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Introducing The Emira – Lotus Launch New Model

The Emira is an all-new mid-engined premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience ‘For The Drivers’.

All-new mid-engined sports car perfectly embodies ongoing transformation of iconic British sports car manufacturer
Striking design, delivering exotic supercar appeal in sports car segment
Inspiration from Lotus Evija hypercar clear in fluid surfaces and crisp feature lines
Developed on Lotus’ recently announced Sports Car Architecture
Two petrol engines available, including new-to-Lotus 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘i4’ from technical partner AMG
Much-loved and characterful 3.5-litre supercharged V6 from Exige and Evora to feature as ‘First Edition’ range-topper
Manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission to maximise global appeal
Power output from 360 to 400 hp at launch
0-62mph (0-100km/h) in less than 4.5 seconds
Top speed of up to 180mph (290km/h)
Target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form
Prices will start from under £60,000 (under €72,000)
Find out more at www.media.lotuscars.com

Building on the legacy of the Elise, Exige and Evora, the Emira represents a quantum leap forward for Lotus. Those instantly recognisable brand signatures and core values have been combined with a paradigm shift in levels of practicality, comfort, functionality and technology.

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars commented: “The Emira is a game-changer for Lotus. It stands as a beacon of everything we have achieved to date in the transformation of the business, the embodiment of our progress. It is a highly significant milestone on our path to becoming a truly global performance car brand.”

The Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company’s sports car DNA. That innovative vehicle architecture is wrapped with a bold and sculpted design using cues clearly developed from the Evija. Key dimensions of the Emira are length 4,412mm; width 1,895mm; height 1,225mm; and wheelbase 2,575mm.

First customer cars will start to be delivered around the world from next spring. Powering the Emira will be a choice of two petrol engines, both globally respected for their performance characteristics. At launch, the first cars will be available as limited-production ‘First Edition’ models powered by the much-loved and Lotus-honed 3.5-litre V6 which cut its sports car teeth powering the Exige and Evora.

From summer 2022, the first new Lotus sports car engine for more than a decade makes its debut, with the Emira powered by AMG. The new-to-Lotus AMG unit is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘i4’ from the performance division of Mercedes-Benz.

Working with Lotus for the first time, AMG has come on board as technical partner on the Emira programme, with some fundamental changes made to the in-line four-cylinder set-up for its Lotus debut. Transverse-mounted and delivering rear-wheel drive, the unit has been modified with a new air intake system and new exhaust to suit the character of the Emira. The second engine is more familiar, the 3.5-litre supercharged Toyota V6 that is so loved by drivers of the Exige and Evora. Cars will be available with a manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

09Across the Emira range, power output will between 360 and 400bhp at launch, with 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 4.5 seconds and top speeds of up to 180mph (290km/h). Maximum torque will be 430Nm and CO2 emissions will start below 180g/km. The car has a target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form, and prices will start at less than £60,000 (less than €72,000).

Manufacturing will take place at Lotus’ famous home in Hethel, Norfolk, following more than £100million of new investment in the company’s UK facilities. The highly skilled operations teams will be supported by new processes and technologies to enhance production efficiency, volume capability and overall quality.

This article was provided by our friends at www.thelotusforums.com – the Lotus official communication partner.

Car Of The Day… Riley 9 Monaco

The car of the day today is the wonderful 1929 Riley 9 Monaco.

The Riley Nine was one of the most successful light sporting cars produced by the British motor industry in the inter war period. It was made by the Riley company of Coventry, England with a wide range of body styles between 1926 and 1938.

This beautiful classic is insured and has plenty benefits that we can offer at AIB. The policy has legal expenses cover, choice of repairer, agreed value and salvage retention.

We can offer additional benefits such as replacement vehicle and excess protection making sure your gorgeous classics are fully covered and there is no need to worry!

Call our friendly and knowledgeable classic car team on 02380 268351 for a bespoke quotation and see what benefits we can offer you today!

Thank you Mr B for allowing us to share the lovely photos of your Riley 9!

If you have a policy with us and would like to share the photos on our website and socials, email us at info@aib.co.uk

Car of The Week… Nissan Skyline GTR R34

The Car of the Week this week is the 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34!

This nostalgia inducing car, made iconic through it’s roles in many motoring movies including fast and furious, more importantly its unique engineering using twin ceramic intercooled turbo chargers to remove all turbo-lag. This beautiful car also used six individual throttle valves to allow each cylinder to act as singular engines.

Mr H was kind enough to take out this policy with us, which includes both the benefits of salvage retention and agreed value.

