Lotus Emira could swap V6 for more potent V8

V8 power is being considered as its supercharged V6 won't pass Euro 7 emissions tests, writes Nick Gibbs

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Lotus is poised to offer a V8 option for its Emira sports car as the company looks to expand the appeal of its sole combustion-engined model.

The Geely-owned company is committed to offering a higher-powered version of the Emira, chief executive Feng Qingfeng told investors on the company's recent earnings call. “We are currently investigating the feasibility of the V8," he said.

Currently, Lotus offers V6 and four-cylinder turbo options for the Emira.

Both offer 400bhp but Feng ruled out boosting the power of the V6 because the Toyota-sourced unit won't comply with upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.

Lotus had intended to phase out the V6 in favour of the Mercedes-AMG-supplied four-cylinder unit, but the six-cylinder has been enduringly popular in the US, the world's largest sports car market, prompting the investigation into fitting a bigger engine.

The Emira is built in Lotus's plant in Hethel, UK, and last year hit a sales record of 5,272 deliveries.