In the next few weeks, Lotus will unveil an update to the Emira that will make it “the most powerful and lightest Emira built”.

Early reports suggest it could cost north of €1 million (R20 million).

It is scheduled for its full debut on 29 July and will effectively step into the space left behind by the discontinued A8 sedan.

According to sources cited in a recent report, the Luce is expected to start at around €550,000 in Europe.

BMW has also previously stated that future Alpina models will lean heavily into exclusivity and customisation.

They refer to it as a “soft kit,” although there is very little subtle about the transformation.

It becomes their most powerful drop-top production model yet, delivering a staggering 1,065 hp (794 kW).

Turquoise leather covers nearly every visible surface.

Sources indicated that output could climb from 223 hp (166 kW) to around 282 hp (210 kW).

It just edges the previous record holder, the Honda Civic Type R.