Lotus Made the 2026 Emira Even Better, But Is It Worth The Wait?

Additional trim levels and revised running gear bring the Emira to a new level

Lotus has a reputation for building some of the best-handling cars of all time. The Emira was already widely lauded, but Lotus is bringing a host of changes to keep the car on the razor’s edge. There’s a little bit of a catch, though. If you’re a US-based shopper, you might be waiting a while — if you can even get one at all.

The Lotus Emira was already supremely focused, but it’s a better sports car than ever for 2026

Lotus kicks off changes to the Emira with a new trim level, the V6 SE, which slots above the current V6 model with minor differences. Additional blacked-out trim, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and unique badging are all unique to the model, which also comes standard in Zinc Grey paint. A new entry-level trim, the Turbo, comes in below the Turbo SE model and makes slightly less power from its turbocharged four-pot sourced from AMG. A new Racing Line trim, coming to Turbo SE and V6 SE variants, adds pinstripes, painted mirror caps, and unique black and silver exterior badging.

There are several small changes impacting all 2026 Lotus Emira models, too. Lotus tinkered with damper calibration and dialed in the wheel alignment for improved handling and comfort. A new compression mount for manual-equipped cars offers gear changes with more precision than before, while DCT-equipped models enjoy faster and smoother shifts courtesy of recalibration efforts. Both versions also get slightly tweaked cooling systems that shed weight and better manage engine temps.

It might sound good, but US-based shoppers will need patience if they want one

In case you forgot, the Emira debuted back in 2021. If it seems like it’s still a fairly new car, you’re probably US-based. Here, the car wasn’t really available until early 2024, when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) finally gave the car the go-ahead. Since then, tariffs have compounded the Emira’s hardships, as Lotus pressed pause on all deliveries back in April. Conspicuously absent from the 2026 Emira’s press release is any mention of US pricing, and there’s a good reason. EmiraForum users report imports are still on hold, with “vague” promises that shipments will resume “in a few months.” Users on LotusTalk indicate plenty of 2025 models languishing in ports. What does it all mean? It means that, as usual, US shoppers who want an Emira will spend a lot of time waiting.

Final thoughts

The Emira’s release Stateside is marred by unfortunate timing, and we fear the 2026 models won’t be on the way for quite a while. But there is some silver lining: one EmiraForum user cites a dealer email signaling that an end is in sight. According to the email, “Lotus awaits official documentation from the U.S. government specifying exactly what percentage of tariffs will be applied to imported Lotus vehicles.” After that, Lotus will adjust prices and proceed accordingly. To our eyes, that means the new and improved 2026 Lotus Emira will come to the United States eventually. With incremental improvements across the board, it’s safe to say the steadfast among us will be well rewarded for their patience. This seems to be a common trend among British automobiles.