The Lotus Emira GT4 is not just another sports car. It feels like a true step back into what makes racing exciting.
At the first glance, the wide stance and sharp lines give it a serious presence. This car is built for the track, and its performance is evident from the moment you step inside.
The engine note is raw and powerful, the kind that makes you want to push harder. I find the balance between design and performance impressive.
Lotus didn’t load it with extras; they kept it light and focused, and that choice pays off. The steering feels tight, the grip feels strong, and every detail serves a purpose.
In this review, I’ll go through the specs and features that show why the Emira GT4 is one of Lotus’s best track machines.
The Story Behind the GT4
Lotus has always been about light cars with sharp handling, and the Emira GT4 carries that tradition forward.
The road version of the Emira was the brand’s last gas-powered sports car, and the GT4 is its racing sibling.
It is built to compete in the GT4 series worldwide, where cars must retain a connection to their road-going versions while also meeting strict racing rules.
I like that Lotus didn’t just add more horsepower. Instead, they focused on weight, balance, and control, the core values that made the brand famous.
What Stands Out in the Emira GT4
The Emira GT4 is more than numbers on a spec sheet. To really understand it, I looked at the design, performance, handling, and cabin setup. Each of these parts shows how Lotus kept its focus on racing.
Design and Aerodynamics
The design of the Emira GT4 is simple but aggressive. From the front splitter to the rear wing, everything is shaped for speed and grip. Standing next to it, you can feel that it was made with the wind in mind.
- Front Splitter: Keeps the nose down.
- Rear Wing: Adds stability at high speeds.
- Vents and Ducts: Direct air to cool the brakes and engine.
- Smooth Underside: Helps reduce drag.
It’s not just beautiful; it’s functional. And that’s the kind of design I respect.
Engine and Performance
Driving the Emira GT4 is an experience in itself. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 that puts out around 400 horsepower.
On paper, that number may not shock anyone used to 600+ horsepower cars, but the magic lies in how light this car is.
The engine sits behind the driver in a mid-engine layout, giving it perfect balance. Paired with a 6-speed sequential gearbox, the power delivery feels instant. Shifts are quick, and the car never hesitates.
On track, the numbers tell part of the story:
- 0–60 mph: about 4 seconds
- Top speed: around 180 mph
But what stands out to me more than speed is the handling. The car feels planted, sharp, and confident. It’s not just about going fast in a straight line; it’s about enjoying every corner.
Suspension and Braking Confidence
A race car is only as good as its suspension and brakes, and Lotus clearly put effort here.
The double wishbone suspension with race-tuned dampers keeps the car steady even through rough corners.
It’s stiff, yes, but that stiffness gives the kind of control you want on track.
The brakes are just as impressive. They’re large, race-spec discs with calipers that don’t fade even after lap after lap of hard driving.
I could feel how secure the car stayed under braking, which made me trust it more.
Inside the Cabin
If you step into the Emira GT4 expecting comfort, you’ll be surprised. The cabin is stripped down to the basics, but that’s exactly how it should be in a race car.
You get racing bucket seats with harnesses, a full roll cage, and a fire suppression system.
The steering wheel is loaded with buttons so the driver can adjust settings while driving. There’s no infotainment screen, no leather trim, no distractions.
I actually liked the simplicity. It makes you focus on the drive, nothing else.
Full Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L supercharged V6 |
| Power | ~400 hp |
| Torque | ~332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential gearbox |
| Weight | ~1,300 kg |
| 0–60 mph | ~4.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~180 mph |
| Suspension | Double wishbone, race-tuned |
| Brakes | Race-spec discs and calipers |
| Safety | Roll cage, fire system |
Driving the Emira GT4
Image Source: The Lotus Forums
This is where the Emira GT4 really shines. Behind the wheel, the car feels alive. The steering is direct, and the feedback is so clear that you always know what the tires are doing.
I loved how predictable it was, pushing harder into corners, and the car responds without drama. The sound is another highlight.
The supercharger whine mixes with the roar of the exhaust, and since there’s no soundproofing, you hear it all.
It makes every lap feel raw and engaging. What impressed me most was the confidence the GT4 gives.
Even when I braked late or carried extra speed into a corner, the car stayed stable. That trust between car and driver is rare.
Price and Value
The Lotus Emira GT4 costs about $200,000. It’s not cheap, but for a factory-built race car, it offers solid value. What makes it special is the mix of performance, Lotus support, and the fact that it’s one of the last pure gas-powered Lotus racers:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate Price | ~$200,000 |
| Market Segment | Factory-built GT4 race car |
| Value for Teams | Ready-to-race setup + Lotus support |
| Key Advantage | Balance of cost, performance, and history |
| Long-Term Appeal | One of the last pure Lotus race cars |
Pros and Cons of Emira GT4
The Lotus Emira GT4 has clear strengths but also some drawbacks. Here’s a quick look at both sides.
Pros
- Lightweight and well-balanced chassis
- Sharp, confidence-inspiring handling
- Strong, fade-resistant braking system
- Pure racing setup with no distractions
- Backed by Lotus Motorsport history and support
Cons
- Not road legal
- High price makes it out of reach for many
- No comfort or luxury features
- Limited production and availability
Road Emira vs. Emira GT4
To understand the GT4 better, it helps to compare it with the road Emira.
| Aspect | Road Emira | Emira GT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | Leather, infotainment, comfort | Bare, race-focused |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter (~1,300 kg) |
| Suspension | Touring or sports tuning | Full race suspension |
| Road Legal? | Yes | No |
| Price | ~$80,000 | ~$200,000+ |
The GT4 sacrifices comfort but gains pure racing focus.
Who is the GT4 For?
This car isn’t for casual Sunday drivers. It’s aimed at:
- Racing teams entering the GT4 series
- Track-day enthusiasts who want a real race car
- Collectors who value the last gas-powered Lotus race cars
It’s expensive, limited, and not road legal, but for the right person, it’s exactly what they want.
Conclusion
The Lotus Emira GT4 is a race car built with focus and purpose. It is not about comfort, style extras, or daily use. It is about speed, grip, and control on the track.
I like how Lotus stayed true to its roots by keeping it light and balanced. The handling feels sharp, the braking is strong, and the driving feedback is direct.
It may not be road legal, and the price is high, but for racing fans and teams, it delivers something rare: a pure driving machine.
The Emira GT4 also stands as one of the last gas-powered racers from Lotus, which makes it even more special.
If you want to learn more about performance cars like this, keep following my blog for more reviews.
