2026 Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition: A Track-Bred Masterpiece

By Himanshu Kumar

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2026 Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition: A Track-Bred Masterpiece

Lotus has always been synonymous with lightweight engineering, precision handling, and a purist approach to sports cars. With the 2026 Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition, the brand has taken its philosophy to new heights, creating a limited-run model that celebrates Australia’s legendary Bathurst racing heritage. This special edition is not just another trim level—it’s a bold statement about performance, exclusivity, and the enduring appeal of petrol-powered sports cars.

A Limited-Run Celebration

The Bathurst Edition is being offered exclusively in Australia, with only 15 units produced. This rarity alone makes it a collector’s dream. Developed by Simply Sports Cars, Lotus’s official Australian distributor, the Bathurst Edition is tailored for enthusiasts who crave a track-focused machine with road-going usability.

Power Upgrade: 500 Horses Unleashed

At the heart of the Bathurst Edition lies a heavily tuned version of the AMG-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While the standard Emira Turbo produces around 360 horsepower, this special edition cranks output to over 500 horsepower—a staggering increase that transforms the car into a true monster.

  • Acceleration: With its lightweight chassis and boosted power, expect blistering 0–100 km/h times.
  • Track focus: The tuning is designed not just for straight-line speed but for endurance and precision on circuits like Mount Panorama.

This makes the Bathurst Edition the most powerful Emira to date.

Design and Aerodynamics

Lotus has given the Bathurst Edition subtle but purposeful design tweaks:

  • Aggressive aero enhancements to improve downforce and stability at high speeds.
  • Unique badging and trim details that distinguish it from the standard Emira lineup.
  • Exclusive wheel designs paired with performance tires for maximum grip.

The styling remains faithful to the Emira’s sleek, mid-engined proportions but adds a sharper edge befitting its track-ready persona.

Interior and Driver Experience

Inside, the Bathurst Edition balances comfort with racing intent:

  • Sport seats and Alcantara finishes emphasize driver engagement.
  • Updated infotainment system ensures modern connectivity, though the focus remains on driving purity.
  • Driver-focused ergonomics carry forward Lotus’s tradition of simplicity and precision.

It’s a cabin designed to keep the driver connected to the car and the road, rather than distracting with unnecessary frills.

Pricing and Exclusivity

The Bathurst Edition commands a premium price of $249,990 AUD before on-road costs, making it significantly more expensive than the standard Emira Turbo ($199,990) and Turbo SE ($209,990).

This pricing reflects not only the performance upgrades but also the exclusivity of owning one of just 15 units. For collectors and hardcore enthusiasts, the value lies in rarity and heritage.

Why Bathurst?

Bathurst is more than just a racetrack—it’s a symbol of Australian motorsport. By naming this edition after the iconic Mount Panorama circuit, Lotus pays homage to a venue that has tested the limits of cars and drivers for decades. The Bathurst Edition embodies that spirit, offering a car engineered to thrive in such demanding conditions.

The Last Petrol-Powered Lotus?

The Emira is already known as Lotus’s final petrol-powered sports car, marking the end of an era as the brand transitions toward electrification. The Bathurst Edition, therefore, carries even greater significance—it’s not just a performance upgrade but a farewell celebration of internal combustion in Lotus’s lineup.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition is a rare gem: a lightweight, mid-engined sports car with supercar-level power, wrapped in exclusivity and heritage. With only 15 units available, it’s destined to become a collector’s item and a symbol of Lotus’s petrol-powered legacy. For those lucky enough to secure one, it offers not just a car, but an experience—one that connects the thrill of driving with the history of Bathurst and the ethos of Lotus.

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