Video: Lotus Emira Turbo SE makes its debut at Festival of Speed

10th July 2025

Adam Wilkins

Late last year, Lotus built its 10,000^thEmira – which means it has produced more examples of its current sportscar model since its 2021 launch than it did Esprits over its near 30-year lifespan. That milestone marked the end of the relatively long-lived First Edition models, and with it came a reshuffle of the Emira line-up.

The existing Mercedes-AMG powered four-cylinder and Toyota V6 cars continue, dubbed Emira Turbo and Emira V6 respectively, but there’s now a higher powered four-cylinder car that bridges the gap.

The £96,500 V6 engined car remains at the top of the tree, and in new SE specification comes with more equipment as standard than previous models. The stock Turbo retains its place as the entry level car at £79,500, but it’s now joined by the £89,500 Turbo SE.

That car has received a power upgrade. Where the Emira Turbo has 360PS (264kW), the Turbo SE has been revised to unleash a V6-matching 400PS (294kW). The result is that it’s actually faster from 0-60mph than the V6, its 4.0 seconds beating the V6’s 4.2 seconds. With a top speed of 181mph, it is also 1mph faster for the car with fewer cylinders, too. It still drives through AMG’s 8-speed DCT, while the V6 has the option of a manual or torque converter automatic.

Given the similarities in price and performance between the Turbo SE and V6 SE, the final choice for buyers will come down to their preferences in terms of transmission and power delivery. Local taxes may come into the equation, too. The SE models come with more equipment as standard, and there are some new colour options too, including Purple Haze and the Eos Green of the car on the Hill.