- Lotus might be considering an electrified Emira, as its EV-only successor has been pushed back.
- A hybrid powertrain could extend the Emira’s lifecycle, bringing fewer emissions and more power.
- Lotus has confirmed it will add a “Hyper Hybrid” option to its electric offerings starting in 2026.
Lotus has recently backed out from its plan to become an EV-only automaker by 2028, announcing a new “Hyper Hybrid” powertrain for 2026. Now, a new report suggests that the ICE-powered Emira could also be electrified, extending its lifecycle towards the end of the decade.
The Emira was introduced in 2021, serving as a successor to the ageing Evora. It was dubbed as the automaker’s final ICE-only vehicle, and was expected to live on at least until 2027. This was the target date for the debut of the fully electric Lotus Type 135 sports car, which has now been pushed back amidst concerns on the added weight of the batteries.
More: Lotus Theory 1 Concept Is A Three-Seat Electric Esprit With 986 HP
Our colleagues from Autocar asked Dan Balmer, Lotus’ European CEO, about the prospect of a hybrid Emira that could allow the nameplate to stick around for longer. While Balmer didn’t give a definite answer, his reply hints that an electrified Emira is under consideration.
“In today’s world? ‘Never say never’ is the current rule, because we have to be open-minded and understand what the marketplace wants and also what technology is available to us at the time,” Balmer said. “So the potential for hybrid powertrains is there. Equally the potential for all-EV platforms is there. It’s just a question of what technology is available for the attributes that we spec in a Lotus.”
Current powertrain options for the Lotus Emira, include an AMG-sourced turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 360 hp or 400 hp, and a Toyota-sourced supercharged 3.5-liter V6 with 400 hp.
Judging from the available technology, an electrified Emira sounds pretty doable. The AMG powertrain is already available with a mild-hybrid system in the A35, while derivatives of the Toyota V6 have been used as part of a self-charging hybrid setup.
While the scope of electrification won’t be as intense as in Lotus’ forthcoming “Hyper Hybrid” powertrain, a hybrid assistance on the Emira’s mid-mounted combustion engines could help reduce emissions while improving performance.
At the moment, there is no set timeline for a possible debut of a Lotus Emira Hybrid, but an electrified powertrain option could be added in the lineup as part of a mild facelift.
