The Lotus Emira was meant to be the carmaker’s last petrol car. Now its future looks hybrid

The Lotus Emira, once slated to be the British marque's last purely gasoline-powered car, is reportedly receiving a reprieve that could see it adopt a hybrid powertrain. This development marks a significant shift from the company's initial all-electric plans for its future lineup. The Emira's future now appears to be heading towards a blend of internal combustion and electric power, a move that deviates from the previously announced trajectory. This reconsideration suggests a potential adjustment in Lotus's electrification timeline and its overall product strategy. The decision to potentially retain and adapt the Emira with hybrid technology indicates a strategic pivot, possibly influenced by market dynamics or technological advancements. The future of the Emira, and by extension, Lotus's transition away from solely gasoline engines, is now looking more complex than initially anticipated.