Lotus Emeya PH unveiling highlights Lotus Cars Manila re-launch
Lotus Cars Manila re-launched their small but swanky Bonifacio Global City (BGC) dealership last Monday with officials from Lotus Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, Autohub Group VIP customers and select media in attendance.
With the new majority shareholders Geely of China providing the iconic British brand with access to much needed electric vehicle technology, Lotus has expanded its lineup from sportscars to fully-electric vehicles such as the Evija hypercar, the Eletré SUV and the Emeya 4-door gran turismo coupe.
The Emeya is the brand’s latest offering. Available in three variants (Base, S and range-topping R), pricing starts at P8 million all the way to P9.5 million sans any further factory and dealer options and upgrades. It’s a 4-door gran turismo / coupe but shares its basic architecture with the Eletré EV SUV.
The Emeya is lower to the ground than the Eletre plus and with a lower roofline. Improved road holding and the lower stance was achieved by using a thinner 102kwh battery underneath the floor.
The Base and S variants make do with an already sizeable 605hp from its twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, while the R variant serves up 905hp and 985 Newton-Meters of torque. Hence despite its considerable 2,550kg curb weight, the Emeya sprints to 100kmh in an unbelievably scant 2.78 seconds. And Lotus claims a 610km range as well. The body has a super slippery 0.21 drag coefficient yet generates as much as 150kg of downforce from its active front grill, rear spoiler and diffuser arrangement.
Charging from 10 to 80% in 14 minutes, using a 400-kW (600A capable) DC fast charger is achievable, making it one of the fastest charging electric vehicles (EVs) available today. Combined with a WLTC energy consumption of 18.7kWh/100km, Emeya is able to gain up to 310-km of range in 10 minutes.
There are five driving modes available: Range, Tour, Sport, Individual, and Track. Drivers can adjust ride height, air suspension stiffness, acceleration response, seat configuration (with adjustable side bolsters), and more, to optimize efficiency, performance, and comfort in any environment;
The electronically controlled air suspension system has advanced onboard sensors that responds to changes in road conditions and automatically adjusts the vehicle set-up.
Lightweight carbon ceramic brakes reduce unsprung weight and braking distance – which contribute to dynamic handling – as well as doubling the lifespan of the components.
Pop the electronically assisted doors open and you discover the Emeya to be a properly comfortable long distance tourer: the sporty body hugging seats are surprisingly soothing and offer five massage modes in three levels of intensity. The glass roof can turn opaque or clear at the touch of a button.
A conscious design with advanced sustainable materials that are also sustainably sourced is used to reduce carbon footprint. This includes a new luxury thread, Wyron Truecycle, made from repurposed fibers from the fashion industry. Lotus is the first automaker in the industry to use this application.
Knurled metal, a very British design detail is used on all interior touchpoints to offer a deluxe tactility, further enhancing the sense of exclusivity and elegance.
Crafted carbon fibre exterior elements are a nod to the brand’s racing heritage, a reminder that the Emeya is a performance car ‘for the drivers’
There’s a 15.1 inch LCD touch-screen tablet powered by Unreal Engine gaming technology for crystal clear images and sharp responsiveness. Entertainment is augmented by fellow British audio specialist KEF. Its award-winning Uni-Q™ speaker design and Uni-Core™ space-saving subwoofer enclosure, combined with Dolby Atmos enabled 3D surround sound system, create a truly immersive soundscape.
There is also a decent 509 liter trunk space for weekend trips plus a 31 liter ‘frunk’ to augment the rear making the Emeya surprisingly practical for everyday use.
The Emeya will be available six colors: Boreal Grey, Fireglow Orange, Solar Yellow, Akoya White, Stellar Black, and Kaimu Grey.
I had the chance to ride in a test unit in Singapore a few weeks prior and was impressed with the pace, space and refinement. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to drive this myself soon!
With cars like the Porsche Taycan aimed at its sights, the performance and luxury EV segment is getting more exciting!
