← Return to Fitment Guides
LOTUS EMIRA FITMENT
The Lotus Emira is Lotus's final combustion-only car — a mid-engine sports car available with either Toyota's 2GR-FE supercharged 3.5L V6 (400 hp) or AMG's M139 turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder (360 hp). Built around the philosophy that "lighter is always faster," the Emira weighs approximately 3,100 lbs and is designed to be driven hard. The factory wheels are relatively heavy for a Lotus — a lightweight forged upgrade provides the single largest improvement in turn-in response, ride quality, and overall driver engagement. At 3,100 lbs, every pound of unsprung weight has a disproportionate impact.
Quick Reference
Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 | Center Bore: 68mm | Hub Type: Conical Seat | Lug Torque: 110 Nm (81 ft-lb)
Note: The Emira's suspension geometry is extremely sensitive to unsprung weight changes. A forged wheel saving even 3 lbs per corner is immediately noticeable in steering feel and ride quality.
20" Staggered — Street Standard
The Emira ships on 20-inch wheels from the factory. Maintaining this diameter preserves the car's carefully calibrated steering feel and suspension response while upgrading to significantly lighter forged construction.
01
20" Flush Stagger
Matching the factory proportions with forged construction for dramatic weight savings.
- Recommended Front: 20x8.5 ET50
- Recommended Rear: 20x10.5 ET45
- Street Tires: 225/35R20 Front, 275/35R20 Rear
- Performance Tires: 235/35R20 Front, 285/30R20 Rear
Why this setup: The Emira's compact mid-engine dimensions require high offsets (ET45+) to keep the wheels within the tight body panels. The 10.5" rear provides the traction needed for the supercharged V6's 400 hp (or the AMG turbo four's instant torque delivery), while the 8.5" front keeps the front end light and responsive — essential for a mid-engine car where the front axle carries less weight. Forged wheels save 4–6 lbs per corner versus the heavy factory cast options. On a 3,100 lb car with Lotus's famously precise suspension tuning, this weight reduction transforms the driving experience — steering becomes more immediate, turn-in is sharper, and the ride quality actually improves because the suspension can respond faster to surface imperfections.
18" Staggered — Track Configuration
For Lotus Cup competition and serious track day use, an 18-inch setup provides more sidewall protection, lighter weight, and access to the widest selection of 200TW track tires.
02
18" Track Stagger
Optimized for Lotus Cup competition and dedicated track use.
- Recommended Front: 18x8 ET45
- Recommended Rear: 18x10 ET40
- Track Tires (200TW): 225/40R18 Front, 275/35R18 Rear
- R-Compound: 235/40R18 Front, 285/35R18 Rear
- Brake Note: 18" wheels clear the factory AP Racing brakes on both V6 and i4 models.
Why this setup: The 18" diameter saves significant weight versus 20" — a forged 18x8 at under 16 lbs versus a 20x8.5 at 19+ lbs is a meaningful difference across four corners. The taller sidewall provides better compliance on aggressive track surfaces and protects against the wheel damage that the Emira's low ground clearance invites. The 275mm rear tire provides enormous grip relative to the car's light weight — the Emira's power-to-weight ratio doesn't demand extreme tire widths, so 275mm is more than sufficient.
Recommended Tires by Use Case
03
Emira Tire Selection Guide
- Street Performance: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — the benchmark for mid-engine sports cars. Outstanding wet grip and a progressive breakaway that matches the Emira's communicative chassis.
- Street/Track Hybrid: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 — the factory sport tire option. Significantly more dry grip with excellent progressive breakaway characteristics.
- Track Day (200TW): Yokohama Advan A052 (225/40R18 + 275/35R18) — highest peak grip. The Emira on A052s is devastatingly fast for its weight class.
- Lotus Cup: Hankook Ventus RS4 (series spec) — the spec tire for many Lotus Cup racing series. Consistent, durable, and regulated.
The Lotus Philosophy: Simplify, Then Add Lightness
- Weight sensitivity: Colin Chapman's famous quote defines every Lotus. At 3,100 lbs, the Emira is the heaviest Lotus road car — making unsprung weight reduction even more impactful. Forged wheels aren't a luxury on a Lotus; they're a necessity.
- Suspension compliance: The Emira's suspension is tuned for a specific unsprung mass. Lighter wheels allow the dampers to react faster, improving both grip and ride quality simultaneously.
- Brake cooling: Lighter wheels with open spoke designs improve airflow to the AP Racing brakes, reducing brake fade during extended track sessions.
Configure Your Set →