What the Lotus Emira configurator does
The Lotus Emira configurator is an online tool on Lotus's website that lets you design a car by choosing its color, interior, wheels, and other features before you buy. You pick each option, see how it looks, and get a price estimate for that specific combination. It does not hold a car for you or complete a purchase — it shows you what's available and what your choices would cost.
The configurator is useful if you want to understand the price difference between options, see how colors and interiors work together, or know exactly what you want before you contact a dealer. Since the Emira is built to order rather than pulled from dealer inventory, the configurator helps you plan what you're asking for.
Key Takeaways
- The configurator shows you every color, interior, wheel, and feature choice available for the Emira, with a running price total as you select each one.
- Your configured car is not reserved — the tool is for planning and pricing only, and you will need to contact a Lotus dealer to actually order.
- The price shown includes the base car and your chosen options, but does not include taxes, shipping, or dealer fees, which vary by location.
- You can save your configuration or share it with others, which is helpful if you want to compare versions or show a dealer what you have in mind.
How to start building your configuration
Go to the Lotus website and find the Emira section, then look for a link labeled "Build and Price" or "Configurator" — the exact wording changes by region and by when you visit. Click it to start.
The first choice is usually the model year and the engine option. The Emira comes with different powertrains depending on the year and market, so you will see only the combinations that are actually available. Select the one you want, then move forward.
After the engine, you will choose the exterior color. The configurator shows you a photo of the car in each color so you can see how it actually looks, not just read a name. This step matters because some colors cost extra, and the tool will show you the price change as you select.
Selecting interior, wheels, and trim packages
Once the exterior is set, you move to the interior. You choose the material (leather, suede, or fabric depending on what's offered), the color, and sometimes the stitching color. Again, the photo updates so you can see the combination before you commit to it in your mind.
Wheels are next. The Emira offers several wheel designs in different sizes, and each one has a different price. The configurator shows you the wheel on the car so you can judge the look. Larger wheels often cost more and may affect ride quality, so this is a real choice, not just a cosmetic one.
Many configurators also offer trim packages or option bundles — for example, a "Sport" package that includes upgraded brakes and suspension, or a "Premium" package with extra technology. These are presented as groups you can add or skip, and the price updates when you select them.
Understanding the price breakdown
As you make choices, the configurator shows a running total. This total includes the base price of the car plus every option you have selected. However, it does not include taxes (which depend on your state or country), destination charges (the cost to ship the car to a dealer), or dealer fees (which vary by location).
If you see an option marked as "no charge" or with a plus sign and a dollar amount, that tells you whether the option costs extra or comes standard. Some colors, wheels, and packages carry an upcharge; others do not. The configurator makes this transparent as you go.
The final price shown is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for that exact configuration. When you contact a dealer to order, they may negotiate or offer incentives, but this number is what Lotus suggests the car should cost.
Saving and sharing your configuration
Most configurators have a "Save" or "Share" button that creates a link to your exact setup. You can bookmark this link, email it to yourself, or send it to a dealer. This is useful if you want to step away and come back later, or if you want to show someone else what you are thinking about.
Some configurators also let you print a summary or read a PDF with your configuration details and price. This document is helpful to bring to a dealer or to keep for your own records.
If you build multiple configurations — say, comparing a red interior with a black one, or different wheel options — you can save each version separately and compare them side by side. This helps you make a final decision before you talk to a dealer.
What happens after you configure
The configurator does not place an order or reserve a car. Once you have built something you like, you need to contact a Lotus dealer to actually order it. Bring your configuration (the link, the printout, or just the details) and the dealer will help you complete the purchase process.
The dealer will confirm that your chosen options are still available, discuss timing and delivery, and handle financing or trade-in if you need those services. They may also mention current incentives or promotions that could affect your final price.
Lead times for the Emira vary depending on demand and production schedules. The dealer can tell you how long it typically takes from order to delivery in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the configurator show every option available?
The configurator shows the options that Lotus currently offers for the model year you select. If an option is not shown, it is either not available for that year or not available in your region. A dealer can tell you if something you want might be possible through a special order.
Can I change my configuration after I order?
Once you place an order with a dealer, changes depend on how far along production is. Early in the build, dealers can often make changes; later, they cannot. Ask the dealer what their policy is and how much time you have to modify your order.
Does the price in the configurator include delivery to my home?
No. The price shown is the MSRP for the car itself. Destination charges (shipping to a dealer) and dealer fees are added on top. Taxes are calculated based on your location at the time of purchase. The dealer will show you the full breakdown when you order.
What if I want a color or option that is not in the configurator?
Contact a Lotus dealer directly. They can tell you whether something outside the standard configurator options is possible as a special order, what it would cost, and how long it would take. Some dealers have access to options or colors not shown online.
Can I use the configurator on my phone?
Most modern configurators work on phones and tablets, though the experience may be smaller and harder to see in detail. For the best view of colors and how options look together, using a computer screen is usually easier.