4 Minutes
Lotus Emira Beturst debuts as the brand's most powerful petrol model
Lotus has a surprising new chapter in its history: the Emira Beturst Edition, a track-focused, limited-run Emira tuned outside the UK that delivers an astonishing 510 horsepower from a Mercedes-Benz 2.0‑liter four‑cylinder. Developed by Lotus's Australian dealer Simply Sports Cars, this special edition is aimed at drivers who crave more power and sharper handling on the circuit. Only 15 examples will be built, immediately elevating the Beturst to collectible status.
Powertrain and performance
Engine and gearbox
The heart of the Beturst is the Mercedes‑AMG M139 2.0‑liter turbocharged engine, extensively reworked by Australian engineers. Output rises to a headline figure of 510 hp and 600 Nm of torque — roughly 105 hp and 120 Nm more than the standard four‑cylinder Emira. That makes the Beturst not only the most potent Emira but the most powerful petrol Lotus road car in the marque’s history, outgunning even supercharged V6 variants and some GT4 race models.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through an upgraded eight‑speed dual‑clutch transmission. Revised traction and stability control calibrations accompany the extra performance to deliver sharper throttle response and a more aggressive track experience.
Chassis, suspension and stopping power
The Beturst Edition is more than an engine upgrade. The chassis has been reworked to handle the additional forces: a three‑way adjustable damping system from an Australian suspension specialist provides lower ride height and recalibrated wheel angles for increased grip and cornering precision. The car rolls on 20‑inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Stopping this beast is entrusted to AP Racing four‑piston calipers and two‑piece ventilated discs, engineered for repeatable track performance and reduced fade during hot laps.
Design and aerodynamics
Visually, the Emira Beturst adopts a more aggressive presence. A fixed rear wing with a pronounced neck, a new carbon‑fiber front splitter and race‑style graphic treatments distinguish it from standard models. The exterior livery and Beturst badging underline the car’s limited‑edition, track‑first intent.
Highlights:
- 510 hp / 600 Nm from a tuned Mercedes M139 2.0L turbo
- Upgraded 8‑speed DCT, rear‑wheel drive
- Three‑way adjustable track suspension
- 20" wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
- AP Racing four‑piston calipers and two‑piece discs
Market positioning and price
The 2026 Emira Beturst Edition carries a starting price of AUD 250,000 (about USD 176,600), roughly AUD 50,000 above a standard Emira. Given the 15‑car production limit, exclusivity is a major selling point: the first unit reportedly sold before the public reveal. Buyers also receive a complimentary entry to Lotus’s Beturst track driving event in 2027 — a fitting perk for owners of a car built to be driven hard on a race circuit.
This project illustrates how specialized dealers and small teams can push a modern sports car into new performance territory. For Lotus fans and track enthusiasts, the Beturst Edition is a rare proposition: a lightweight British sports car given a brutal boost from German engineering and Australian tuning sensibilities. Whether as a weekend weapon or a collector's piece, the Emira Beturst stakes a bold claim in the small but fierce world of limited‑run performance cars.
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