When Lotus unveiled the Emira, it marked a bold step into the future. Mid-engined, sleek, and unmistakably Lotus, the Emira blends modern tech with the raw driving purity the brand is known for. But at TDI Tuning, we saw more than a beautiful new sports car—we saw untapped potential. And we made it our mission to unlock it. While our tuning boxes are known for simple installation and transformative results, the Emira presented unique engineering hurdles, a tightly packed mid-rear engine layout and a flat floor that left less room for access and installation.
Tuning the Lotus Emira with TDI Tuning
The Challenge of the Mid-Engine Layout
Most of the vehicles we develop tuning systems for are front-engine, which means easy access to key sensors and straightforward harness routing. The Emira flips that script.
With its 3.5-litre supercharged V6 nestled just ahead of the rear axle, space under the rear deck is minimal. The flat underbody, designed for aerodynamic efficiency, leaves almost no room for sensor access from underneath. Everything is tight. Every sensor is tucked away, and even the most basic cable routing has to be planned like a game of Tetris.
Some of the sensors we needed to access were partially obscured by structural components, which meant removing panels and working with precision tools to connect our harness. This wasn’t an engine bay you could just lean into—every inch of this car is performance-focused, which makes installing anything aftermarket a test of patience and skill.
Returning Customer, Real-World Results
Luckily, we had a huge advantage—a returning customer who had worked with us on tuning previous vehicles. When he got his hands on a Lotus Emira, he reached out, keen to be involved in the development process. Having real-world experience from someone who drives and understands the car intimately gave us critical feedback from the outset.
With his Emira as our test platform, we kicked off a series of R&D sessions, each aimed at refining performance while ensuring a completely seamless integration with the factory ECU. He brought not only his car but his insight, helping us test the system in varied driving conditions, from daily commuting to spirited weekend drives.
Having this hands-on customer involvement helped validate our tuning decisions not just in a lab setting but on actual roads, where it matters most.
Supercar Performance
Dyno Testing
With the TDI Tuning box installed, the Emira doesn’t just get faster—it evolves. The performance increase pushes it into the supercar territory, delivering quicker acceleration, a stronger mid-range, and a throttle that responds like it’s wired to your brain.
For a car that already punches above its weight, this tuning system unlocks another level of performance without compromising the character that makes the Emira special.
As with all TDI Tuning systems, we committed to rigorous dyno testing for the Emira. We ran the car through various tuning maps, capturing data on horsepower, torque, boost pressure, and air/fuel ratios. This wasn’t a one-and-done process. Each run provided new insight, and we made careful tweaks between sessions to fine-tune our results.
Our engineers monitored how the supercharger behaved with increased performance demands, ensuring the system stayed within safe operating parameters. We also kept a close eye on temperature management—important for a mid-engined car with limited airflow when stationary.
The final dyno figures confirmed what we were aiming for: a measurable increase in both horsepower and torque across the rev range. Throttle response was sharper, low-end pull more immediate, and mid-range acceleration far more aggressive—all without compromising reliability or drivability.
Plug-and-Play, Fully Reversible
Like all TDI Tuning solutions, the Emira system is completely plug-and-play. There’s no remapping of the stock ECU, no invasive software changes, and no impact on factory settings.
The system installs with a custom wiring harness, and once in place, it communicates with key engine sensors to optimise fuel and boost in real time. Everything remains within safe thresholds, and the system can be removed at any time with no trace—ideal for owners of leased or financed vehicles.
Our Bluetooth-enabled app lets drivers switch between tuning modes or return to stock with a tap, offering flexibility for every driving scenario—from daily commutes to track days.
Final Thoughts
Tuning the Lotus Emira wasn’t easy. The tight packaging, awkward sensor placement, and mid-engine layout all presented unique challenges. But with careful planning, expert engineering, and the help of a dedicated customer who let us use his car for real-world testing, we developed something we’re incredibly proud of.
This isn’t just a power boost—it’s a transformation. And like every TDI Tuning product, it delivers precision performance with factory-level refinement.
The Lotus Emira now has the performance to match its looks. Ready to unlock yours?