The World’s Fastest Four-Banger Just Got Faster

Lotus is working on a new ‘Esprit’ for 2028, but if you’re looking for something to tide you over until it arrives, you might want to check out its little brother, the new Emira 420 Sport.

The British carmaker has decided the Emira wasn’t quite focused enough, so the solution involved adding more power, more aero, and some very retro rear window louvres, and removing some weight from the fastest four-cylinder production car in the world.

Related: Lotus Is Dumping Toyota And AMG Power For Engines You’ve Never Heard Of

Yeah, sorry V6 fans, but power comes not from the Toyota-supplied 400 hp (406 PS) V6 in the Emira V6 SE, but from the familiar AMG-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the 360 hp (365 PS) Emira Turbo and 400 hp Turbo SE. Both engines, by the way, will soon be junked for a new 3.0-liter V6 from Horse Powertrain.

Power rises to 414 hp (420 PS), and torque from the Turbo SE’s 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) to 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), trimming the 0-62 mph (100 kmh) time from 4.0 to 3.9 seconds. The Turbo SE was already the world’s speediest four-pot, but the top speed also climbs from 181 mph (291 km/h) to 186 mph (299.4 km/h).

No Manual Option

Going the AMG inline four route means 420 Sport buyers don’t get to row their own gears. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. And it’s not like it helps much with weight saving, because while Lotus hasn’t given a figure for the 420, the V6 SE is only 1 kg (2 lbs) heavier than the Turbo SE.

Drivers wanting maximum intensity and even less weight can add the optional Lightweight Handling Pack, which removes 25 kg (55 lbs) and adds hardware aimed squarely at track-day addicts. That includes adjustable Multimatic dampers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a titanium exhaust trimming 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs), and a lithium-ion battery cutting another 12 kg (26.4 lbs).

Nostalgic Louvres

You get a more aggressive splitter, larger intakes, extended side sills, wheel arch vents, and a louvred rear panel replacing the standard glass. That last one is a reference to the 1980s Esprit Turbo, which was also the world’s fastest four in its day.

Lotus says the 420’s surfaces were tightened around the mechanical package to create a more purposeful appearance while also delivering 25 kg (55 lbs) of extra downforce without increasing drag. And if you’re happy to disrupt the airflow and your hair, you can opt for a removable roof panel, a feature Lotus will soon roll out to other Emiras.

Pricing starts at £105,900 in the UK, which is a noticeable step up from the £89,500 Turbo SE, and roughly what you’ll pay for a base Porsche 911 Carrera. But in the US, a $122,900 price makes it not only nearly $13,000 under a Carrera, but less than half as expensive as a 911 GT3.

Lotus