Thank you Mr H for allowing us to share! If you have a Skyline of your own that needs insurance, please call our specialist team today on 02380 268351.

Car Of The Day… Toyota Carina

Todays car of the day is the 1989 Toyota Carina.

This is a very beautiful and rare car today there is only around 20 on UK roads.

Mr M was kind enough to take out this policy with us, which includes both the benefits of salvage retention and agreed value. We are able to offer specially catered policies dependant on your needs!

Thank you Mr M for allowing us to share! If you have a classic vehicle that needs insurance, please call our team today on 02380 268351.

Car of the day… Land Rover Commercial 88

Today’s car of the day is this Classic Land Rover Commercial 88.

The Land Rover Commercial 88 was inspired by the world war II jeep and created here in the UK. The Land Rover immediately distinguished itself from all other cars. From launch, it was the first mass-produced civilian four wheel drive car with doors on it, and an available hard roof.

Mr L was kind enough to take out this policy with us, which includes both the benefits of salvage retention and agreed value. We were able to offer a discount as Mr L keeps the vehicle garaged over night and agreed limited mileage.

Thank you Mr L for allowing us to share! If you have a classic vehicle that needs insurance, please call our team today on 02380 268351.

Car of the Day… Jaguar E Type

Today’s car of the day is this incredible Jaguar E Type.

The Jaguar E Type is widely regarded as one of the most important and pretty sports cars of all time. It is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar between 1961-1975.

Mr D was kind enough to take out a policy with Leah in our sales team, the policy includes both the benefits of salvage retention and agreed value. Leah was able to offer a lovely discount as Mr D has owned the Jaguar for quite a few years and keeps the vehicle garaged overnight.

Thanks Mr D for allowing us to share your amazing car. If you are looking for car insurance please call Leah and our team on 02380 268351.

The Car of The Day….. Lotus Elan +2

The car of the day today is the wonderful Lotus Elan + 2.

Mr B has a fantastic policy with agreed value, choice of repairer and also salvage retention through ourselves here at AIB.

The Elan +2 was introduced in 1967 with a longer wheelbase and 2 rear seats. 5,200 Elan +2were made. The Elan +2 ceased production in 1975. Because of its successful design and rigorous attention to cost control on the body, chassis, engine and transmission, the Elan went on to become Lotus’ first commercial success, reviving a company stretched thin by the more exotic and expensive to build Lotus Elite enabling funding of the Lotus success in racing over the next ten years.

Thank you for sending these lovely photos Mr B!

We specialise in classic car insurance so remember to call us on 02380 268351 for all your classic car needs.

Car of the Week… Mazda MX-5 Merlot Cabrio

This weeks car of the week is this superb Mazda MX 5 built in 1996.

The Mazda MX 5 two door convertible sports car was originally manufactured in Japan and was the best selling sports car of all time in 2000 and won a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Mr T was kind enough to take out a policy with Jenna back in July which includes the benefits of both salvage retention and agreed value. Jenna was able to offer an amazing discount as the client was happy with limited mileage and keeping the vehicle garaged overnight. In addition the fact that Mr T has owned the vehicle for some time, meant Jenna could sort amazing cover for a sensible price.

If you have a stunning classic car that needs insuring please call our team today on 02380 268351.

AIB move to new Headquarters

Airsports Insurance Bureau are delighted to announce that due to continued growth, we have moved to new premises, in the heart of Chandlers Ford. Due to our stellar success rate for over 25 years, we required a larger space that was more fitting for our needs and growing team of specialists. Our former base at Fleming Court, Eastleigh, served us well for seven years, but we are now ready and excited for our fresh new future within the new offices.

We have invested in air conditioned, well appointed facilities that will provide us with the opportunity for further expansion as we continue to grow. Our brilliant team of experts and wonderful visitors will enjoy an open plan kitchen, break-out space, board room, training room and managers offices. Based in the prestigious Oakmount House building, Oakmount Road, in Chandlers Ford, the office is located in a superb location close to all transport links.

To mark the occasion, we commissioned what is possibly the coolest sofa in the insurance industry… designed and created by our friend Ian, aka ‘The Customizer’. It’s a VW Beetle, cut in half, sprayed in our distinct AIB blue and compliments the Range Rover tyre table beautifully.

It’s vitally important that our staff keep their hands clean at all times, so we’ve invested in a wall mounted sanitizing unit made from the exhaust system of a Porsche 911, no less! Only the best for our wonderful team of people who do their very best to deliver the excellent service you expect.

