THE Lotus Emira GT4 is now in production with a significantly enhanced spec and performance.

First examples of the new Lotus race car will be shipped to owners over the summer, with orders from the UK, Europe, China, Australia and the USA.

The Emira GT4 has been homologated for competition in global GT4 classes and, thanks to a comprehensive options list, is also eligible for other non-homologated and specialist race series around the world.

After extensive development work by the Lotus team in collaboration with world-renowned motorsport partner RML Group, the car has been upgraded from the version that was unveiled at a VIP event at Hethel, Norfolk, last year. Improvements include an increase in power up to 455bhp, a new six-speed paddle shift gearbox, optimised aerodynamics and enhancements to the car's braking system.

Gavan Kershaw, Lotus director of vehicle attributes, said: "The Emira road car was such an excellent starting point for a GT4, and we've now further refined and tuned the package with the team at RML to create what we believe is a highly competitive and performance-oriented race car. We know our customers are keen to get behind the wheel and we're looking forward to seeing their results."

The car will be on display at the Snetterton round of the British GT Championship on June 17 and 18.

The Emira GT4 is the culmination of 75 years of innovation on the road and track, and marks the start of new era in performance GT racing for Lotus.

Motorsport has always been part of the Lotus story and this year is the 75thanniversary of the first Lotus, the Mk I, which was a trials car built by founder Colin Chapman in 1948.

Lotus's roll-call of honours includes seven Formula 1 Constructors' titles, six Drivers' Championships and victory in the legendary Indianapolis 500.

Most recently Lotus has been racing with the Evora GT4, which won prestigious races and championships in categories such as British GT, Dubai 24hrs, Barcelona 24hrs, European GT, Sepang 12hrs and the Pirelli World Challenge.

All Emira GT4 customer cars are being hand-built by the RML team at a dedicated new production facility at Wellingborough in the UK. It is priced at £179,000 plus taxes and delivery.