EMIRA WHIPS UP A STORM

Lotus hadn’t launched a completely new car for 25 years – until last week. Amid thunderstorms and downpours at its factory in Hethel, Norfolk, Lotus pulled the wraps off the stunning new Emira sports car. It’s intended to be much more practical to live with and better equipped than the Elise, Exige and Evora it replaces.

The Emira will be available with either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Mercedes-benz turbo engine with 360bhp, or a Toyotabuilt 3.5-litre V6 with 400bhp that is already used by Lotus.

Lotus says that the lightest version will weigh 1,405kg so performance will be impressive. Prices are yet to be set but will start at under £60,000.

Production will start later this year.