We are thrilled with Ian’s designs – he has produced work for various celebrities, including an aeroplane for Lord Alan Sugar’s No.1 eatery, Sheesh. The automotive industries are full of weird, wonderful and mind boggling designs, so it’s only fitting we replicate a touch of that at our HQ. If you want to add that statement of the unique, with highly creative automotive art, Ian and the team can be contacted here: www.thecustomiser.co.uk

We’d also like to thank our friend Oliver at Office Furniture and Interiors, who has managed the project faultlessly with patience and skill. If you need help with any office design or refit we’d encourage you to contact them, their contact details can be found here: www.ofai.co.uk

Our new address is: First Floor, Oakmount House, Oakmount Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 2LH. Please do come and visit us (when safe to do so), the brand ‘new’ kettle is always on!

Please continue to use our existing telephone numbers and email contact information.

Kirby’s Corner – Classic Car Education

We managed to grab Kirby who wanted to cover classic car care for the forthcoming months…

As we find ourselves hopefully at the end of another lockdown, the classic car enthusiasts amongst you might be itching to take your pride and joy out for a decent spin, whilst looking ahead to the appropriate care needed over the winter months. It’s a beautiful time of year for longer Sunday drives, or cheeky mid-week spins… through our beautiful countryside in technicolour autumn, or nipping down to the coast for a hot cuppa near the sea.

With the colder months just around the corner, it’s about striking a good balance between moderate consumption and proper storage. A bit like a vintage single malt. You might be preserving your seasoned model inside for longer periods and airing it out less, but that does not mean neglect – it’s just as important to look after it in the correct way during the winter.

Here are a few tips to keep your antique auto in the pink…

Keep it clean

Start the clean at the top of the car, work down and don’t forget the underside or the interior. Ensure you use the correct cleaning agents. Dish soap can be harsh and will make the paint look dull. Shelve out a bit more on professional carwash soaps which are thick and foamy and will leave your classic looking fabulous. Rinse with free flowing water then dry with a soft leather chamois or a soft microfiber towel, changing towels often for a lovely shiny finish. Brake discs also need to be dry. as leaving them damp can cause the pads to stick to the disc and lock, so take her out for a short run after washing. She’s worth it.

5 star accommodation

Ok so you don’t need a palace to park it in, but treat your prized possession to a space fit for purpose. We always recommend storing your vehicle in a locked garage or dedicated car storage facility during the winter months. The space should be well ventilated to avoid damp and you might want to consider using an inflatable storage device for added protection, or a breathable car cover with a soft lining. If you choose to use a dehumidifier, be aware – if it’s too high it will draw the moisture out of everything around it, including veneer dashboards and anything made of vinyl or soft plastic.

Get your motor runnin’

It’s been snowing/hailing/sleeting/raining; probably all of the above, for days… your cabin fever has maxed out. You need to get out for the sake of your mental health (and your partner’s) A clear, glorious, crisp, winter morning finally arrives and you simply have to take your classic for a cruise. If so, she will need a bit of before and after care. Salt and grit on the road is her enemy as it causes corrosion. A decent wax will help protect the paintwork but treating the underside professionally with a powder coating or quality waxoil will help protect the metal, and when you’re home, again, hose the underside down. You wouldn’t neglect yourself in the shower now would you, so give your car the same attention! Avoid clutch and brake seizures and keep mechanics lubricated by treating yourself and your vehicle to that much needed spin… simply idling the car without driving it may speed up corrosion issues, as the engine will likely not reach full operating temperature.

Battery Power

Awareness of your car’s battery is key, depending on it’s age. If a battery is not disconnected there is a possible risk that it could be discharged in a short amount of time, ending in battery destruction. A trickle-charger can keep the battery in good shape and is essential on more modern classics. Problems can occur with fuel injection systems and on-board computers if the battery goes flat and on older classics, it’s sensible to undo and remove the battery clamps during periods of storage.

Stay protected

Keeping insurance in place means your car is covered even when parked up. It might be tempting to think about cancelling your classic car insurance policy if your vehicle will not be in use during the winter, but remember, fire, flood damage and theft remain potential issues. Not forgetting that glorious winter day we mentioned, when you just have to hit the open road.

Some of the benefits you enjoy with our policies at AIB include:

Dedicated claims handling team who will discuss repair options

Agreed value at no extra charge (subject to evidence)

Salvage retention option to customer following total loss

Cherished plate covered

Cover for public road rallies and trials, treasure hunts, road safety and non-competitive rallies

Discounts for Multi vehicle owners and coverage for classic vehicle collections

Some insurers provide up to 90 days European use per trip

Cover for dismantled parts

Stand-alone breakdown cover available

Discount for storage, garaging and limiting the mileage