Lotus Cars has unveiled a truly special iteration, the Emira Clark Edition, a carefully crafted tribute designed to honour the enduring legacy of the remarkable racing icon, Jim Clark. This exclusive model specifically commemorates Clark’s breathtakingly successful 1965 season, a year etched into motorsport history by his commanding victories at both the prestigious Indianapolis 500 and the Formula 1 World Championship. Drawing profound inspiration from the legendary Lotus Type 38 race car that Clark piloted to glory, this limited-run edition showcases a distinctive exterior palette. The bodywork is finished in a bespoke Clark Racing Green, a hue deeply evocative of the era and the cars Clark drove. This signature green is elegantly complemented by a contrasting black roof and sophisticated silver mirror caps. Adding a vibrant nod to its racing lineage, dynamic yellow racing stripes trace across the body, visually emphasizing the car’s performance heritage and its connection to the track.
The interior environment of this special edition is equally compelling, presenting an immediately eye-catching asymmetrical design concept that underscores the car’s focus on the driver. The cockpit features a dramatic contrast in materials and colour: the driver’s seat is sumptuously upholstered in rich red leather and Alcantara, creating a focused and performance-oriented space. In striking opposition, the passenger seat is finished in premium black leather and Alcantara, maintaining a luxurious feel while accentuating the driver-centric layout. Subtle yet impactful red accents are strategically placed on the steering wheel and dashboard, tying the interior theme together and adding a touch of sporting flair. A beautifully crafted, vintage-style wooden gearshift knob provides a tactile link to the past, infusing the cabin with a sense of nostalgia and classic motorsport charm. Further personal touches celebrating the honoree include Jim Clark’s authentic signature elegantly reproduced on the dashboard, serving as a constant reminder of the legend. Commemorative plaques integrated into the seats specifically highlight his monumental triumphs from 1965. Additional exclusive details reinforcing its unique status encompass bespoke Clark Edition branding tastefully integrated throughout the cabin, high-performance carbon fiber pedals, and a distinct “One of 60” badge, unequivocally marking this vehicle as one of a highly limited production run, making it a truly desirable item for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Beneath its sculpted and evocative bodywork resides the heart of a true driver’s machine. The underlying architecture, a testament to performance engineering, provides a rigid and responsive foundation. Powering this exquisite creation is a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. This potent powerplant delivers a robust 298 kilowatts (equivalent to 400 horsepower), coupled with a formidable 420 Newton-meters (or 310 pound-feet) of torque. The addition of the supercharger ensures immediate throttle response and a linear surge of power throughout the rev range, characteristic of high-performance engines designed for dynamic driving.
This formidable engine is paired with a meticulously crafted six-speed manual transmission, offering a deeply engaging connection between driver and machine. The mechanical precision of the gear shifts invites enthusiastic participation in the driving process. Power is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels through a sophisticated limited-slip differential. This crucial component optimizes traction and enhances handling dynamics, particularly during spirited cornering, allowing the driver to confidently exploit the car’s capabilities. The result is exhilarating performance: acceleration from a standstill to 60 miles per hour is achieved in a mere 4.2 seconds, propelling the vehicle towards an impressive top speed of up to 180 miles per hour. The combination of raw power, precise control, and a driver-centric setup creates an unforgettable automotive experience.
Exclusivity is a hallmark of this particular variant, with production strictly limited to just sixty units globally. This constrained availability significantly contributes to its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts seeking something truly special and rare. Each unit represents a carefully considered blend of performance heritage and contemporary engineering. Offered in select markets, this limited-run model commands a premium, reflecting its unique status and the craftsmanship invested in its creation. For example, in one key market, pricing begins at a figure around £115,000, underscoring its position as a high-end, performance-focused vehicle aimed at discerning buyers who appreciate both dynamic ability and rarity. The allure lies not just in its speed and handling, but in the knowledge that one is piloting a machine produced in such limited numbers, embodying a focused vision of automotive performance.