Lotus Emira 420 Sport Officially Revealed: Lightweight Kit, 420 HP, and Open-Top Option

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Lotus has officially released the first images of the Emira 420 Sport, the most focused and performance-oriented version of its mid-engine sports car to date. Compared to the 2025 Emira Turbo SE, the 420 Sport introduces a dedicated lightweight handling package that shaves 25 kg from the car’s curb weight while simultaneously generating an additional 25 kg of downforce — a meaningful aerodynamic leap for a road-legal sports coupe.

2026 Lotus Emira 420 Sport front view with extended splitter

2026 Lotus Emira 420 Sport rear louvred tailgate design

Aerodynamics and Exterior

Visually, the 420 Sport stays close to its predecessor but receives targeted aerodynamic updates throughout. The front splitter and side sills have been extended, and the intake geometry has been reworked to increase airflow area. At the rear, Lotus has replaced the standard tailgate with a louvred design. The combined effect is significant: outer radiator airflow improves by 15%, central radiator airflow by 14%, brake cooling by 10%, and exhaust valve airflow by 30%. Lotus has also introduced a removable dark-tinted glass roof panel that stores behind the seats in a protective bag, allowing drivers to convert the coupe into an open-top configuration at will.

2026 Lotus Emira 420 Sport rear louvred tailgate design

2026 Lotus Emira 420 Sport front view with extended splitter

Interior

The cabin retains the familiar layout of the 2025 model, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. The official images show the car equipped with the optional Hand Painted Pack, which adds Tangelo orange accents — matching the exterior colour — to the seatbelts, air vents, steering wheel trim, gear lever, and centre console.

Lotus Emira 420 Sport interior with Tangelo orange Hand Painted Pack

2026 Lotus Emira 420 Sport rear louvred tailgate design

2026 Lotus Emira 420 Sport rear louvred tailgate design

Powertrain and Chassis

Under the hood, the 420 Sport continues to use the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in a mid-rear-wheel-drive layout, but with revised output: 420 hp and 500 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Suspension is double-wishbone at both axles, and ride height has been lowered by 5 mm. The car also receives two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers, sharpening steering feedback and body control. Orders are now open in international markets, with a starting price of $122,900 USD.

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Walker James

Automotive Journalist Covers new vehicle launches, specs, and pricing updates from Chinese automakers. Focused on clear and fast automotive news reporting.

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