Lotus Emira Bathurst Edition Delivers 500 HP, Limited to 15 Units

Key Points

• Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition debuts in Australia with over 500 horsepower.
• Features track-focused upgrades, unique livery, and is limited to 15 units.
• U.S. faces Lotus market challenges; Emira PHEV with 900+ horsepower expected by 2027.

Turning Up the Boost
The 2026 Lotus Emira arrived in the U.S. with new trims and minor updates to the suspension and transmission, while retaining the same engine options. But over in Australia, Lotus introduced a special-edition variant producing more than 375 kW (500 horsepower) – effectively making it the most powerful factory-backed version to date.

According to CarExpert, the special edition is called the Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition, named after the Australian city of Bathurst – home to the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit. Developed by Lotus’ Australian distributor, Simply Sports Cars, the retuned model is based on the Emira Turbo SE, which features a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four instead of the alternative 3.5-liter supercharged V6 supplied by Toyota.

The 2.0L Gets Reworked
The Mercedes-AMG-sourced engine produces up to around 400 horsepower – similar to the Toyota-sourced V6 – though the German unit delivers more torque. In this case, however, Simply Sports Cars did not disclose the exact torque figure, stating only that it sees a “substantial” increase.

The Emira Turbo SE already accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 291 km/h (about 180 mph). However, Simply Sports Cars has not disclosed updated performance figures for the Bathurst Edition. The special edition is intended to emphasize track-focused capability, with Bathurst Edition decals and a GT4-inspired livery referencing the event’s racing heritage. Lotus has also been taking its models to Bathurst events since 2005.

Performance-wise, the car is equipped with three-way adjustable dampers, a revised wheel alignment, and a lower ride height – upgrades intended to improve stability and cornering. It also features AP Racing four-piston brake calipers at the front and rear, paired with two-piece ventilated brake discs.

In addition, the package includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires as standard, with Yokohama A052 tires available as an option.

Pay to Play
The Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition is limited to just 15 examples, each priced from AUD 249,990 (approximately $176,000 at current exchange rates) – around AUD 40,000 ($28,000) more than the Emira Turbo SE.

Given its Bathurst-specific branding, the special edition is expected to be offered exclusively in Australia. After all, Lotus has faced challenges in the U.S. market, including the impact of tariffs on imported vehicles implemented last year, which have affected market conditions for overseas manufacturers.

For buyers seeking more power on paper, the Emira plug-in hybrid variant could deliver that, with reports suggesting a PHEV version of the Eletre could produce more than 900 horsepower. The Emira PHEV is expected to arrive around 2027, after Lotus adjusted its earlier plans to transition to an all-electric lineup following underwhelming initial sales of its EV models, the Eletre and Emeya.