After teasing its newest car, Lotus finally unveiled the new Emeya at a glitzy function New York. It's a fully electric four-door, and four-seater hyper-GT of which the top specification R model has a total system output of 675kW and 985Nm of torque. The entry-level models produce 450kW and all are powered by dual electric motors for an all-wheel drive set up.
The power is enough to propel the Emeya R from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, which is blindingly quick. For context, we previously tested the potent Porsche 911 GT2 RS to 2.88 seconds, though the new car is a rival to the Porsche Taycan. Top speed is a relatively modest 256km/h and a race-grade braking system is said to be integrated.
The Emeya features a host of advanced technologies, including a battery with 102kWh capacity that can add 150km of driving range in about five minutes of charge using a 350kW DC fast charger. It's also said it can boost range from 10% to 80% within 18 minutes.
Active aerodynamics, wind-cheating devices such as rear cameras instead of wing-mirrors and electronically controlled air suspension system form part of the svelte GT shape. At the front, the Emeya has an active front grille and air dam with dual purposes.
When closed they reduce drag and enhance downforce, handling and stability at high speeds. When open they cool the batteries and braking system. An active rear diffuser smoothens out the airflow beneath the car while a 296mm wide, dual-layer rear spoiler creates 215kg downforce.
The cabin with an intelligent driver cockpit and infotainment system is crafted using carbon fibre and other sustainable materials and tactile surfaces. The company says it used advanced threads made from repurposed cotton scraps from the fashion and garment industries instead of leather to offset weight and a carbon-footprint. The material mix includes PVD Aluminium, Alcantara, Ultrafabrics and Nappa Leather.
Intelligent and advanced technology includes a 55-inch head-up display with augmented reality projection, large central touchscreen, 5G connectivity over-the-air updates, navigation with real-time road information and advanced driver assistance systems such as obstacle warnings, lane departure, forward collision alerts and blind-spot monitoring.
Acoustic entertainment is courtesy of a KEF system with a space-saving subwoofer, plus Dolby Atmos 3D surround.
“This is a Lotus like you have never seen before. We’ve built on everything Lotus has achieved so far to create a luxury performance car for the drivers, designed to inspire confidence, exhilarate with raw emotion and pure joy — connecting them to the road,” said Ben Payne, vice-president of design at Lotus.
Production is set to begin in 2024 when the Emeya will join the Eletre SUV and Evija hyper coupe as the brand's electric vehicles. Lotus says it will share more information like availability and pricing on the Emeya in Q4.
Daytona, the local distributor of Lotus cars, has confirmed that the sleek new Emeya will arrive in SA late in 2024 or sometime in 2025.
“Bringing together our rich heritage with intelligent performance and the latest cutting-edge technologies, we’re pushing the boundaries for how a luxury electric vehicle should look and handle — making it truly for the drivers,” concluded Lotus Group CEO Feng Qingfeng.
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