Lotus Emira GT4 Fuses Motorsport DNA With The Mid-Engined Emira

• The Emira GT4 features improved aerodynamics, 18-inch Pirelli GT4 tyres

• It weighs 1,260kg, 145 kilos lighter than the regular model.

• Other race-ready additions include an FIA-standard roll cage, a Motec dashboard with data logging, a six-point harness, and a fire extinguisher.

• Retains the supercharged 400PS 3.5-litre Toyota V6 engine, paired with a 6-speed paddle-shift gearbox.

• Limited units will be made for the 2022 racing season.

The Lotus Emira, revealed in July 2021, was a landmark moment for the carmaker as the sports car is their last pure ICE model. Now, the folks from Norwich, UK, have taken things up a notch with the Emira GT4, a race car based on the mid-engined Emira. 

So, how much of a step up is the GT4-spec racer over the standard Emira? For starters, it gets a racy aero kit, including a proper rear wing to pile on that downforce. Also, keeping the race car glued to the track are a set of 18-inch Pirelli GT4 tyres. Thanks to the advanced composite bodywork, the Emira GT4 is a featherweight, tipping the scales at 1,260kg, 145kg lighter than the standard Emira. Other performance-focused additions are the improved brakes and suspension.

Considering the Emira GT4 is a race car, safety is paramount. It comes equipped with an FIA-compliant roll cage, a six-point harness, and a fire extinguisher. Inside, it gets a Motec dashboard with data logging to help you keep track of your car’s telemetry and lap times. The fuel tank has been swapped for a 96-litre FIA fuel cell. 

Under the hood, things haven’t changed. It retains the same 400PS supercharged Toyota 3.5-litre V6 engine as the standard Emira. It is paired with a 6-speed paddle-shift gearbox. Sure, not having more grunt may be a slight bummer, but with the gains made in aerodynamics and the reduced weight, the Emira GT4 should be more than capable on the racetrack. 

Lotus will debut the Emira GT4 later this year at the Hethel test track in the UK. The carmaker plans to produce a limited number of units for the 2022 racing season.