Lotus announced the Emira in 2021 as a replacement for all the Exige, Elise, and Evora, but also as the company's final gas-powered car. Like every automaker used us by now, with the launch of every new model there is also a First Edition announced.

That was the case with the Emira too: at launch it got a Emira V-6 First Edition priced at over $100,000. Despite its huge price, the V-6 First Edition Emira enjoyed overwhelming success, with a 175% increase in requests just last week.

So, Lotus decided to add another Emira First Edition, this time powered by a four-cylinder engine.

What makes the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition special?

We are not talking about any four-cylinder engine, but AMG's M139 direct injection engine - also known as the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine homologated for road use. Of course, this version was specially updated for the Emira, and it includes hardware changes to aid mid-mounted integration and new software to give it a true Lotus character.

In the Emira First Edition, the four-cylinder engine delivers a total of 360 horsepower - which is of course way less than the 415 horsepower delivered by the Mercedes-AMG A45 S powered by the same four-cylinder engine. It is also 40 horsepower less than the Emira V-6 First Edition that delivers a total of 400 horsepower.

The engine is mated to a standard-fit eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with paddleshift – a first for Lotus, and delivers an amazing sound thanks to a specially designed exhaust system, also unique to the Emira.

Customers will have a choice of six exterior finished: Seneca Blue, Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey and seven interior colors, including red, black, grey and tan Nappa leather, black Alcantara with either red, yellow or grey stitching.

The car will ride on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels combined with brake calipers in either red, black, yellow or silver.

The 2022 Emira First Edition, powered by the four-cylinder engine, will be priced from $85,900, which makes it $3,000 more expensive than the entry level Emira V6 that will be launched in January 2023.