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Preview of Chapman Bespoke personalization program

The symbolic “12” pays homage to Formula One driver Ayrton Senna’s famous starting number during his Lotus years. The Emira Limited series also heralds a new era in personalization for Lotus and offers a preview of the Chapman Bespoke personalization program, which will become available in 2025.

Starting in 2025, the new “Chapman Bespoke” personalization program will allow European Lotus customers to add personal touches – both exterior and interior – to their new Emira as well as all other models in the Lotus product portfolio.

Lotus Emira Limited

Earlier this year, the “First Edition” marked the market launch of the Lotus Emira Turbo with AMG four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. Now Lotus is expanding that offering further with the Emira Limited. The distinctive tailormade exterior details of the five Emira Limited versions are all applied ex-factory at the factory in Hethel, UK, and are part of the overall color scheme of the cars. In addition to the special exterior design and exclusive black Lotus emblems, the Emira Limited can be identified by the stylish ‘Emira Limited 1/12’ badges on the B-pillars and dashboard.

Historic Formula One cars from Lotus

The color schemes chosen are a clear reference to Lotus’ historic Formula One cars. Some Emira Limited versions also make a direct, visible link to the iconic starting number 12. Finally, each Emira Limited comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Five Lotus Emira Limited versions

Lotus releases the Emira Limited in five recognizable color schemes, each inspired by different Lotus Formula One color schemes of the past

Lotus Emira & Lotus Type 99T

This vibrant yellow with blue accents recalls the Lotus Type 99T Formula One car with which Ayrton Senna successfully competed in the 1987 season. With Senna behind the wheel, the Type 99T was the first F1 car with active suspension as a Lotus innovation to win a Grand Prix (Monaco); a feat it repeated in Detroit. The Lotus Type 99T achieved eight podium finishes and helped Lotus and Senna to third place in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. The iconic Lotus starting number 12 adorns both sides of the Emira Limited in a blue color and matches the black brake calipers, front and side air intakes and the ‘LOTUS’ brand name on the rear.

Lotus Emira & Lotus Type 97T

This is an elegant interpretation of the 1985 Formula One car in which Ayrton Senna won his first Grand Prix victory, on a wet track. Senna’s teammate Elio de Angelis won the following race at San Marino, while Senna took his second Grand Prix victory later in the season at Spa-Francorchamps. In all, the Type 97T recorded nine podium finishes that year and helped Lotus and Senna to third place finishes in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. This Emira Limited is a car in a dark Shadow Grey with gold color scheme. The starting number 12 is gold on both flanks of the car, matching the gold wheels.

Lotus Emira & Lotus Type 86

In 1980, Lotus revolutionized the F1 world with the Type 86 with two chassis’. It was a one-off prototype for the following year’s groundbreaking Type 88. One chassis of the Type 86 provided aerodynamics and supported the radiators, while the other chassis served for the driver and suspension, which also housed the engine and gearbox. This Emira has a blue livery with red and silver stripes in the colors of the then sponsor Team Lotus. The brand name “LOTUS” on the back and the number 11 are both in corresponding silver.

Lotus Emira & Lotus Type 78

Lotus’ pioneering 1977 Type 78 Formula One car introduced the concept of a wing shape under the floor to create low pressure, which allowed the car to be pushed closer to the asphalt through aerodynamics. This also had the potential to reduce drag and maximize downforce for successful performance. The Type 78 was a very successful design, accounting for seven Grand Prix victories and 11 podium finishes in 1977 and early 1978. The Emira is finished in a dark Shadow gray and gold livery. The number 5 (Mario Andretti’s Type 78 starting number in 1977 and 1978) with a half ‘Union Jack’ is featured on the side, and gold and red details are carried through on the brake calipers and front splitter.

Lotus Emira & Lotus Type 25

The Lotus Type 25 is one of the most important Formula One cars of all time. Made famous by Jim Clark, the car won the 1963 World Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, won 14 Grand Prix’ and achieved 18 podium finishes from 1962 through 1965, as he introduced the aerospace-derived monocoque instead of the more conventional tubular-frame chassis. This offered strength, rigidity and safety advantages with a smaller cross-sectional area, making the Type 25 the narrowest Formula One car the sport had ever seen. A key safety feature of the Lotus Type 25 were the aircraft-like fuel tanks mounted in the frame on either side. They were light, flexible and strong, reducing the chance of fuel leakage in an accident. This Emira in a Dark Verdant Green body color with painted Hethel Yellow striping and black brake calipers recalls the Type 25’s successful season in 1963. The interior in black alcantara and yellow stitching completes the racy design.

Order now

The 5 x 12 Emira Limiteds are now available to order from Lotus dealers in the 12 European countries (Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Spain, Luxembourg, France, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark) where they will be offered exclusively.

Price tag

The starting price of the Lotus Emira Limited in the Netherlands is 149,480 euros.