Lotus aims to build a limited number of Emira GT4 race cars for the 2022 season
Backed by more than 70 years of innovation through track and road racing, Lotus has just introduced its new Emira sports car.
It has been developed in partnership with the RML Group.
Almost all modern Lotus road cars have had race-ready siblings and the Emira is no exception.
Each customer car will be a homologated performance machine, hand-built with lightweight motorsport components and equipment to meet the latest safety regulations.
The Hethel-based development team has focused on precision engineering to deliver outstanding dynamics and high-speed stability.
The advanced composite bodywork makes the car exceptionally lightweight and, coupled with Toyota’s race-proven 3.5-litre V6 engine and optimised GT4 aerodynamics derived from the road-going Emira’s advanced exterior design, the Emira GT4 promises to be more than competitive.
Richard Selwin, race programme manager, Lotus, commented, “The all-new Emira GT4 is an exciting next step following the hugely successful launch of the Emira road car. We have worked hard with the team at RML Group to ensure this next-generation of Lotus GT car will deliver race-winning performance.”
Simon Holloway, commercial director, RML Group, commented, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Lotus on the all-new Emira GT4 Concept. Both companies have a long and successful motorsport pedigree, and to bring that together at such an exciting time for Lotus is a welcome validation of our vision and values”.
Gavan Kershaw, today the director of vehicle attributes for Lotus but previously a GT championship-winning driver of Lotus race cars, has been involved in the development of the Emira GT4 from the start. He commented, “The all-new chassis on which the Emira has been developed is the perfect starting point for a high-performance race car. Everyone at Lotus is so excited to be returning to world motorsport and to be doing so with such a competitive race car”.
Lotus has been synonymous with racing success ever since the Mark I, a trials car hand-built by founder Colin Chapman in 1948, and the company has pioneered many of the technical innovations which make racing the thrilling sport it is today. The impressive roll-call of honours includes seven Formula 1 Constructors’ titles, six Drivers’ Championships and the Indianapolis 500.
The return to world motorsport is a key pillar of the company’s transformation. Earlier this year Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business, became technical partner to JBXE, the Extreme E race team led by F1 world champion Jenson Button.
The Lotus Emira GT4 will be officially launched later this year at an event on the Hethel test track, the iconic 2.2-mile circuit which has hosted the development of some of the world’s most famous race cars.
Lotus aims to build a limited number of Emira GT4 race cars for the 2022 season, increasing production for 2023 in line with global demand.
Critical specifications – Lotus Emira GT4
• Engine – Toyota V6 2GR-FE
• Cubic Capacity – 3.5-litres
• Power – 298kW / 400bhp
• RPM – 7 200rpm
• Supercharger – Harrop TVS 1900
• Transmission – 6-speed xTrac with paddleshift + limited slip differential
• Dry weight – 1 260kg
Source: Influenceassociates.com
