Lotus Emira GT4 race car unveiled

Lotus is preparing to take its all-new Emira sports car racing, with the reveal of the new Lotus Emira GT4.

Developed in partnership with British motorsport engineering firm RML Group, the new Emira GT4 is designed to compete in the GT4 sports-car racing class, home to competition-spec vehicles from the Toyota GR Supra, BMW M4 and Aston Martin Vantage, to the Mercedes-AMG GT, Porsche 718 Cayman, and the Emira's predecessor, the Evora GT4.

Powering the race-bound Emira is a variant of the Toyota-derived 3.5-litre supercharged V6 fitted to the road-going car, set to develop 298kW – with the final power figure subject to 'balance of performance' racing regulations, which see competitors' engines and weights tuned to ensure fair competition between cars of different shapes, sizes and layouts.

Revving to 7200rpm, the supercharged V6 sends drive to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, aided by a limited-slip rear differential. Fuel is stored in a 96-litre cell approved by motorsport's main governing body the FIA, while dry weight comes in at 1260kg.

Double-wishbone suspension features front and rear, with coilover dampers from Sweden's Ohlins, and race-tuned anti-roll bars. Filling the arches are 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265mm front and 305mm rear Pirelli GT4 regulated tyres, which hide Alcon brake discs and calipers on both axles, regulated by a Bosch Motorsport anti-lock braking system.

Matching the potent engine and upgraded chassis are a selection of "optimised" GT4-ready aerodynamic upgrades, with a new front splitter, front brake ducts, and a large 'swan-neck' fixed rear wing. The race car is 2mm shorter (in overall length), but 65mm taller than its road-legal sibling, thanks to the aforementioned spoiler.

No images of the interior have been released, however Lotus says the Emira GT4 features an FIA-certified roll cage, a six-point harness for the driver, and a fire extinguisher.

"The all-new Emira GT4 is an exciting next step following the hugely successful launch of the Emira road car. We have worked hard with the team at RML Group to ensure this next-generation of Lotus GT car will deliver race-winning performance," said Richard Selwin, Race Programme Manager at Lotus.

The Lotus Emira GT4 will be showcased during an official event at the company's test track in Hethel, UK later this year. A "limited number" of cars will be built in 2022, ahead of increased production in 2023 "in line with global demand".

MORE: 2022 Lotus Emira revealed