production with “significantly enhanced spec and performance” and will be rolled out globally from now with a local Aussie delivery date expected soon.

The model will sell against a bunch of high performance sports models at similar or less money but the main race-spec’ competition is Porsche’s Cayman GT4 RS from $336,800 +ORC.

Lotus says it is holding GT4 orders from customers in the UK, Europe, China, Australia and the USA.

“The new model has been homologated for competition in global GT4 classes and, thanks to a comprehensive options list, is also eligible for other non-homologated and specialist race series around the world,” says Lotus.

Lotus roped in motorsport partner RML Group to assist in developing the Emira GT4 with upgrades including a 10 per cent power cent power increase to 340kW, a new six-speed paddle shift sequential racing gearbox and control system, optimised aerodynamics to suit both tight/twisty and fast/flowing circuits and enhancements to the braking system, springs, damping and cooling packs.

Lotus says the Emira GT4 is “the culmination of 75 years of innovation on the road and track, and marks the start of an exciting new era in performance GT racing for Lotus.”

The Hethel UK-based, Geely-owned specialist manufacturer says motorsport has always been part of the Lotus story.

It said in a statement “This year is the 75^th anniversary of the first Lotus, the Mk I, which was a trials car built by founder Colin Chapman in 1948. Lotus has been synonymous with worldwide racing success ever since, and the company has pioneered many of the technical innovations which make racing the thrilling sport it is today.

Lotus’ impressive rollcall of honours includes seven Formula 1 Constructors' titles, six Drivers' Championships and victory in the legendary Indianapolis 500.”

More recently, Lotus has been campaigning the Evora GT4, which has won races and championships in categories such as British GT, Dubai 24hrs, Barcelona 24hrs, European GT, Sepang 12hrs and the Pirelli World Challenge.

The new Emira GT4 is hand-built by the RML team at a dedicated new production facility in Wellingborough, UK with no limit on production numbers.

Gavan Kershaw, director of vehicle attributes, Lotus, and a former British GT Championship winner has been heavily involved in the development of the Emira GT4 from day one.

“The Emira road car was such an excellent starting point for a GT4, and we’ve now further refined and tuned the package with the team at RML to create what we believe is a highly competitive and performance-oriented race car. We know our customers are keen to get behind the wheel and we’re looking forward to seeing their results,” he said.

More information in the Emira GT4 is available from Lotus’ Russell Gibbons at the Lotus motorsport department on [email protected]

2023 Lotus Emira GT4 technical specification and performance data: