Folks, get ready to witness the birth of a game-changer in the electric vehicle realm. Lotus, the iconic British sports car maker, has unveiled its latest creation – the Emeya, an electric-powered four-door GT that redefines what it means to be a Lotus.
Ben Payne, Vice President of Design for Lotus Group, proudly proclaims, “This is a Lotus like you’ve never seen before.” And boy, is he right! With its aggressive styling cues reminiscent of the Eletre electric SUV, the Emeya is a radical departure from Lotus’ past, yet still manages to retain that unmistakable Lotus DNA.
Performance
Brace yourselves, because the Emeya R EV packs a mind-boggling 905 horsepower and 727 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor EV powertrain. This power translates into a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 2.8 seconds (on paper), making it a worthy contender against the likes of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
But that’s not all – the Emeya borrows some nifty hardware from its Eletre sibling, including a two-speed transmission for the rear axle e-motor, enabling it to hit an impressive top speed of 155 mph. The Emeya and Emeya S models are no slouches either, churning out a respectable 605 horsepower and sprinting from 0-60 mph in a zippy 4 seconds.
Range and Charging
With a hefty 102 kWh battery pack, the Emeya promises to outshine the Taycan Turbo S’s EPA-rated 222-mile range. Lotus claims that its 800V electrical architecture allows for lightning-fast charging times, with the battery juicing up from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes when connected to a 350 kW fast charger. Even a quick 5-minute pit stop at such a charger can add an impressive 93 miles of range to your journey.
In the UK, the Emeya R is estimated to offer between 270 and 310 miles of range, while the Emeya and Emeya S variants boast an even more impressive range of 310 to 379 miles on a single charge.
Aerodynamics and Handling
The Emeya’s muscular exterior isn’t just for show – it’s a functional masterpiece. With features like an active front grille that opens and closes to manage cooling and aerodynamics, an active air lip for increased downforce, and an active diffuser and dual-layer rear spoiler that can generate up to 474 pounds of downforce, this electric GT is designed to hug the road like a limpet.
Complementing its aerodynamic prowess is a semi-active electronically controlled air suspension, 22-inch wheels, and Lotus’ first-ever electric power steering system, bolted directly to the chassis for enhanced feedback. And if that’s not enough, the Emeya is likely to offer rear-wheel steering for improved low-speed agility and high-speed stability, just like its Eletre sibling.
Interior
Step inside the Emeya, and you’ll be greeted by a sumptuous interior that blends high-quality materials with cutting-edge technology. One of the standout features is a new material that repurposes cotton scraps from the fashion and garment industries, making it lighter than leather and boasting a lower carbon footprint.
A large central screen serves as the command center, providing access to the Emeya’s various systems, including the premium KEF audio system with integrated noise cancellation. Both the driver and passenger benefit from slim OLED displays, while an augmented reality head-up display projects crucial information directly into the driver’s line of sight, seamlessly blending real-time road data, navigation, and advanced driver assistance system alerts.
The Future Starts Now
With production slated for 2024 and U.S. deliveries expected in 2025, the Emeya is poised to shake up the electric vehicle market. Pricing in the UK starts at an impressive 106,400 Euros ($116,254) for the base Emeya model, 126,950 Euros ($138,707) for the Emeya S, and a cool 150,990 Euros ($164,973) for the range-topping Emeya R.
So, buckle up, folks – the future of electric performance and luxury has a new name, and it’s called the Lotus Emeya.