Lotus Cars has officially confirmed that the Emira sports car will undergo a major facelift in 2027, introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain branded as Hyper Hybrid. This move ensures compliance with upcoming Euro 7 emission standards and extends the lifecycle of the model that was once thought to be Lotus’s last combustion-powered sports car.
The new direction reflects a broader strategic shift at Lotus: stepping back from an all-electric future by 2028 and instead embracing a hybrid-first strategy to balance performance, emissions, and customer expectations.
Why the Emira Is Staying Beyond 2027
The Emira was initially planned to bow out by 2027 as Lotus transitioned to a pure EV lineup. However, demand for sports cars with combustion engines particularly in the United States, Lotus’s largest sports car market has remained strong. This enduring popularity, combined with global uncertainties in EV demand, persuaded Lotus to prolong the Emira’s life with fresh technology and design updates.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Model |
2027 Lotus Emira facelift |
New Powertrains |
Hyper Hybrid PHEV, upgraded V6, possible AMG V8 |
Compliance |
Meets Euro 7 emission standards |
Electric Range |
~300 km (186 miles) CLTC cycle |
Charging Speed |
10-80% in approx. 12 minutes |
Max Driving Range |
Up to 1,094 km (combined hybrid range) |
Strategic Shift |
From all-EV by 2028 to hybrid-forward strategy |
Financial Context |
$313 million loss (H1 2025); 550 UK job cuts |
Official Site |
The Hyper Hybrid Plug-In Powertrain
The standout feature of the facelift is the Hyper Hybrid system. First debuting in Lotus’s SUV lineup (likely the Eletre) in 2025, it will then be adapted to the Emira sports car.
Key highlights include:
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900-volt electrical architecture for faster charging and efficiency.
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Approx. 300 km (186 miles) EV-only range under the CLTC test cycle.
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Rapid charging from 10-80% in about 12 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.
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A balanced setup pairing a turbocharged engine with strong electric motors for extended range and performance.
When fitted to the Emira, this system will aim to retain Lotus’s hallmark driving purity while offering modern sustainability and compliance.
Current Engines and Euro 7 Challenges
At present, the Lotus Emira is available with two engine options:
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2.0-litre AMG-sourced turbocharged four-cylinder
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Two outputs: 365 hp / 430 Nm and 406 hp / 480 Nm.
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3.5-litre Toyota-sourced supercharged V6
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406 hp / 420 Nm.
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Neither of these engines can be directly upgraded to comply with Euro 7 standards. The AMG unit is expected to be phased out entirely, while the Toyota V6 will be revised or potentially replaced.
The V6 Update and Rumored V8 Revival
Lotus plans to upgrade the V6 for Euro 7 compliance, ensuring it remains part of the lineup for markets that still value the visceral combustion sports car experience.
In addition, Lotus is reportedly exploring the return of a Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the same unit seen in the Aston Martin Vantage. If confirmed, this would be historic: the first V8-powered Lotus since the Esprit V8 ended production in 2004.
Lotus’s Strategic Pivot: From All-Electric to Hybrid-First
Back in 2018, Lotus announced an ambitious plan to go fully electric by 2028. However, slowing EV sales, high costs, and evolving policies have forced a rethink.
Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng has confirmed that the new plan is hybrid-led, not fully electric. The Hyper Hybrid system offers a total driving range of more than 1,000 km, pairing combustion engines with ultra-fast charging to reduce range anxiety and broaden appeal.
This pivot reflects customer demand for flexibility: while enthusiasts crave performance and sound, regulators demand lower emissions. The hybrid solution attempts to satisfy both.
Financial and Business Context
The facelift comes at a challenging time for Lotus. The company posted a $313 million net loss in the first half of 2025 and announced 550 job cuts in the UK, citing volatile global conditions and shifting tariffs.
By strengthening ties between Lotus Cars (UK) and Lotus Technology (China), the brand aims to streamline operations, lower costs, and deliver innovative drivetrains faster.
Timeline and What to Expect
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2025: Hyper Hybrid debuts on an SUV (likely Eletre).
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2027: Facelifted Emira launches with Hyper Hybrid, revised V6, and possibly a V8.
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Beyond 2027: Emira continues production, breaking its “final ICE Lotus” label, and carrying the brand through Euro 7 and into the hybrid era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is Lotus keeping the Emira alive past 2027?
A: Strong demand in key markets, especially the US, and a pivot to hybrid technology have convinced Lotus to extend the Emira’s life beyond its original retirement date.
Q2: What is the Hyper Hybrid system?
A: A 900-volt plug-in hybrid platform offering about 300 km EV-only range, ultra-fast charging, and total range above 1,000 km when combined with its combustion engine.
Q3: Will the AMG four-cylinder engine continue in 2027?
A: No, the 2.0-litre AMG engine is expected to be phased out due to Euro 7 compliance issues.
Q4: Is Lotus really bringing back a V8?
A: Lotus is considering a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes-AMG. If introduced, it would be the first Lotus V8 since 2004.
Q5: When will the facelifted Emira be released?
A: The hybrid-powered Emira facelift will debut in 2027, following the rollout of Hyper Hybrid technology in SUVs in 2025.
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