Lotus: we’re putting engines back in

www.carmagazine.co.uk

New Lotus Europe boss plans to build more cars at Hethel

Looks like the full EV plans aren't shaking out, and they'll be riding the Emira train a bit longer. I wonder if that means they'll source more 2GR-FEs from Toyota.

 

Lotus: we’re putting engines back in

www.carmagazine.co.uk

New Lotus Europe boss plans to build more cars at Hethel

Looks like the full EV plans aren't shaking out, and they'll be riding the Emira train a bit longer. I wonder if that means they'll source more 2GR-FEs from Toyota.

Nope. Toyota already allocated all the remaining 2GR-FE production with final shipment in Q3 2025. Lotus already confirmed the end of the V6 in the investor call a few weeks ago. They did mentioned that they are testing a small block V8 manual that will meet Euro 7 smog standard but don't don't expect anything until after the model line refresh in 2027.

 

Hmm, a V8 manual in an Emira sounds like a win to me

 

Only if they're better than some of the truck engines. I know of two guys that had to have total engine replacements about the same with friends with newer model chevy trucks. Two in my neighborhood had to have engines and transmissions replaced in newer trucks.

 

What I heard was that the V6, in it's current form, won't meet upcoming Euro standards. But no comments on the V6 production plan specifically. The V8 mentioned would be interesting because V8s generally have more character than V6s. The question is asked at about 22 minutes:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/mdbmd5h5/

 

If they do a V8 manual I would be very interested, of course depending on spec. Even a higher powered i4 is interesting to me.

 

If they were to drop a V8 in the Emira, i'm selling my wife & two kids to buy the car lol

 

Is there anyone that offers a manual V8 that would fit currently? I would be surprised if it's not V8 dct only. I'd still trade in for it though.

 

Yea, everyone is wondering? but given they said that it'll meet Euro 7 standard. It may be something totally new or an updated of a classic? Given their relation with AMG, Does AMG have any small block V8 that they can update?

 

Don't know about AMG, but maybe they'll leverage their new partnership with Horse? Their engines are focused on hybrid, but maybe they can pump out a super efficient and small V8 too.

 

Yea, everyone is wondering? but given they said that it'll meet Euro 7 standard. It may be something totally new or an updated of a classic? Given their relation with AMG, Does AMG have any small block V8 that they can update?

Yeah, looks like AMG is supposed to be coming up with a hybridized V8 soon. Even with that being a possibility, they would still need to source a DCT that would fit. Maybe they do like they did with the 2GR and use a custom flywheel to bolt up to the current DCT (unsure if any v8 would fit transverse). I just don't think there's enough room without body changes to fit a longitudinal V8/transmission setup.

Don't know about AMG, but maybe they'll leverage their new partnership with Horse? Their engines are focused on hybrid, but maybe they can pump out a super efficient and small V8 too.

Checked out horse, the biggest thing they have is a 4cyl. I doubt they would want to try to engineer an entire new engine for lotus for possibly 1 model or they could throw it in the SUV's as well! 😂

 

If they can fit a transverse i4 and a transverse V6, they can probably fit a transverse V8.

 

I feel like widening the Emira’s track wasn’t just for performance, it was kind of a backup plan, like a ‘what if we need this later’ move. if they need to widen the body a little more, then the appeal won’t be as drastic, but subtle. Might end up losing a bit of trunk space because of it tho, a small price to pay 🥴

 

Like a 469HP AMG uncorked M139 capable of knocking out low to mid 3 seconds 1-100kms would be adequate, whilst adding no weight, maybe even removing weight via louvers for cooling etc....I keep saying S4S!!! PULL OUT THE BOAT ANCHOR SEATS and you can get under 3200 lbs easy, maybe even 3100 pounds. That I would pay $125k for! That would signal a true return to the proper Lotus ethic...ADD LIGHTNESS!!!

 

I can't find out any detail if the M139I is just a drop in replacement for the M139. Would be great if it is as even 450hp will easily put it into 992 GT3 territories

 

Dealer confirmed v6/manual for 2026.

 

Alway said that if there were any leftover from V6 base allocation for the rest of the world. There will be further US V6 base offered.

 

OK, More bad news for everyone.

M139 will not pass Euro 7 and MBZ won't be using it beyond 2027 but since Lotus falls under the low volume manufacturer group, they can use it till at least 2030. The question now is will AMG be willing to keep a low volume production line going or will Lotus be willing to invest in ordering enough units before the shutdown to meet their requirement till 2030.

And we have bad news on the V8 front. AMG is reluctant to sell Lotus the M177 or rather, they are reluctant or unwilling to go through the trouble of mating or allowing Lotus to mate a manual gearbox to it. So unless Lotus can find some other alternative. The whole V8 and manual thing maybe a bust.

 

🥨🍌

 

It's one thing to give Lotus a 4cyl used in entry level AMG models, but something else to give them an engine in cars that cost well over $100k. The potential economics of that would, IMO, be a problem for lotus. And no manual transmission option would be a problem for me.

It would be ideal if Lotus could redesign the rear subframe to handle a ford coyote V8. Or rework the Esprit v8 for modern times.


I really like my evora GT, but if the Emira ends up with a v8 and manual, it's going to hard to pass that one up depending on the price. I don't really even care who makes the v8 at the end of the day. Make it happen Lotus! 500hp, v8, and manual for $130k +/- would be a dream.

 

It's one thing to give Lotus a 4cyl used in entry level AMG models, but something else to give them an engine in cars that cost well over $100k. The potential economics of that would, IMO, be a problem for lotus. And no manual transmission option would be a problem for me.

It would be ideal if Lotus could redesign the rear subframe to handle a ford coyote V8. Or rework the Esprit v8 for modern times.


I really like my evora GT, but if the Emira ends up with a v8 and manual, it's going to hard to pass that one up depending on the price. I don't really even care who makes the v8 at the end of the day. Make it happen Lotus! 500hp, v8, and manual for $130k +/- would be a dream.

But Aston is not a Major shareholder like Geely. You don't burn bridges with your single largest shareholder like that. So it's more about not willing to take on the liability of mating or letting Lotus mate a manual to it.

 

Aston is in a VERY place than Lotus. They are not competitors and sell cars at very different price points, which is my point.