The Lotus Emira is definitely a very popular option with these numbers
In December 2024, Lotus marked a major production milestone with the completion of its 10,000th Emira sports car. This particular vehicle is especially symbolic, as it features a bespoke wrap showcasing the name of every individual working at the company’s Hethel facility at that time, a tribute to the people behind the car’s success.
Achieving 10,000 units in just two and a half years makes the Emira the fastest-produced model in Lotus history. For perspective, it took the legendary Lotus Esprit 28 years to reach the same production volume. This rapid pace highlights not only the popularity of the Emira but also the remarkable transformation at Lotus’ UK headquarters.
Moreover, the Lotus Emira is built in Hethel, Norfolk, the long-standing home of Lotus since 1966. A substantial investment of over £100 million has revitalized the site, resulting in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This upgrade increased production capacity to around 5,000 cars per year, more than triple what it was a decade ago.
The Emira’s build quality benefits from new manufacturing techniques and technologies, blending traditional Lotus craftsmanship with modern efficiency. As a result, the Emira doesn’t just represent a leap in production numbers, it also sets a new benchmark for quality and performance in the Lotus lineup.
On top of that, Matt Windle, Group Vice President and Managing Director of Lotus Cars, describes the Emira as “the most accomplished Lotus road car ever to roll through the Hethel factory gates.” He highlights its stunning proportions and sleek design, which draws inspiration from the Evija all-electric hypercar.
According to Windle, the Emira offers the best of both worlds: the performance and style of a junior supercar, combined with the comfort, usability, and advanced technology that make it suitable for everyday driving.
The Emira’s success signifies a new era for Lotus, a brand that has historically been known for its niche sports cars, now evolving into a global performance car manufacturer with increased capacity and broader appeal. With more Emiras already built than the total number of Esprits ever produced, the Emira stands as a true symbol of Lotus’ rebirth and future ambitions.
