Lotus has a history marked by financial close calls, questionable decisions and countless special-edition variants of the same cars, all driven by one problem: money. For years they specialised in lightweight purist sports cars that no longer aligned with what modern buyers wanted - or so it seemed. Then came the Emira.

The Emira is Lotus’ final petrol-powered production car and, fittingly, their most complete. Often described as a “mini Ferrari”, it combines elegant, purposeful styling with the biggest step forward Lotus has made in interior quality and technology. Premium leather, Alcantara touches and a genuinely usable cabin make it comfortable enough for daily duties, while a digital dash, a large central screen and standard wireless Apple CarPlay bring it firmly into the modern era. As a First Edition model, this example benefits from an exclusive 13-colour palette, the Lotus Driver’s Pack, Convenience Pack and the KEF Audio system.

Behind the driver sits the supercharged V6, the heart of the “full Lotus experience”. Paired with the 6-speed manual gearbox, it transforms the Emira into a proper enthusiast’s car, with tactile gear changes, an exposed linkage and an engine note that begs you to chase the redline. It’s an emotional, mechanical, analogue experience - and a fitting final chapter for Lotus’ petrol era.