After what felt like an eternity, American petrolheads can finally rejoice! The long-awaited Lotus Emira sports cars have received the green light to grace our shores, and boy, has it been a rollercoaster ride. But fear not, for the British automotive maestros have prevailed, securing the coveted emissions certificate from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) – the golden ticket that paves the way for these automotive gems to find their rightful homes across all 50 states.
HURDLE COURSE
Let’s rewind a bit, shall we? The Emira’s journey to the States has been nothing short of an epic saga. From the global pandemic’s relentless grip to the ever-looming supply chain woes, these British beauties have faced their fair share of obstacles. But wait, there’s more! Brexit threw a curveball, delaying the delivery of UK-spec models, while the Ukraine war and inflation added insult to injury.
AGONY OF ANTICIPATION
For some eager customers who placed their orders as early as 2021, the wait has been excruciating. Imagine the torment of visiting your local dealer, gazing longingly at your Emira, only to be turned away empty-handed, thanks to the bureaucratic red tape. Talk about a tease! Lotus even had to compensate dealerships for the mounting costs of housing these unsold gems, a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to its customers.
ROAR OF EXCITEMENT
With the CARB certification now in hand, Lotus can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief. No longer will customers have to endure the agonizing wait or the risk of their prized possessions being flipped to less-fortunate states. The floodgates have opened, and the Emira’s melodic roar is about to echo across the nation.
SWAN SONG OF AN ERA
But wait, there’s more to the Emira than just its long-awaited arrival. This sleek sports car represents the swan song of an era, the last hurrah of Lotus’ iconic internal combustion engines. Powered by a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6, supercharged and tuned by the wizards at Yamaha to deliver a breathtaking 400 horsepower, the Emira is a symphony of power and precision.
And for those seeking an even more exhilarating experience, an AMG-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot with 360 horses and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox will soon join the party.
FUTURE
As the curtain falls on the Emira’s internal combustion era, a new dawn beckons. Rumor has it that the Type 135, an all-electric spiritual successor to the legendary Elise, is waiting in the wings, poised to usher Lotus into a new age of electrified performance.
So, buckle up, speed demons, for the Lotus Emira has finally arrived on American shores. It’s been a tumultuous journey, but one that has only solidified the brand’s place in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. The future is electric, but for now, let’s bask in the glory of this internal combustion masterpiece.