The 2024 Lotus Emira i4 is a stunning sports car that won't break the bank

The 2024 Lotus Emira i4 is the latest and last model from the British brand that will feature an internal combustion engine before it goes all-electric. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's outdated or boring. The Emira i4 is a stunning sports car that combines sleek design, agile performance, and modern technology in a package that won't break the bank.

Design

The Emira i4 is based on an all-new platform that Lotus says is stiffer, lighter, and more spacious than its previous models. The sports car has a low-slung profile, sharp lines, sculpted curves, and distinctive headlights and taillights. The front grille features a hexagonal pattern that echoes the shape of the Lotus logo, while the rear diffuser adds a touch of aggression.

The 2024 Lotus Emira i4 is available in two trim levels: GT and Sport. The GT version has a more luxurious interior with leather seats, ambient lighting, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Sport version has a more driver-focused cockpit with Alcantara seats, carbon fiber accents, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Lotus Emira i4 also offers a range of customization options, including 10 exterior colors, four interior colors, two-wheel designs, and two brake caliper colors. You can also opt for a black pack that adds gloss black elements to the roof, mirrors, sills, and rear spoiler.

Performance

The Lotus Emira i4 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG. The engine produces 360 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 2024 Lotus Emira i4 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph. It also has a claimed fuel economy of 28 mpg combined, which is impressive for a sports car.

The Emira i4 features a double-wishbone suspension with adaptive dampers that can adjust to different driving modes: Tour, Sport, Race, and Individual. The car also has an electronic power steering system that provides precise feedback and control.

The Emira i4 is equipped with ventilated disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), hydraulic brake assist (HBA), cornering brake control (CBC), and fade-resistant brake function (FRBF). The car also has an electronic stability program (ESP) with traction control (TC) and launch control (LC).

Technology

The 2024 Lotus Emira i4 is not only fast and fun to drive but also smart and safe. The car comes with a host of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that help prevent accidents and enhance comfort.

Some of these systems include:

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop-and-go function
Lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW)
Blind spot monitor (BSM) with rear cross traffic alert (RCTA)
Forward collision warning (FCW) with automatic emergency braking (AEB)
Rear parking sensors with rearview camera
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

The Emira i4 also has a keyless entry system with push-button start, an automatic climate control system with an air quality sensor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), LED headlights with high beam assist (HBA), LED taillights, and a rear spoiler.

Price and availability

The Lotus Emira i4 is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in the summer of 2024, with a starting price of $97,000. That's a bargain compared to some of its rivals, such as the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, the Audi TT RS, and the BMW M2 Competition, which all cost over $100,000.

The Lotus Emira i4 is also cheaper than the Emira V6, which is powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine from Toyota that delivers 400 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The Emira V6 will start at $110,000 and will be available in limited numbers.

The Emira i4 is part of Lotus' ambitious plan to revamp its lineup and expand its global presence. The company, which is owned by Chinese automaker Geely, has also announced plans to launch an all-electric hypercar called the Lotus Evija, which will have over 2,000 horsepower and cost over $2 million.

The Emira i4 is a testament to Lotus' heritage of making lightweight, agile, and beautiful sports cars that are accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of drivers. It's also a fitting farewell to the internal combustion engine era as Lotus prepares to embrace the electric future.

If you're looking for a sports car that offers style, performance, technology, and value, you should definitely check out the 2024 Lotus Emira i4. It's a sports car that will make you smile every time you get behind the wheel.