Compare the2026 McLaren GTSVS 2026 Lotus Emira

The McLaren GTS has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Emira doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the McLaren GTS and the Emira have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and front and rear parking sensors.

The GTS comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The Emira’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

The McLaren GTS comes with free roadside assistance for 3 years unlimited miles. McLaren will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump-start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Lotus doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Emira.

The McLaren GTS’ corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Emira’s (10 vs. 8 years).

McLaren pays for scheduled maintenance on the McLaren GTS for 3 years and unlimited miles. McLaren will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Lotus doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Emira.

The McLaren GTS’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 226 more horsepower (626 vs. 400) and 155 lbs.-ft. more torque (465 vs. 310) than the Emira’s optional 3.5 supercharged V6. The McLaren GTS’ 4.0 turbo V8 produces 226 more horsepower (626 vs. 400) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (465 vs. 354) than the Emira’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the McLaren GTS is faster than the Lotus Emira turbo 4 cyl. (automatics tested):

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the McLaren GTS’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Emira doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The McLaren GTS has 5.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Emira (19 vs. 13.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the McLaren GTS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Emira:

The McLaren GTS has standard heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Emira doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the McLaren GTS has standard 21-inch rear wheels. Only 20-inch wheels are available on the Emira.

The McLaren GTS has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Emira’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The McLaren GTS has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Emira doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The McLaren GTS has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Emira doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the McLaren GTS’ wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the Emira (105.3 inches vs. 101.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the McLaren GTS is 1.5 inches wider in the front and .4 inches wider in the rear than on the Emira.

The McLaren GTS’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (42.5% to 57.5%) than the Emira’s (39.8% to 60.2%). This gives the McLaren GTS more stable handling and braking.

The McLaren GTS handles at 1.01 G’s, while the Emira pulls only 1.00 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The McLaren GTS has a much larger trunk than the Emira (20.1 vs. 5.3 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the McLaren GTS. The Emira doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the McLaren GTS offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Emira doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

The engine in the McLaren GTS is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Emira. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The McLaren GTS’ optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Emira doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the McLaren GTS the driver can close all of them from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Emira can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the McLaren GTS offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Emira doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The McLaren GTS’ standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Emira doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The McLaren GTS is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access to more content and better coverage than the Emira, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the McLaren GTS offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the Emira.

HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the McLaren GTS equipped with available HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The Emira, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the McLaren GTS empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.

Compared to traditional radio, the McLaren GTS’ standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Emira.