First Edition launch trim initially bases on V6 but will ultimately also go to four-cylinder.

HOME market pricing for the first all-new Lotus for years, the Emira, raises potential that it could be no more expensive here than some versions of two well-seasoned cars it is intended to replace.

The Emira releases in the United Kingdom in just its V6 format for now, this restricting to a special First Edition specification that according to factory information given out yesterday will cost the equivalent of $148,000 – well below some European pedigree street racers that might be conceived as competitors.

In announcing this, Lotus has announced a price for major European markets, which is the equivalent of $160,000.

The Emira is expected to come to New Zealand next year, as a replacement for two Lotus models that are coming on sale here soon. The Elise and its hardtop equivalent, the Exige, have each been in production for more than 20 years. The versions arriving are in run-out Sport and Final Edition trim.

They are likely to be short-term placements in NZ but will be the only products immediately available when Lotus re-establishes a national base here, with a dealership in Auckland likely to open before year-end.

The Stuff website reports that Lotus NZ has announced NZ pricing. The range starts with the $94,900 Elise Sport 240, while the Elise Cup 250 starts at $105,900. Opting for a more powerful Exige ups the price to $139,900 for the Sport 390; $159,900 for the Sport 420; and $219,500 for the Exige Cup 430.

Meantime, Lotus UK says Emira prices in other international markets, including the United States and China, will be released in the coming weeks. There is no news from Lotus headquarters in respect to when the car will avail to NZ, where intention to relaunch the brand – initially with the Elise and Exige in ‘Final Edition’ formats - was announced recently.

Production of the V6 is to start will start in March, with the ‘i4’ four-cylinder First Edition adding later in the year; the regular version of that model goes into production from 2023, with Lotus suggesting it might price at around $117,000 in its home market.

The First Edition programme has been explained by Matt Windle, Lotus managing director.

“The Emira is the most accomplished Lotus we've ever made, and to celebrate and reward our keenest early customers, we want to make the first cars extra special to own.

“The features have been carefully selected by our design team to make for a truly special and distinct First Edition.”

The brand says Emira represents a quantum leap forward for Lotus. It combines instantly recognisable brand signatures and core values with a paradigm shift in levels of practicality, comfort, functionality and technology.

The car is developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis and the six-cylinder is a Toyota unit supercharged by Lotus and mid-mounted behind the two seats. Developing 298kW, it’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a visible gearchange mechanism and hydraulic power-assisted steering.

The car rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels, diamond cut to create a premium two-tone finish. Two-piece brake discs with branded calipers are part of the First Edition spec, plus a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The First Edition comes in one of six vibrant paint colours: Seneca Blue – the hue seen at the car’s launch in July – plus Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey. More colours will be available during 2022.

Exterior details include LED lights all round, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The Lower Black Pack is fitted as standard, which means the front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser are all in finished in gloss black.

There are seven interior colour choices, all available at no extra cost. They are red, black, grey and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with either red, yellow or grey stitching.

Satin chrome trim finishers, white interior mood lighting and Lotus-branded sill kick plates complete the premium look.

The heated seats feature 12-way adjustability and two memory pre-sets linked to the door mirrors (driver’s seat only). Climate control, cruise control, keyless start and selectable drive modes are all included.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation (in selected markets) are integrated into the Emira V6 First Edition, supported by Bluetooth and USB/12v sockets. The 10-channel/340W premium audio system has been developed in partnership with British brand KEF. All functions are accessed through a 10.25-inch centrally mounted touch-screen, with driver feedback through a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster ahead of the multi-function steering wheel.

Three more option packs are fitted as standard to the car, making four in total. The Drivers Pack gives customer the choice of Tour or Sport suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres, or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

The Design Pack adds privacy glass, sports pedals, a black Alcantara headliner, and the choice of black, red, yellow or silver painted brake callipers. Lotus-branded footwell mats are also included.

The Convenience Pack adds front parking sensors, rear reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers with aero blades, auto-dimming mirrors and a rear luggage storage net.

Options available at extra cost include a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift for $3500 and the Black Pack, which colours the roof, cantrails, mirror backs, rear Lotus badge and exhaust finisher $2330.