LOTUS PLOTS V8 OPTION FOR EMIRA SPORTS CAR

British coupé could switch from V6 power to go after 911 GT3

- NICK GIBBS

Lotus is poised to offer a V8 engine option for the Emira sports car as the manufacturer looks to expand the appeal of the only combustion-engined model in its line-up.

The Geely-owned firm is committed to offering a higher-powered version of the Emira, CEO Feng Qingfeng told investors on its recent earnings call. “We are currently investigating the feasibility of the V8,” he revealed.

Lotus currently offers V6 and four-cylinder turbo engine options for the Emira. Both produce 400bhp, but Feng ruled out boosting the power on the V6 because the Toyota-sourced unit wouldn't comply with upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.

Lotus had intended to phase out the V6 in favour of the AMG-supplied four-cylinder unit, but the six-pot has been enduringly popular in the US, which prompted the investigation into fitting a bigger engine.