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Lotus Launches Emira GT4 for 2022 Debut

Lotus announces GT4 intentions with racing car based on recently-launched Emira…

Photo: Lotus

Lotus has announced its return to the GT4 category with a racing car developed from the new Emira production model.

The British manufacturer has teamed up with RML Group to produce the customer-focused Emira GT4, which is due to make its competition debut next year.

A “limited run” of cars is set to be built for the 2022 season before production ramps up further for 2023.

The Emira design presented on Wednesday is a “race-ready concept” for the GT4 model that will be powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 Toyota engine.

The GT4 car, which carries a dry weight of 1260 kg, includes a six-speed Xtrac gearbox and a Bosch-supplied ABS system for the Alcon brake discs and calipers.

Lotus launched the new Emira road car in July, while the vehicle made its dynamic debut in front of the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“The all-new Emira GT4 is an exciting next step following the hugely successful launch of the Emira road car,” said Richard Selwin, Lotus race program manager.

“We have worked hard with the team at RML Group to ensure this next-generation of Lotus GT car will deliver race-winning performance.”

RML commercial director Simon Holloway added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Lotus on the all-new Emira GT4 Concept.

“Both companies have a long and successful motorsport pedigree, and to bring that together at such an exciting time for Lotus is a welcome validation of our vision and values.”

The Lotus Emira GT4 has been developed at the manufacturer’s eastern England headquarters at Hethel.

Lotus says the design team including former 24 Hours of Le Mans outfit RML “focused on precision” to create a car that is capable of “outstanding dynamics” and stability at high speeds.

“The all-new chassis on which the Emira has been developed is the perfect starting point for a high-performance race car,” said Gavan Kershaw, director of vehicle attributes for Lotus who has been involved in the GT4 development project.

“Everyone at Lotus is so excited to be returning to world motorsport and to be doing so with such a competitive race car.”

The Emira GT4 follows on from Lotus’ most recent customer racing car, the four-liter V6-powered Evora GT4, which made its debut in 2010 and competed in several championships including British GT and what is now the GT4 European Series.

Photo: Lotus

Photo: Lotus

Daniel Lloyd is a UK-based reporter for Sportscar365, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, among other series.

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