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Photographs by Anurag Hole

There’s always a sense of excitement when you get a call saying a flatbed truck is arriving to drop off a car. This usually means that something truly special is on the way, and if I’m honest, this was more than just special — it was a first-of-its-kind experience. My only previous experience with a Lotus was driving its all-electric SUV, the Eletre. It was completely different this time — a sleek, bright yellow, petrol-powered Lotus Emira, ready to be unleashed.

The Emira is a true representation of globalisation in the automotive world. It is designed in the UK, owned by a Chinese parent company (Geely), and comes with two engine options — one from Toyota and the other from Mercedes-AMG. The version I had featured the latter, a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from AMG, making it a fascinating combination of different engineering philosophies. The Emira is also significant because it marks the end of an era, being Lotus’ last car powered by an internal combustion engine before the brand fully transitions to electric vehicles. The only downside of this globalisation effort is that when the Emira reaches Indian shores, it comes with a very hefty price tag, due to high import duties.

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This car has an undeniable presence. Its sleek, low-slung stance screams performance, and its design takes inspiration from some of the greats in the industry; there are elements that remind me of the Ferrari 458, especially the sculpted side intakes and the aggressive front-end styling. The Emira has its own unique character, though — one that blends elegance with raw performance appeal.

The interior reflects Lotus’ philosophy of simplicity and driver-focused engineering. Everything is placed within easy reach, reinforcing the idea that this car is designed for serious driving. The seating position is low, the visibility is decent, and the overall feeling inside the cabin makes it evident that this is a machine made for proper enthusiasts. The cabin is more functional than luxurious, but it has everything you need. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp and easy to read, and the 10.25-inch touchscreen offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A welcome surprise is the presence of physical controls for climate control and drive modes — something enthusiasts will appreciate in an era where everything is being moved to touchscreens. There’s also a high-end audio system developed in collaboration with British speaker manufacturer KEF, incorporating its signature Uni-Q technology to deliver an immersive and lifelike sound experience.

The Alcantara-wrapped roof and premium materials throughout the cabin give it an upmarket feel. The seats, though not overly cushioned, provide excellent support, keeping you firmly in place during spirited driving. However, practicality is not the Emira’s strong suit — the storage on offer is minimal, and its low ground clearance requires very careful navigation on Indian roads.

Lotus has built its reputation on one key principle: lightweight engineering — the Emira’s engine sits within an aluminium chassis, bringing its weight to just 1,446 kg. It beautifully embodies this philosophy; the moment you start rolling, you can feel how well connected the car is to the road. Even at low speeds, the feedback from the steering is astonishing; you can feel every pebble beneath the tyres. This is a level of precision that very few cars offer today. I started in ‘Sport’ mode, which sharpened the throttle response and made the 2-litre engine burst into life. The turbocharged four-cylinder motor delivers 360 bhp and 43.84 kgm of torque, propelling the Emira from 0 to 100 kph in just over 4.5 seconds. While these figures might not sound earth-shattering, the way the power is delivered is where the magic lies. The throttle response is immediate, the car blasts forward with incredible urgency, and the weight balance ensures that every bit of power is translated efficiently onto the road.

Switching to ‘Track’ mode turns things up a notch. The digital instrument cluster flashed a bright yellow traction control warning, signalling that I was about to experience the car in its rawest form. With traction control dialled back, the Emira felt even more eager to attack corners, showcasing its near-perfect chassis balance. There was no understeer — the car simply obeyed every steering input with surgical precision. The steering — tuned to a degree of perfection I haven’t experienced in a long time — was subliminally responsive, and offered billionaire-rich levels of feedback.

The AMG engine might be compact, but it is packed with character. I have driven several AMG cars, and this one retains that signature ‘brap-brap’ exhaust note that makes every gear shift feel theatrical. The level of acceleration on offer is addictive, and even when you’re not pushing it to the limit, the car feels engaging. Downshifts come with sharp, aggressive pops and bangs from the exhaust, adding to the drama. This car is not just about speed; it’s about the pure sensation of driving, something that Lotus has traditionally excelled at.

If you think its engine is great, just wait till you experience the Emira’s handling. Thanks to its lightweight construction and perfectly balanced chassis, it handles like an extension of your own body. Taking a sweeping lefthander at speed, I could feel the car glued to the tarmac, urging me to push harder. The precision of the steering made it effortless to adjust mid-corner, and zero body roll ensured that the car remained composed at all times. The car’s low centre of gravity, coupled with its amazing suspension, made for a confidence-inspiring, thrilling drive. Unlike some of its rivals, which rely on electronic aids to manage grip and stability, the Emira feels purely mechanical. The car doesn’t just follow your inputs — it amplifies them.

At Rs. 3.22 crore (ex-showroom), the Emira is undoubtedly expensive, especially when compared to past benchmarks like the Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0, which was available for around half that price. However, with the Cayman no longer on sale in India, the Emira finds itself in a unique position, as the only mid-engined sports car in its price bracket. For those who value handling, driver engagement, and the thrill of a perfectly tuned chassis, the Emira is worth every penny. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it delivers an emotional connection that very few modern sports cars can match. If you’re an enthusiast looking for one of the last great analogue driving experiences, this is a car that deserves a place in your garage. It reminds you why you fell in love with cars in the first place, and with Lotus transitioning to electric vehicles, the Emira is the last of its kind — a final ode to pure driving pleasure. If you get the chance to drive one, take it. You won’t regret it.