Lotus car lovers, especially in the United States, are highly anticipating the coming of the Emira First Edition, a British sports car that is known for its great performance and style. However, the excitement that comes with this car overshadows its challenges: the Emira has not yet secured emissions certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This further results in hundreds of units being in limbo at dealerships and hundreds of thousands of units in limbo at dealer lots around the whole country.
Emira’s launch was postponed
Having been announced again in 2021, the Emira’s launch has been highly anticipated. Yet, the delay in certification has become a point of contention for the brand, which has already faced years of supply-related constraints. A Lotus spokesperson once stated that software updates to the Emira’s powertrain have been made to meet CARB standards, and that the process is complete and awaiting the final approval.
Detailed conditions about Emira
The Emira’s six-cylinder variant is powered by a Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 engine with an Edelbrock 1740 supercharger, offering 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A more interesting fact is that the engine is less powerful than the Evora GT’s 416-hp unit, which used the same Toyota-sourced engine. The Emira’s rev limit is set to 6,800 rpm to prevent valve float during hard driving, which suggest that attaining CARB certification for an engine previously approved must be done.
Car Model Information: 2024 Lotus Emira V6 First Edition
Price: $94,999
Exterior color: Yellow
Interior color: Black
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel Drive
Transmission: Manual
Engine: 3.5L V6 24V MPFI DOHC Supercharged
VIN: SCCLEKAX8RHB11580
Mileage: 1,144 mi.
Summary: The Lotus Emira (codenamed “Type 131”) is a sports car manufactured by the British company Lotus Cars. It is intended to be the firm’s final vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.
Get more information about: Lotus Emira
Buying a high-performing car >>
Lotus has also made proper plans to deliver a four-cylinder Emira in the U.S., equipped with a Mercedes-AMG-sourced turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, producing 360 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Both engine variants are available for configuration on Lotus’s American website, but the beginning date for the start of sales for the four-cylinder model still remains unknown, as it may also be subject to CARB regulations.
Lotus fans showed dissatisfaction
The situation has further raised frustration among Lotus fans that made reservations as early as 2021. The Lotus Talk forum has become an avenue for discussions, with members sharing images of ‘Sold’ cars awaiting certification. A search on Autotrader reveals 186 listings in the U.S., with prices ranging from $94,062 to $109,150.
The CARB certification process is extremely important for Lotus, as fourteen states, including New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, adhere to CARB’s emissions rules. Selling the Emira in states regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) alone is not an option, as buyers could potentially resell the cars in CARB-regulated areas that do not meet local emissions standards.
This delay raises more speculations and need for more updates, with forum members discussing the frequency of CARB’s updates and sharing insights into the regulatory process. During discussions, some stated that they will contact state representatives for information, though it’s likely that official channels will not provide specific details until the certification is finalized.
Hence, the Lotus community highly anticipate the resolution of the certification process for the Emira. While the brand has shown strong commitment to tackling this challenge, the timeline for approval remains unclear. This uncertainty has predisposed many prospective car owner to be anxious to finally lay their hands on their long-awaited sports cars.
The introduction of the Lotus Emira to the U.S. market underlines the complex challenges faced by automotive manufacturers in sticking to stringent emissions standards. As the industry continues to deal with evolving regulatory requirements, the Emira’s development highlights the benefits of compliance in today’s eco-conscious landscape. This process not only serve as proof to the complexities of modern car manufacturing but also symbolizes a broader shift towards sustainable practices within the automotive sector.
Related posts:
Lotus Can’t Sell Emiras Because It Still Hasn’t Passed California Emissions
USA/Canada Delivery Thread
USA September Builds – Late 2023 Deliveries?
