Choose the Lotus Emira Turbo or Turbo SE if you want the turbocharged 4-cylinder and its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT); choose the V6 SE if you want a supercharged V6 and the option of a six-speed manual. There is no universal winner: the Turbo SE and V6 SE both have 400 bhp on Lotus’s published figures, but differ in transmission, claimed acceleration, published efficiency and local price. The regular Turbo is a separate, 360-bhp version, so check the exact trim and model year before comparing cars.
What differs between the Emira turbo four and V6?
These are distinct engine-and-gearbox combinations, not simply two engine choices with otherwise identical specifications. Lotus lists a 1,991cc turbocharged inline-four with an eight-speed DCT for both Turbo versions. The V6 SE uses a 3,456cc supercharged V6; Lotus’s 2026 lineup announcement lists a six-speed manual as standard and an automatic as optional. Confirm gearbox availability for the particular market and model year you are considering.
| Variant | Engine | Transmission listed | Power | 0–62 mph claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emira Turbo | 1,991cc turbocharged inline-four | Eight-speed DCT | 360 bhp | 4.4 seconds |
| Emira Turbo SE | 1,991cc turbocharged inline-four | Eight-speed DCT | 400 bhp | 4.0 seconds |
| Emira V6 SE | 3,456cc supercharged V6 | Six-speed manual standard; automatic optional in Lotus’s 2026 announcement | 400 bhp | 4.3 seconds |
These are Lotus’s published figures for the named versions, not specifications that apply to every Emira year or market. See Lotus’s Emira model information and its press and media specifications; verify the precise car with a local retailer.
Which is quicker: Turbo SE or V6 SE?
On Lotus’s claimed 0–62 mph times, the Turbo SE is quickest at 4.0 seconds, compared with 4.3 seconds for the V6 SE. The standard Turbo is listed at 4.4 seconds. Those figures make trim essential to the comparison: the Turbo SE has 400 bhp, while the regular Turbo is listed at 360 bhp.
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Independent test numbers should not be treated as a direct head-to-head. Car and Driver recorded 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 111 mph in its instrumented test of a 2024 manual V6. That was one tested car and a different speed interval from Lotus’s 0–62 mph claim; it was not a controlled comparison with a Turbo SE. Read Car and Driver’s Emira V6 test.
How do the transmissions change the choice?
Turbo and Turbo SE: eight-speed DCT
The turbo four is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in Lotus’s listed specifications. Car and Driver described quick, near-seamless shifts in its first drive, while Top Gear discusses DCT behavior in low-speed maneuvers. Those are impressions from their respective test cars, not guarantees about every driver’s experience or claims about reliability. Car and Driver’s first drive and Top Gear’s Emira review provide that reviewer context.
Rank #2
- Collectible Die-Cast Model: This 1:64 scale die-cast model is a replica of the Lotus Evora, a British sports car manufactured by Lotus Cars.
- Iconic Design: The model captures the sleek and aerodynamic design of the Evora, with its distinctive front grille and sculpted body lines.
- Detailed Exterior: The die-cast model features intricate details such as the Lotus emblem, headlights, taillights, and wheel designs.
- Authentic Coloring: This particular model is finished in a vibrant blue color, accurately replicating the European Streets 2008 edition.
- Collectible Series: Part of the Matchbox European Streets collection, this model is a must-have for die-cast enthusiasts and Lotus fans alike.
V6 SE: manual standard, automatic optional in Lotus’s 2026 announcement
If a manual gearbox is central to your decision, the documented route in Lotus’s 2026 lineup announcement is the V6 SE. Its six-speed manual is listed as standard, with an automatic offered as an option. The four-cylinder versions in Lotus’s specifications are listed with the DCT, not a manual. Availability can depend on market and model year, so check the exact car’s order specification rather than assuming that a gearbox choice carries across the range.
What do Lotus’s published efficiency and price figures show?
Lotus’s media-site comparison lists the Turbo SE at 208 g/km of CO2 and 9.192 l/100 km, and the V6 at 258 g/km and 11.311 l/100 km. These are manufacturer-published specification figures, not independently measured real-world consumption. Their relevance to ownership costs depends on local fuel prices, tax rules and the exact vehicle.
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Rank #3
![Hot Wheels Lotus Emira, Factory Fresh 3/5 [Gray] 121/250](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41OqSnePudL._SL160_.jpg)
- die cast metal & plastic parts
The same Lotus source lists starting prices of €109,490 / £89,500 for Turbo SE and €112,490 / £92,500 for V6. They are source-page figures, not confirmed offers for every market as of October 2026; Lotus cautions that final prices vary with market, options, taxes and currency. Ask a local retailer for current pricing and compare like-for-like equipment. Lotus media-site model information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which Emira should you buy?
- Choose the V6 SE if: you specifically want a manual; it is the version Lotus lists with a standard six-speed manual in its 2026 announcement.
- Choose the Turbo SE if: you want the turbo four with the DCT and are comparing the two 400-bhp versions; Lotus claims 4.0 seconds to 62 mph for this trim.
- Consider the regular Turbo if: the 360-bhp version is the car actually available to you. Do not assume its performance matches the 400-bhp Turbo SE.
- Let the local offer decide if: tax, options, currency or availability materially changes the price comparison. Published starting prices are not universal transaction prices.
- Drive both configurations if possible: transmission feel and personal preference are difficult to resolve from specification sheets or another driver’s impressions.
Before deciding, confirm the model year, trim, gearbox, options and final price for each car. Then test the transmission you expect to live with; the badge alone does not settle the trade-off.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Detailed model kit in scale 1:24, length: 168 mm, width: 73 mm
- The high-quality kit from Tamiya must be assembled by yourself.
- Tools, glue and paints are not included with the plastic kit. These must be purchased optionally.
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
Rank #4
- 2023 Lotus Emira Heritage Edition - 5456D Model Vehicle
- 1/34 Scale Collectible Model Sports Car
- This is a 5"Lx 2.25"Wx 1.25"H Diecast Metal model with some plastic parts
- Pullback Action And Openable Doors
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
