Launched: Lotus Emira i4 First Edition – From RM998,800

The Lotus Emira i4 First Edition is now available in Malaysia!

Lotus Cars Malaysia sees its line up expand today as it announces the availability of the 4-cyl version of the British marque’s Emira sportscar. Available alongside the V6-powered Emira, the new Emira i4 is being offered initially in First Edition guise with a special introductory price too – more on which in a bit.

Powering the Emira i4 First Edition is a manic mid-mounted 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill supplied by Mercedes-AMG – similar to what powers the Mercedes-AMG A45 S superhatch. Said all aluminium mill develops 360 HP and 430 NM, both managed to the rear wheels via an 8-speed DCT sports automatic transmission.

In i4 form, the Emira harnesses a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo paired with an 8-speed DCT sports automatic, the latter managing the former's 360 HP and 430 NM outputs.

Said output figures sees the Emira i4 stand as the most powerful 4-cyl Lotus model to date. Tipping the scales at 1,446 KG, the Emira i4 tips the scales art 12 KG less than its V6-powered twin, boasting similar pace and speed too, evident by its 0-100 KM/H sprint time of 4.4 seconds and 290 KM/H V-max. 

For contrast, the V6 model, which boasts 400 HP and either 420 NM (6AT) or 430 NM (6MT), despatches 0-100 KM/H in a marginally quicker pace of 4.2 seconds and 4.3 seconds respectively. Instead, it does have a slightly lower claimed V-max of 288 KM/H+.

Like its V6-powered twin, the Emira i4 can be specified in either Tour or Sport chassis tunes, the latter pairing stiffer springs and dampers with added wheel camber.

Powertrain aside, the Emira i4’s boasts an equally well-sorted chassis as its V6-powered twin. Highlights include an electro-hydraulic steering module, Eibach springs with Bilstein high-pressure dampers, as well as 20-inch ultra-lightweight wheels shod in made-for-Lotus Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres in 245/35 (front) and 295/30 (rear) profiles.

Furthermore, prospecting buyers can opt between two different chassis setups – Tour and Sport. Softer springs and dampers optimised for daily road use headlines the Tour chassis setup. Sport, on the other hand, pairs stiffer springs and dampers with increased wheel camber, all optimised for track use.

As for the brakes, the Emira i4 also gets lightweight, two-piece, cross-drilled and slotted rotors all-around with the front pair grabbed by quad-piston calipers. Customers can have said calipers, which bear the Lotus marque’s branding, finished with a choice of four paint options at no extra cost.

On board, the Emira i4's cabin is largely similar to its V6-powered twin. It shares the same digital displays too, with the centre infotainment offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

On board, the Emira i4 First Edition sees its cabin mirror closely with its V6-powered twin yet again. Shared here are the all-digital TFT instrumentation (12.3-inch) and touchscreen infotainment (10.25-inch) displays, the latter brimmed with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Elsewhere, the Emira i4 gets 12-way power-adjustable seats, 10-channel 560-watt premium hi-fi audio system with 6-speakers developed with KEF, Nappa leather upholstery available in six colour choices, alcantara headliner, as well as tasty satin chrome interior trims plus white-hued interior mood lighting.

Lotus Cars Malaysia is presently offering the Emira i4 First Edition with a special introductory price of RM998,800 instead of its actual RM1,095,000 (RM509,000 - Langkawi) figure.

Beyond these, a selection of style- and performance-oriented optional packages are available too. The latter stems from the Lotus Drivers Pack that adds a Track Mode ESP plus a dedicated Track Mode infotainment displays that prioritises data and info displays for high-performance driving.

Open for viewing and bookings now through the Lotus Cars Malaysia store located in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the Lotus Emira i4 First Edition is being offered with a special introductory price of RM998,800. This offer is valid for the 2023 model year only.

After which, the Emira i4 is set to command an actual price of RM1,095,000 – or RM509,000 if you happen to have resident status in duty-free Langkawi. All prices include a 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage. The firm adds first customer deliveries are set to commence later this year from Nov onwards.