Lotus Cars’ replacement for its iconic Elise sports car, the Emira, will cost £75,995 when it is launched in flagship V6 First Edition guise.

A new vehicle configurator has now been launched for the new model, which initially outstrips the Elise’s starting price of around £45,000 but will be available with a more affordable i4, four-cylinder engine from next autumn.

Lotus said an entry level Emira – priced from £59,995 – would be made available in 2023.

In its First Edition form, the mid-engined Emira features a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 400PS transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic gearbox.

The new model will be key for Lotus Cars’ growing franchised car retail network, which have been geared-up for growth with a new corporate identity and alignment with the brand’s new omnichannel retail strategy.

Among the latest developments in the UK network have been a dealership move for JCT600’s Bradford site, Park’s Motor Group’s opening of a new dealership in Hamilton and Hendy Group’s increased representation through the addition of new dealerships in Hampshire and Devon.

Commenting on the release of pricing and trim details for the new Emira today, Lotus Cars managing director Matt Windle said: “The Emira is the most accomplished Lotus we've ever made, and to celebrate and reward our keenest early customers, we want to make the first cars extra special to own.

“The features have been carefully selected by our design team to make for a truly special and distinct First Edition.”

Lotus announced in January that it would will advance its Vision80 strategy in 2021 with the launch of a new Type 131 sports car to replace its iconic Elise and a move into a new £100m manufacturing facility at its Hethel headquarters.

The Geely-owned Norfolk carmaker said production of the new model – alongside that of its all-electric, £2m Evija hypercar – would get underway this year as production of its Evora, Exige and Elise models ends.

Today Lotus said the Emira would build on the legacy of the Elise, Exige and Evora, but represents “a quantum leap forward”.

The car rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels, with two-piece brake discs with branded calipers part of the First Edition spec.

The First Edition comes in one of six paint colours (Seneca, Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey) and features LED lights, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors.

There are seven interior colour choices, meanwhile. They are: red; black; grey; and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with either red, yellow or grey stitching.

All functions the Emira’s infotainment system functions are accessed through a 10.25-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster also positioned ahead of a multi-function steering wheel.

Fitted to the Emira First Edition as standard are four option packs.

The Drivers Pack offers Tour or Sport suspension with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres, or Sport suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

The Design Pack adds privacy glass, sports pedals, a black Alcantara headliner, and the choice of black, red, yellow or silver painted brake callipers.

The Convenience Pack adds front parking sensors, a rear reversing camera and a rear luggage storage net.