The Legends - Embark on a nostalgic journey through automotive history as we explore the timeless allure of the Lotus Esprit, a classic sports car that has left an indelible mark on the roads and in the hearts of enthusiasts.
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| Lotus Esprit Series-1 or S1 produced during 1976 to 1978. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
This masterpiece, crafted by the esteemed British manufacturer Lotus Cars, represents an era when automotive excellence took center stage, before the company shifted gears towards pioneering electric vehicles like the remarkable Lotus Evija. |
| In 'The Spy Who Loved Me,' witness the 1977 Lotus Esprit S1 'Wet Nellie' seamlessly transition into 'submarine' mode, showcasing its versatility and sophistication. (Picture from: Wikipedia) |
The
Lotus Esprit, a symbol of past automotive glory, captured attention not only for its on-road prowess but also for its cinematic escapades. Immortalized as a submersible wonder in
a James Bond film titled 'The Spy Who Loved Me,' this iconic vehicle seamlessly blended thrill and sophistication.
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| Lotus Esprit Series-2 or S2 produced during 1978 to 1980. (Picture from: EncyCarPedia) |
Tracing its roots back to
Project M70, a visionary proposal by
Tony Rudd, the
Lotus Esprit emerged as the torchbearer following the footsteps of the
Lotus Elite. Crafted with precision at the
Lotus Cars factory in Hethel, England, this rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car commanded attention from 1976 to 2004. Alongside companions like the
Lotus Elise and
Exige, it stands tall as a testament to the enduring legacy of
Lotus.
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| Lotus Esprit S2-2 produced during 1980 to 1981. (Picture from: EncyCarPedia) |
In the realm of design, the
Lotus Esprit pioneered the evolution of sports car aesthetics. The
sleek and angular "folded paper" design, attributed to the renowned Italian designer
Giorgetto Giugiaro, not only propelled the
Esprit to fame but also lent its versatile backbone chassis to support the
DeLorean car.
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| Lotus Esprit Series-3 or S3 produced during 1981 to 1986. (Picture from: EncyCarPedia) |
Updates in 1978 birthed the
series 2 and
2.2 L engined Esprit S2.2, paving the way for the
1982–1988 Series 3 and
Turbo Esprit models, distinguished by
Giugiaro's 1980 aerodynamic and aesthetic restyling package.
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| Lotus Esprit produced during 1987 to 1990. (Picture from: EncyCarPedia) |
Transitioning gracefully into the 1990s and beyond, the
Lotus Esprit underwent a transformative phase under the guidance of designer
Peter Stevens, celebrated for his work on the
McLaren F1. Fondly referred to as the
'Stevens Esprit' or the
X180, this iteration retained the car's legacy from 1988 to 1994.
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| Lotus Esprit X180 produced during 1988 to 1994. (Picture from: TheClassicValuer) |
In 1994, designer
Julian Thomson introduced the
Esprit Series-4, characterized by a more rounded shape, particularly in the bumper sections and lower body. This refined aesthetic endured as the
most iconic form of the Esprit, lasting from 1994 to 2004, with final touches by
Russell Carr in 2002.
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| Lotus Esprit Series-4 or S4 produced during 1994 to 2004. (Picture from: Supercars.net) |
The Esprit's performance witnessed a steady evolution, with the 4-cylinder engine's power surging from around 150 PS to double those figures. This feat was achieved through enhanced inlet and exhaust flow, coupled with robust turbocharging.
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| Lotus Esprit S4S produced during 1995 to 1996. (Picture from: FastestLaps) |
A pivotal moment arrived in 1996 with the introduction of a new 3.5 L V8 twin-turbo engine, boasting an impressive 355 PS. Setting itself apart from other British sports cars, the Esprit proudly housed a Lotus in-house designed V8. Notably, the top speed surged from 214 km/h in 1976 to over 280 km/h for the V8, two decades later.
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| Lotus Esprit V8 produced during 2002 to 2004. (Picture from: Wikipedia) |
As a testament to its enduring legacy, the
Esprit remained in production for an impressive 28 years, marking the era of pop-up headlights alongside the
5th generation Chevrolet Corvette. This retrospective journey, from inception to the twilight of production, solidifies the
Lotus Esprit's status as a true icon in the realm of sports cars.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUSCARS | WIKIPEDIA | ID.MOTOR1 | THECLASSICVALUER | SUPERCARS.NET ]
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This masterpiece, crafted by the esteemed British manufacturer Lotus Cars, represents an era when automotive excellence took center stage, before the company shifted gears towards pioneering electric vehicles like the remarkable Lotus Evija.
