Lotus has a long history of building sports cars, starting with racing models in the 1950s and continuing with iconic vehicles like the Esprit and Elan in the ’70s. They really hit their stride in the ’90s with the Elise and Exige, and that tradition continues today with the Emira – available with either a V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The question is, can Lotus improve on this already impressive legacy?
Lotus recently gave a small group of journalists an exclusive first look at the Emira 420 Sport – its fastest and most track-focused sports car to date. This new edition boasts increased power, improved suspension developed for racing, enhanced aerodynamics, and other performance upgrades. While we were very impressed with the earlier supercharged V6 model (the First Edition), we found the later version powered by AMG’s 2.0L engine less satisfying.
Maybe the third attempt will be the winner! But before you decide about the 420 Sport, here’s some important information to consider.
It Comes from a Lineage of Very Special Lotuses
Lotus doesn’t use the term ‘Sport’ lightly. They reserve it for their most powerful and high-performance cars, clearly distinguishing them from their standard models.
At a recent press event, Lotus showcased its Sport models, including the classic Esprit Sport 300 and the Exige Sport 350. A representative explained how these ‘Sport’ versions improved upon their base designs by making cars lighter – removing or adding components – and fine-tuning parts for a sharper driving feel. The Exige Sport 350 was particularly interesting, with an engineer detailing the complex gearbox and aerodynamic features that took its performance even beyond the standard Exige.
The Lotus Emira 420 Sport also focuses on improving performance through aerodynamic enhancements. It features redesigned elements at the front, sides, rear bumper, and spoiler, which generate an extra 25kg of downforce without increasing drag. Larger air intakes behind the doors and new vents in the front fenders help cool the engine more effectively, and a revised rear wing completes the upgrades. While each change might seem small on its own, they all work together to enhance the overall performance of the 420 Sport.
It’s More Than Just Power
The Lotus Emira 420 Sport isn’t just lighter and more aerodynamic – it also boasts a modest power boost of 14 horsepower and 14 pound-feet of torque, bringing the totals to 414 and 368 respectively. But to truly unlock its potential, the Lightweight Handling Pack is essential. This pack features adjustable dampers from Multimatic that let you fine-tune how the car handles bumps and recovers. It also replaces the rear window with a stylish carbon fiber louvre which helps vent engine heat for sustained performance. The pack further includes high-performance Michelin Cup 2 tires specifically developed for Lotus (‘LTS’ spec), a titanium exhaust, and an ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery.
For serious drivers of the Emira 420 Sport, we highly recommend the Lightweight Handling Pack. Although it’s expensive – around $12,900 – the upgraded suspension is worth the price on its own. When you also factor in high-performance Michelin tires (about $2,000) and a significantly lighter battery ($850), the pack offers excellent value. Skipping this upgrade would be a missed opportunity.
It Addressed a Few Issues
As a Lotus Emira owner, I was really pleased to see they listened to feedback and released the 420 Sport! Some of us had a few concerns with the original, and it’s great to see Lotus addressing them – I’m definitely excited about the improvements!
During testing of the Emira V6 SE and the four-cylinder AMG version, we found that our palms sometimes accidentally pressed the directional pads on the steering wheel during sharp turns. The new 420 Sport model addresses this with a redesigned steering wheel featuring more firm, physical buttons. While we still touched these new buttons while driving on the track, it happened much less often.
Lotus has made another change based on customer feedback for the Emira: a removable roof that creates an open-air, targa-style cabin. Engineers confirmed the new roof mechanism adds very little weight compared to the standard hardtop. Interestingly, the roof can even be completely detached from the car—rather than simply stored behind the seats—to save a bit more weight. It’s a small adjustment, but Lotus responded to what customers wanted.
It Still Sounds Absolutely Incredible
We first experienced the Lotus Emira V6 SE and loved its powerful V6 engine – the supercharger whine was fantastic. While we weren’t impressed with the performance of the 2.0L four-cylinder version, we appreciated that it still had an engaging sound with its turbo and intake. We’re happy to say that both versions continue to deliver that same great experience.
The Emira 420 Sport has a powerful 2.0L four-cylinder engine, originally developed by AMG, that delivers plenty of torque when you accelerate. You can really hear the turbocharger working – there’s a satisfying whoosh as air is drawn in, and a loud release from the wastegate. This happens repeatedly as you drive quickly on British roads. We did notice that drivers in the UK, who sit on the right side of the car, don’t get to experience these sounds as fully, as the components are mostly on the left. However, the overall engine sound is still impressive, and the exhaust provides satisfying pops and crackles when you switch to Sport mode.
It’s a Hard Pill to Swallow
Interested in the Emira 420 Sport? Before you commit, there’s one important factor to consider: the price.
Okay, let’s talk price. It’s a tough one. The Emira, even the base model with its 2.0L engine, already costs around $107,000, which is a big investment. But if you’re looking at the 420 Sport, things jump to just under $123,000. And honestly, if you want the full experience, you need the Lightweight Handling Pack, which adds another $13,000, bringing the total to almost $136,000. As a fan, I’m drooling over this car, but you really have to ask yourself if that’s the kind of money you’re willing to spend. It’s beautiful, but is it worth it?
If you have around $135,000 to spend, your options are a bit limited. The Porsche Cayman GT4 is no longer available. While the Corvette Z06 could work, it’s best suited for drivers who prioritize power over luxury. The Alpine A110 is a more affordable, turbocharged mid-engine option at $80,000, but it’s primarily sold in Europe.
Lotus currently dominates the sports car market with the Emira, and the 420 Sport version offers even greater performance for enthusiasts. While it seems like a straightforward choice, we’d personally still prefer a pre-owned, supercharged V6 model with a manual transmission.
2026-07-22 13:27