What’s new, what’s next, and what’s making noise in the world of motoring
pure power
Maserati unveils MCPURA, the refined evolution of the MC20 halo car. Built in Modena, this new model maintains the heart of the Nettuno engine with an innovative 3.0L twin-turbo V6 delivering 630 CV and 720 Nm, while updating design and materials for a sharper driving experience.
The MCPURA features a carbon-fibre chassis, butterfly doors, and Alcantara-rich interiors.
Available in coupe and convertible (MCPURA Cielo) versions, the car offers new aerodynamic elements, including a rear bumper inspired by the GT2 Stradale and an optional oversized spoiler.
The convertible adds a PDLC glass roof that shifts from transparent to opaque with a tap.
The launch colour, AI Aqua Rainbow, comes in matte for the coupe and gloss for the Cielo, reflecting Maserati Fuoriserie’s customisation.
Beauty with Purpose
The Lotus Emira 2.0-litre is where art meets engineering; a fitting final act for the brand’s combustion era
Chasing that elusive balance between beauty and performance in sports cars, the Lotus Emira had my full attention the moment it was announced. As the final combustion-engine sports car from the brand, the Emira is more than just another model – it’s a closing chapter and a celebration of everything Lotus stands for.
After spending a few days behind the wheel of the 2.0-litre variant, I can say with confidence: the Emira doesn’t just meet expectations; it redefines them. Even before opening the door, the Emira makes a statement. Lotus has taken inspiration, infusing the Emira with sharp, modern aerodynamics and a sculpted, purposeful silhouette. The mid-engine proportions, low, wide, and sleek, communicate its sporting intent from a standing start. What sets the Emira apart is how it blends style with genuine presence on the road.
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of driving my son to his school prom in the Emira. As we pulled up to the venue, surrounded by an impressive lineup of Ferraris, AMGs, and even a McLaren, the Emira stood its ground. The low-slung silhouette, dramatic LED lighting, and curved shapes turned it into a magnet for attention.
People walked over, snapped photos, and asked questions. It was a moment that showcased the Emira’s ability to turn heads through elegance and presence.
The AMG Heartbeat
The 2.0L version of the Emira is powered by a turbocharged inline-four sourced from Mercedes-AMG, and it’s every bit as lively as you’d hope. The power delivery is crisp, the throttle response immediate, and the sound, while more subdued than the V6, still carries a distinctive growl that encourages spirited driving.
What’s impressive is how Lotus has tuned this engine to feel uniquely their own. The integration with the chassis is seamless, providing an experience that remains faithful to Lotus’s reputation for purity and driver involvement. Paired with a slick 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 2.0L Emira feels agile, responsive, and thoroughly modern.
Design That Works as Hard as It Looks
Every detail on the Emira serves both form and function. The air intakes are beautifully integrated into the bodywork. The razor-sharp headlights have a futuristic edge. The rear diffuser isn’t just aesthetic, it actively contributes to downforce and stability. In a crowd of more expensive supercars, the Emira holds its own, not just because it looks sharp, but because every line, curve and detail earns its keep.
A New Interior Standard for Lotus
If you’ve experienced older Lotus cabins, you’d expect stripped-down simplicity, more race car than road car. But the Emira turns that notion on its head. Stepping into the 2.0L model, I was immediately struck by the quality of materials and the attention to detail. The leather-trimmed dash, digital instrument cluster, and intuitive infotainment system mark a new era for Lotus interiors. The driving position is pure sports car: low, centred, and focused, yet now paired with the comfort and refinement necessary for everyday use.
Final Thoughts: The Emira’s Legacy
The Lotus Emira 2.0L makes a real statement with its design maturity, engineering precision, and emotional pull. In many ways, it’s the Lotus we’ve all been waiting for. One that stays true to the brand’s legendary dynamics while finally delivering the comfort and finish modern drivers expect. They haven’t just stuck this car together. Lotus have nailed it. And on that prom night, watching the look on my son’s face as we pulled up was a sharp reminder of why cars like this matter. They don’t just get you from A to B, they move you from one place to another – they move your soul.
I didn’t want to hand the keys back. It felt like parting with something that had quietly stolen a piece of my heart. It’s comfortable, composed, and just outrageous enough to make everyday driving feel a bit less… everyday. A proper head-turner with real substance, and the sort of car that makes you want to take the long way home.
Words by Paul Wright
Director, International Property Media
