Lotus is gearing up to unveil a special edition of its Emira sports car, inspired by the legendary racing driver Jim Clark. The brand teased the new version in a video posted on its social media channels, highlighting Clark’s impressive victories in the 1965 season, including the Formula 1 World Championship, the Indy 500, and the Tasman Series.
The video also gave a sneak peek of the upcoming Emira adorned in the iconic green and yellow livery that pays homage to Lotus’ historic racing heritage. The new car is set to be revealed on May 2nd, but details about any significant modifications or the choice of engine, whether it be the AMG-sourced turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder or the supercharged Toyota 3.5-litre V6, are yet to be confirmed. However, the V6 engine seems like a more fitting tribute to one of motorsport’s greatest drivers.
This isn’t the first time Lotus has honored Jim Clark’s legacy. In 2018, the brand created a special edition of the Evora GT410 inspired by the red Elan driven by Clark in the 1960s. The car was auctioned off to raise funds for the Jim Clark Museum in Duns, Scotland. It’s possible that the new Emira edition could follow a similar charitable initiative or be offered as a limited-run special edition.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new release, Lotus is facing financial challenges, with a significant drop in profits for the 2024 financial year. The company attributed this decline to tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, like the Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon, as well as global trade uncertainties. To improve profitability, Lotus is implementing strategic cost-cutting measures, including job cuts.
Jim Clark’s 1965 season is renowned as one of the greatest individual seasons in motorsport history, with victories in various championships and races. His success at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park in the British Saloon Car Championship further solidified his status as a racing legend. The upcoming Emira special edition aims to celebrate Clark’s unparalleled achievements on the track and continue Lotus’ tradition of excellence in performance and design.
