Lotus has revealed the Emira 420 Sport, the most powerful and focused version of the mid-engine sports car since it launched. It sits at the top of the Emira range and is the result of customer feedback requesting a lighter, sharper alternative to the standard car.
The name is straightforward: 420 refers to the power output in PS, or 309kW in metric figures. That is 11kW and 20Nm more than the Emira Turbo SE, which currently leads the four-cylinder line.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 420 Sport uses the same Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo as the Turbo SE, re-tuned to produce 309kW and 500Nm. The sole transmission is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, as is the case with all four-cylinder Emiras. The manual gearbox option available in the V6 models is not available for the AMG-derived engine.
New carbon-fibre gearshift paddles replace the standard items, with revised haptic feedback designed to give a more defined shift feel.
Acceleration from zero to 100km/h drops to 3.9 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the Turbo SE and 0.3 seconds faster than the 298kW supercharged V6 automatic. The 420 Sport is now the quickest Emira to 100km/h regardless of powertrain.
Lightweight Handling Pack
An optional Lightweight Handling Pack reduces kerb weight by 25kg while simultaneously increasing downforce by 25kg. The changes include a lithium-ion starter battery in place of the standard lead-acid unit, a titanium exhaust system, and Multimatic two-way adjustable dampers.
Suspension is lowered by 5mm over the standard car, with recalibrated settings and high-performance tyres specified for "enhanced control and feedback." The electro-hydraulic steering is carried over without change.
For buyers who plan to use the car on track, the Pack addresses two of the most common criticisms of the standard Emira: that it is slightly heavier than its rivals and that its standard dampers do not offer enough range for mixed road and circuit use.
Aerodynamics and Cooling
The 420 Sport receives significant aerodynamic revisions. Larger side air intakes, revised front vents, a new front splitter, a rear lip spoiler, and a louvred tailgate improve brake cooling by 10 per cent, air flow to the outboard radiators by 15 per cent, and air flow to the central radiator by 14 per cent.
Those are not trivial numbers. Consistent performance during repeated hot laps requires that the brakes and cooling systems do not degrade over a session, and Lotus has clearly designed these changes with circuit use in mind.
A Removable Glass Roof Arrives for All Emiras
Alongside the 420 Sport reveal, Lotus has introduced a removable glass roof panel for the entire Emira lineup. This is a significant addition, given that the Emira previously had no open-top or glass roof option.
The panel requires no structural changes to the Emira's bonded aluminium architecture. When removed, it can be stowed behind the seats in a protective bag. This is the same arrangement used by Porsche on the 911 Targa and by several other sports cars where a full convertible structure is not feasible.
For buyers who have admired the Emira's clean roofline but wanted more open-air feel, the removable panel is a meaningful addition.
Carbon and Colour Options
An optional Exterior Carbon-Fibre Pack adds carbon finishes to the rear spoiler, rear diffuser, side sills, wheel arch vents, side pods, and front splitter. An interior Carbon Pack covers the steering wheel, instrument cluster surround, and seatback logos.
A new 20-inch satin grey 15-spoke alloy wheel design is available, bringing the total wheel option count to nine. Tangelo Orange is a new exterior colour exclusive to the 420 Sport, with matching hand-painted highlights available for the console, steering wheel, and air vent surrounds.
Australian Pricing and Timing
The Lotus Emira 420 Sport is scheduled for launch during European summer, covering June to August 2026. UK pricing starts at £105,900, which converts to approximately A$198,720 at current exchange rates.
Australian pricing and availability have not been confirmed. The current Emira Turbo SE starts above $160,000 in Australia, placing the 420 Sport likely above $180,000 when local on-road costs and specification premiums are factored in.
For buyers considering a sports car in this price bracket, the 420 Sport competes with the Porsche Cayman GT4, the BMW M2 CS, and the upper end of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA range. Carseekers will report confirmed Australian pricing when Lotus makes it available.
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The finer details
Your questions answered.
How much will the Lotus Emira 420 Sport cost in Australia?
Australian pricing has not been confirmed. UK pricing starts at £105,900, which converts to approximately A$198,720 at current rates. Given the current Emira Turbo SE starts above $160,000 locally, expect the 420 Sport to be priced above $180,000 when specifications and on-road costs are included.
What makes the Emira 420 Sport different from the standard Emira?
The 420 Sport produces 309kW and 500Nm from its AMG-sourced four-cylinder, an increase of 11kW and 20Nm over the Turbo SE. Suspension is lowered 5mm, aerodynamics are revised for better cooling, and an optional Lightweight Pack cuts 25kg while adding 25kg of downforce.
Does the Lotus Emira 420 Sport have a manual gearbox?
No. All four-cylinder Emira models, including the 420 Sport, use an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. The manual option is only available on V6 variants. Carbon-fibre gearshift paddles with revised haptic feedback are standard on the 420 Sport.
Is the Lotus Emira available with a glass roof?
Yes, from 2026. Lotus has introduced a removable glass roof panel for all Emira variants. It stores behind the seats in a protective bag and requires no structural modifications to the car's bonded aluminium body.
When will the Lotus Emira 420 Sport be available to buy?
Lotus has targeted a European summer launch, meaning June to August 2026. Australian timing follows the UK and European release but has not been confirmed. Contact Lotus Australia or your nearest Lotus dealer for waitlist and specification details.
How does the Emira 420 Sport compare to a Porsche Cayman GT4?
The Cayman GT4 uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six producing 309kW and is widely regarded as one of the most driver-focused sports cars under $300,000. The Emira 420 Sport matches that power output with a turbocharged four-cylinder at a likely lower price point. The Cayman GT4 offers a six-speed manual; the Emira does not.
