Lotus has introduced three new models to the Chinese market, spanning high-performance internal combustion and electric vehicles. The lineup includes the Emira 420 Sport, Emeya 900 Gold, and Eletre 900 Gold, with prices starting from $136,287 (~AUD 190,246). The new models bring advanced aerodynamics, lightweight engineering, and high-end features as standard.
Three New Lotus Models Debut in China
On August 31, Lotus launched the Emira 420 Sport, Emeya 900 Gold, and Eletre 900 Gold in China. These models cover three distinct segments: a mid-engine sports car, a high-performance electric sedan, and a high-performance electric SUV.
The Emira 420 Sport is priced between $146,680 (~AUD 204,753) and $176,372 (~AUD 246,200), with deliveries set to begin in October. The Emeya 900 Gold starts at $136,287 (~AUD 190,246), while the Eletre 900 Gold starts at $137,772 (~AUD 192,318).
Emira 420 Sport: Track-Grade Performance
The Emira 420 Sport stands out as the most powerful and lightest version in the Emira lineup. Its redesigned front fascia features a three-part ventilation system, increasing external radiator airflow by 15% and central radiator airflow by 14%. Brake cooling efficiency has also improved by 10%.
The car sits 5 mm lower than the Emira Turbo SE and, at 300 km/h (~186 mph), aerodynamic tweaks provide an extra 25 kg (~55 lbs) of rear downforce without increasing drag. With a titanium exhaust and lightweight lithium battery, the base curb weight is 1,430 kg (~3,153 lbs), which can be reduced by 25 kg (~55 lbs) with an optional lightweight handling kit.
Power comes from an AMG M139 2.0T four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 420 hp and 500 N·m of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Emira 420 Sport accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300 km/h. Its dimensions are 4,413 mm (~174 inches) long, 1,896 mm (~75 inches) wide, and 1,225 mm (~48 inches) high, with a 2,570 mm (~101 inches) wheelbase.
Emeya 900 Gold: Electric Sedan with Advanced Aerodynamics
The Emeya 900 Gold features an active aerodynamics system, including an active grille, floating double-layer wing, active damper, and active rear diffuser that adjust automatically based on speed and driving mode. Nearly 62 carbon fibre components cover 6.1 square meters of the body.
This model uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system based on an 800V architecture, delivering 918 hp and 985 N·m of torque. A 102 kWh NCM battery from CATL provides a CLTC range of 530 km (~329 miles). The Emeya 900 Gold accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 2.78 seconds and has a top speed of 256 km/h.
Fast charging at 420 kW allows 180 km (~112 miles) of range to be added in just 5 minutes. The cabin is equipped with dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chips running Hyper OS, a 15.1-inch OLED centre screen, and a 55-inch equivalent AR-HUD. The Emeya 900 Gold set a production EV lap record at Sepang International Circuit with a time of 2:20.317. Dimensions are 5,139 mm (~202 inches) long, 2,005 mm (~79 inches) wide, and 1,464 mm (~58 inches) high, with a 3,069 mm (~121 inches) wheelbase.
Eletre 900 Gold: High-Performance Electric SUV
The Eletre 900 Gold shares the 800V architecture and powertrain with the Emeya, producing 918 hp and 985 N·m of torque. It is equipped with a 112 kWh NCM battery from CATL, offering a CLTC range of 560 km (~348 miles).
Performance figures include 0-100 km/h in 2.95 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.5 seconds, and a top speed of 265 km/h. The Eletre 900 Gold also supports 420 kW high-voltage fast charging.
The SUV features a six-dimensional dynamic chassis system, including dual-chamber air suspension, 48V active anti-roll bars, and active rear-wheel steering. Its exterior is equipped with seven RaceAero vents and a four-stage active spoiler, providing up to 112.5 kg (~248 lbs) of downforce. Dimensions are 5,103 mm (~201 inches) long, 2,019 mm (~80 inches) wide, and 1,636 mm (~64 inches) high, with a 3,019 mm (~119 inches) wheelbase.
High-End Features Now Standard
Both the Emeya 900 Gold and Eletre 900 Gold now include previously optional high-end features as standard. These include carbon fiber kits, ten-piston carbon ceramic brakes, and full active aerodynamics.
Why this matters
Lotus is expanding its presence in China with a diverse lineup that targets both traditional sports car enthusiasts and buyers seeking high-performance electric vehicles. By including advanced features as standard, Lotus aims to position its models as premium options in their respective segments.
The launch of these models demonstrates Lotus’s commitment to combining performance, technology, and luxury, appealing to a growing market of Chinese consumers interested in both ICE and EV performance vehicles.
What this means for buyers
Buyers in China now have access to Lotus’s latest performance offerings, with both ICE and EV options available. The inclusion of high-end features as standard on the 900 Gold models adds value for those seeking advanced technology and materials.
With deliveries of the Emira 420 Sport beginning in October, interested customers should consider placing orders soon to secure early units. Those seeking high-performance electric sedans or SUVs can now choose between the Emeya and Eletre 900 Gold, both offering rapid acceleration, long range, and fast charging capabilities.
Key Specs
- Emira 420 Sport Price: $146,680 (~AUD 204,753) to $176,372 (~AUD 246,200)
- Emeya 900 Gold Price: $136,287 (~AUD 190,246)
- Eletre 900 Gold Price: $137,772 (~AUD 192,318)
- Emira 420 Sport Engine: AMG M139 2.0T four-cylinder turbo, 420 hp, 500 N·m
- Emira 420 Sport 0-100 km/h: 3.9 seconds
- Emira 420 Sport Top Speed: 300 km/h
- Emeya 900 Gold Battery: 102 kWh NCM (CATL)
- Eletre 900 Gold Battery: 112 kWh NCM (CATL)
Source
Images sourced from: autoblog.com, carnewschina.com, autocarindia.com
