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The wait is finally over for American automotive aficionados as the Lotus Emira, the company’s last sports car with an internal combustion engine, has been given the green light for sales across all 50 states.
Unveiled in the summer of 2021, the initially introduced Emira First Edition features the same supercharged 3.5-liter Toyota V6 found in the Evora GT. Customers initially expected deliveries by the spring of 2022. However, this timeline was disrupted due to the Emira’s delay with emissions certification, specifically with the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Lotus opted to postpone deliveries to all states until the certification was complete to circumvent any potential registration issues, a decision reported by Motor1.
Finally, the obstructive paperwork has been settled, with evidence provided by a Lotus Talk forum member through a public records request indicating CARB certification as of February 29. Initial skepticism from some members was put to rest as CARB clearance was thereafter confirmed by an official spokesperson to The Drive.
There is some speculation as to whether the certification challenges stemmed from ongoing production setbacks due to COVID-19 or issues related to the older design of the Toyota V6 engine—originally dating back to 2002—which might not align seamlessly with contemporary emissions standards. This is hinted at by the drop in horsepower from the Evora GT to the Emira, a loss of 16 horsepower.
Questions also linger about the longevity of the V6 engine and its manual transmission in the Emira’s lifecycle. Lotus will, at some point, roll out a model equipped with a 360-hp Mercedes-AMG turbo-four engine coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, which is set to serve as the V6’s successor. As Lotus edges closer to a fully electric vehicle lineup, it appears the era of the lightweight and straightforward Lotus sports car is concluding. Given Lotus’s historical financial challenges, this transition may have been inevitable.
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FAQs About the Lotus Emira’s Emissions Approval and Deliveries
- Why were Lotus Emira deliveries delayed?
- Deliveries were delayed due to the Emira needing emissions certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Lotus deciding to wait for this before delivering vehicles to any U.S. state.
- Is the Lotus Emira now certified for sale in all 50 states?
- Yes, as of February 29, the Lotus Emira has been certified and can be legally sold and registered across all 50 U.S. states according to Lotus Talk and confirmed by a company spokesperson to The Drive.
- Will the Toyota V6 in the Emira be replaced?
- Eventually, Lotus plans to introduce a version of the Emira with a 360-hp Mercedes-AMG turbo-four engine and dual-clutch transmission, which is expected to ultimately replace the V6 model.
- What does the introduction of the Mercedes-AMG engine signify for Lotus?
- It suggests a notable shift in Lotus’s approach to sports car engineering as the company moves towards electrification and away from the traditional lightweight and simple engineering philosophy it’s been known for.
Conclusion
For fans of the iconic British sports car brand, the Emira represents the end of an era and a significant turning point in the company’s history. The recent certifications and forthcoming deliveries mark a bittersweet milestone as Lotus advances from its roots in opulent, combustion-engined roadsters toward an electric future. The Emira, with its emissions complications now in the rearview mirror, stands as a lasting ode to the brand’s storied past and the culmination of its expertise in internal combustion technology. As the automotive world evolves, Lotus enthusiasts can revel in the Emira’s arrival while anticipating the innovative electric vehicles on the horizon from the legendary marque.
