2026 Lotus Emira 420 Sport unveiled as hardcore AMG-powered finale before Horse-hybrid era

Lotus seems to be smartly turning away from its previously gungho charge towards a full-EV range, and has just turned the heat up on the already sharp-looking Emira, unveiling a new hardcore variant called the Lotus Emira 420 Sport - pun intended?

With customer deliveries for the scheduled to begin in August, it may well mark the final chapter for the Emira’s existing petrol-only engines. Reports suggest both the AMG four-cylinder and the Toyota-derived supercharged V6 could eventually make way for a new hybridised 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 powertrain developed by Horse Powertrain, a joint venture of Geely and Renault, signalling a very different electrified future for Lotus’ sports cars.

The cheeky ‘420’ badge aside, or whether Lotus was aware of the double meaning, the car itself is no gimmick. The now-somewhat British sports car maker has taken its heavily turbocharged AMG-powered coupe and given it a extra infusion of performance, sharper aero, and a meaningful diet to create what could be the most focused Emira yet.

Here, that new moniker points to both its power output and engine configuration of a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder. At the heart of the new machine sits the familiar Mercedes-AMG-sourced M139 engine first seen in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S and CLA 45 S, but unlike the detuned outputs seen in the standard Emira Turbo and Turbo SE, the 420 Sport unleashes the full 420 PS and 500 Nm available from the powerplant. 

Those figures put it on par with the fire-breathing AMGs, although here the engine sends its power exclusively to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of Benz’s 4MATIC system. 

Hethel’s engineers have also sharpened the chassis substantially, with the 420 Sport receiving bespoke suspension tuning and a 5mm lower ride height aimed at delivering even more precision through corners. A major contributor to the car’s newfound aggression is the optional Lightweight Handling Pack. This package strips out 25 kg through the use of lightweight components including carbon fibre trim pieces, a titanium exhaust system, and a lithium-ion 12-volt battery. 

It also introduces two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers and track-focused high-performance tyres, transforming the Emira into something even more circuit-ready. Lotus has even developed a dedicated Track Performance lap timer app for owners looking to chase tenths on track days.

Visually, the 420 Sport receives a subtle but purposeful aerodynamic makeover inspired by the iconic turbocharged versions of the original Lotus Esprit. The updates include a redesigned front splitter, revised vents, larger air intakes, extended side skirts, a lip spoiler, and a louvred rear tailgate. These aren’t just cosmetic enhancements either. 

Lotus claims the revised aero package adds 25 kg of extra downforce while maintaining drag levels, helping improve stability at speed. Cooling performance has also been improved significantly, with airflow to the radiators and braking system increasing by up to 15%. That should translate into more consistent performance during aggressive driving sessions, especially on track.

Despite its more focused nature, the cabin thankfully hasn’t been stripped bare in the name of weight reduction. Buyers still get 12-way power-adjustable seats, while the dual-clutch gearbox now features carbon fibre paddle shifters for a more premium and sporting feel. New forged 20-inch alloy wheels finished in satin dark grey are also available, alongside 9 wheel and colour combinations.