Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s obsession with “adding lightness” finally gets a proper tribute with the Emira 420 Sport. Pushing back against bloated sports car specs, the optional Lightweight Handling Pack drops 55 lbs over the standard mid-engine build by swapping in a titanium exhaust, two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers, and carbon fiber components throughout. The design language nods directly to James Bond’s 1977 Esprit, framing the car with a louvered tailgate, extended side sills, and a removable tinted glass roof panel that stows neatly right behind the seats.
The mechanical setup keeps the driver firmly in control. A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder punches out 414 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque through a quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, clocking 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds before topping out at 186 mph. The ride height sits 5mm lower on a completely recalibrated suspension, while the interior trades standard trim for carbon fiber shift paddles and an uncompromising focus on the road. It’s exactly the kind of driver’s car that earns its keep on the twistiest asphalt you can find.
