Updated 2026 Lotus Emira Unveiled with New V6 SE Variant

The 2026 MY update sees the Lotus Emira gaining a new V6 SE top-spec variant, plus a new entry-level Turbo model.

The Lotus Emira is turning four this year, and what better way to celebrate its birthday bash than by unveiling a new 2026 model year (2026 MY) for this lightweight mid-engined sportscar. For its fourth birthday bash, the Emira gains two new variants, namely the top-spec V6 SE and a new entry-level Turbo.

We’ll start with the new, top-spec V6 SE, where it uses the same 3.5-litre V6 engine developing 400 hp as the normal V6 model. Good news for enthusiasts, as the V6 SE Emira is still offered with both the six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission options, which help the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

Following in the footsteps of the Turbo SE, the new V6 SE model benefits from a re-tuned suspension system with optimised dampers, plus Tour and Sport driving modes. Lotus engineers have also subtly tweaked the V6 SE’s wheel alignment, thus promising it to “provide sharper handling and increased ride comfort.”

Also separating the new V6 SE variant from other Emiras are some exterior design bits, including 20-inch forged alloy wheels, a slew of black accents, a standard Zinc Grey exterior colour, and many more.

Moving on to the Turbo, this new entry-level variant is powered by the same AMG-sourced 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged engine as the Turbo SE model, albeit detuned slightly to produce 360 hp. Unlike the V6 SE, the entry-level Turbo model only comes with an eight-speed DCT automatic gearbox option, helping it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, en route to a 275 km/h V-max.

Across all variants, the 2026 MY Emira also gains several changes that help to improve both its performance and comfort. One of them is an optimised cooling system with rerouted lines that provide better flow to the transmission oil cooler and radiator, while the eight-speed DCT has also been recalibrated for faster shift times and improved shift quality, Lotus claims.

Rounding off the changes list are two new colour options known as EOS Green and Purple Haze Metallic, a new Racing Line design option for the SE variants, and an updated on-board climate control.

On board, the updated Emira still gets the same cockpit setup, with all variants getting the same 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a smaller 10.25-inch digital metre cluster. Opting for the V6 SE will get you fancier Alcantara upholstery and sport pedals.

UK deliveries for the updated 2026 Lotus Emira are slated to commence from Sept 2025 onwards, with prices starting from £79,500 (RM456,636) for the new entry-level Turbo, while the top-spec V6 SE retails at £96,500 (RM554,281). Given said timeline, perhaps it may take a while before the updated model arrives here.