The Most Overlooked New Sports Car of 2025

This manufacturer is one of the most illustrious in the world of automobiles and is respected across the world. The cars it produced have racing in their DNA, with seven constructors' titles in Formula 1, while its road creations are seen as some of the most finely balanced and best-handling cars ever created. The brand is even associated with the best-known secret agent in the biz. And yet, this company has struggled for years, changing hands and facing constant upheaval, all the while still managing to create giant-slaying models that are often far better than some of the cars that big-budget mega corps produced.

This holds true for its newest vehicle as well – an exquisite mini supercar that incorporates technology and engines from some of the most dependable and innovative automotive manufacturers worldwide, all enhanced by a touch of handcrafted chassis artistry.

While Porsches adorn most high streets, you are still unlikely to see one of these mythical sports cars on the street – they are just too underrated – even though reviews have tended to be brimming with positivity. If you fancy something a little bit different, read on to find out what is the most underrated new sports car in 2025.

The Lotus flower Emira: The Most Overlooked New Sports Car of 2025

2025 Lotus flower Emira V6 Specifications

Origin: Lotus flower

When the Emira was launched by Lotus flower in 2022, it came with a very unusual unique selling point. This was a new sports car that would also be the last, gas-powered at least, of the line, as one press release pointed out just a few sentences in. Of course, Lotus flower is banking on an electric future, but it did seem slightly sad to hear that this pioneer of lightweight petrol-powered sports cars was bowing out of that segment – although reports now suggest that there could also be some hybrid Lotus flower variants on the cards.

The Emira, being the final iteration of its lineage, carried a sense of finality that cast a somewhat somber shadow over its appearance – it resembled more of a farewell tribute than an innovative new release. Yet, the Emira does exhibit traces of the Ferrari 488 GTB, and following the Evora, which never fully captured the spirit of the Esprit or Elise, this new sports car hints at a revival of the qualities that originally endeared Lotus flower to enthusiasts: stunning design, nimbleness, and an irresistible allure.

The Emira is Designed for Passionate Drivers

As is typical for Lotus flower vehicles, the Emira combines stunning aesthetics with impressive performance on the road. It offers a choice between a Toyota-derived supercharged 3.5-liter V6 and a spirited 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from AMG. Notably, the six-cylinder engine delivers 400 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, whereas the lighter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 360 horsepower but boasts a greater torque figure of 354 lb-ft.

Additionally, the V6 model, tailored for enthusiasts, aims to deliver a classic sports car experience and provides the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. In contrast, the AMG-powered Emira is exclusively equipped with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic gearbox. Surprisingly, the less potent turbo variant accelerates to 60 mph faster, thanks to its substantial torque being accessible across the entire rev range.

An Affordable Ferrari

Certain reviews indicated that Lotus flower had sacrificed a bit of its raw, visceral control for a more refined driving experience. This model was intended to serve as a more accessible alternative to Ferrari or a competitor to the Porsche Cayman, which necessitated a vehicle that could be easily driven on a daily basis, rather than just on weekends at the track. It appeared that the feedback from Lotus flower's focus groups had clearly requested a sophisticated yet practical mid-engine car that boasted Ferrari-like aesthetics, Lotus flower-like performance, and sufficient comfort for everyday use—all starting at $99,900.