Lotus is still chasing Colin Chapman’s old idea of sports car performance through light weight, even if modern reality has made that difficult to pull off. The latest proof is the 2027 Lotus Emira 420 Sport, now the most powerful Emira in the lineup. Along with the extra power, it makes more downforce and carries less weight, sharpening the mid-engine sports car’s track-day credentials.
More power from a four-cylinder
Power still comes from the Emira’s 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, now turned up to 420 PS — hence the model’s name. In U.S. figures, that translates to 414 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This makes this four-cylinder Emira more powerful than the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 by 14 hp and 59 lb-ft. It is also paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Lotus says the 420 Sport will reach a top speed of 186 mph.
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But yes, the upgrades go beyond the powertrain. Compared with the standard Emira Turbo, the 420 Sport rides 5 millimeters lower and gets higher-performance tires, prompting Lotus to retune the suspension for improved grip and handling. Revised aerodynamics also boost cooling for the engine radiators and brakes without adding a weight penalty. The company says the result is a 0–60-mph time of 3.7 seconds, which is 0.1 second quicker than the Turbo SE.
A handling pack that cuts weight and adds downforce
For buyers who want the most focused version of the 2027 Emira 420 Sport, Lotus offers the Lightweight Handling Pack. It cuts 55 pounds from the car’s 3,208-pound curb weight and adds 55 pounds of downforce. The package also includes two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers, a titanium exhaust, a 12-volt lithium-ion battery, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, carbon-fiber pieces, and the Lotus Track Performance app.
There is also an exterior carbon-fiber pack for anyone who wants the look and some of the material’s benefits without going all the way to the handling package. It replaces the front splitter, side sills, wheel-arch vents, side pods, rear spoiler, and diffuser surround with carbon-fiber pieces.
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Orange you glad they kept the color
Lotus will offer the Emira 420 Sport in 16 exterior colors, but Tangelo Orange is the headline shade. The bright finish draws from the brand’s long-running use of orange on both its road cars and race cars dating back decades. It is the kind of color that makes one look twice, and it fits the car’s sharper character.
Inside, the 2027 Lotus Emira 420 Sport keeps the same driver-first layout while adding a few touches aimed at both comfort and theater. The cabin features 12-way adjustable seats, electro-hydraulic power steering, and updated carbon-fiber paddle shifters with improved haptic feel.
A removable roof and two interior packs
The 420 Sport also introduces a new removable tinted glass roof panel, though it will be available across the Emira range. Lotus says it allows the coupe to quickly convert to an open-top experience, with the panel stored in a protective bag behind the seats.
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Two interior appearance packages will also be available. The Carbon Fiber Pack adds carbon trim to the seat-back logo surround, steering wheel center spoke, and driver display surround. The Hand Painted Pack brings Tangelo Orange accents to the center console, steering wheel spoke, gear-lever inner surround, and air vent surrounds. It is a lot of orange, but the company seems to think that is the point.
Skeptics might note that the 420 Sport is still a four-cylinder car in a segment where V-8s and V-6s remain common. But with 414 hp and a curb weight under 3,200 pounds, it is hard to argue with the math. That is enough to lure buyers away from a Porsche Cayman GTS or a BMW M2.
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