Australian Lotus distributor Simply Sports Cars has unveiled the Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition, a limited-run version of the mid-engined sports coupe tailored specifically for local enthusiasts. This exclusive edition is capped at just 15 units and is currently available for order. With a starting price of $249,990 before on-road costs, it significantly surpasses the standard four-cylinder Emira lineup in terms of cost.
The Bathurst Edition’s pricing represents a $50,000 increase over the $199,990 Emira Turbo and a $40,000 premium compared to the $209,990 Emira Turbo SE, both prices also before on-road costs. This development follows the trend of exclusive, performance-focused variants commanding higher price points in the luxury sports car market.
Performance and Engineering Enhancements
Simply Sports Cars has based the Bathurst Edition on the Emira Turbo, which features a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and rear-wheel drive. In its standard form, the Emira Turbo delivers 268kW of power and 430Nm of torque, while the Turbo SE boosts these figures to 298kW and 480Nm, respectively.
For the Bathurst Edition, the AMG M139 engine has been retuned to produce “more than 500hp (375kW)” with a “substantial” increase in torque, although exact figures have not been disclosed. This marks a significant leap in performance, positioning the Bathurst Edition as the most powerful factory offering of the AMG engine to date.
Key Features:
- Three-way adjustable dampers, revised wheel alignment, and a lower stance
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres standard, with optional Yokohama A052 tyres
- AP Racing four-piston calipers front and rear with two-piece ventilated brake discs
The Bathurst Edition maintains the Emira’s double-wishbone suspension layout and incorporates a carbon-fibre aero kit, including a front splitter and an Emira GT4-style rear wing. The wing endplates feature ‘turbo Emira’ branding, adding to the car’s distinctive appearance.
Aesthetic and Exclusive Touches
In addition to performance upgrades, the Bathurst Edition sports unique exterior changes such as Bathurst Edition decals and GT4-inspired livery. Inside, an individually numbered build plate adds a personalized touch, and buyers can select their preferred wheel color.
The Bathurst Edition was officially revealed at Simply Sports Cars’ Bathurst Lotus Only Track Day at Mount Panorama, where it was showcased and completed demonstration laps. This event continues the company’s tradition of participating in Bathurst events since 2005, including previous entries in the Bathurst 12 Hour race.
Market Position and Future Prospects
The Emira competes in the same segment as other mid-engined sports coupes, such as the Porsche Cayman. Lotus has also offered the Emira with a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre supercharged V6, which produces 298kW of power, providing buyers with diverse engine options.
In the Australian market, Emira sales totaled 138 units in 2024 but dropped to 60 in 2025, a decline of 56.5 percent. Simply Sports Cars reports that 14 build slots for the Bathurst Edition remain, with one already sold. Each purchase includes complimentary entry to the next Lotus Bathurst track day, scheduled for 2027.
This new offering from Lotus reflects a growing trend towards limited-edition, high-performance vehicles that cater to a niche market of enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for exclusivity and enhanced driving experiences. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, such models may become increasingly significant for brands seeking to maintain relevance and excitement in a competitive market.
