 2002 Esprit V8 |
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2003 Lotus Esprit V8 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Coupe Chassis Num: SCCDC08283HA10488 |
| Sold for $41,250 at 2011 RM Auctions. | |||
Based upon one of the prototypes designed for Ford to compete against Ferrari at Le Mans, Colin Chapman's team was able to adapt this design for mass production. Thus, the Europa was born. The Europa chassis would serve as the basis for Lotus' next, and what would end up being its longest running, car. Chapman and his team took the Europa and stretched it to fashion the Esprit.
The Esprit was launched in Turin, Italy in 1972 and was designed by the Italian designer Italdesign. This British-made sports car, obviously, had lines more similar to cars coming out of Italy. Although it was suggested to have a different name, in keeping with Lotus tradition for cars starting with the letter 'E', Esprit was chosen instead.
Full-scale production of the rear-engine Esprit didn't start until 1976. The car actually replaced its source of inspiration, the Europa. Initially, the car was powered by a 160 bhp, 2-liter, four-cylinder engine. Sticking to Lotus' goal, 'performance through light weight', the Esprit only weighed about 2,200 pounds. Right away, the Esprit was well-received. Though thought to be the best handling of all the Esprit's, the first production model was still considered to be lacking power.
Despite not having an engine that could produce phenomenal numbers, the car would go on to great fame. The car earned its first taste of fame through a couple of James Bond movies. One particularly famous appearance would be in The Spy Who Loved Me, which was filmed in 1977. During that movie, the Esprit is involved in a chase scene and then transforms into a submarine.
In the late 1980s, the last evolution of the Italdesign, or Giugiaro as it is known now, designed chassis was made. Engine power was increased to over 200 bhp with its higher-compression engine. Through the late 1980s and early 1990s, the car would go through variations of body styling (all bearing similarities with its original design). The car would, however, retain the four-cylinder engine that had always powered the car. Refinements had been made until the engine was capable of producing over 300 bhp in its mid-1990s S4 model.
While the S4's engine was truly powerful, from the standpoint of capabilities, the V8 variant that was introduced during the late 1990s represented a giant step up in performance. Although de-tuned, the V-8 of Lotus' ultimate incarnation, the Esprit Sport 350, could potentially produce upwards of 500 bhp. De-tuned for the Lotus, the V-8, twin-turbo, engine still produces 350 bhp. It is capable of powering the Esprit from zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds, and can do zero to 100 mph in 10.1 seconds!
The car offered 2011 Arizona Auction presented by RM Auctions was one of Lotus' last generation Esprits. Touting the 350 bhp, 3.5-liter, Twin-turbocharged V-8, the car, built in 2003, has a black exterior and interior finish and had been driven less than 2,300 miles.
The Lotus Esprit Turbo V8 is capable of reaching speeds around 160 mph. Delivering that power to the road is a five-speed gearbox. Handling and stability for this sports car comes from fully independent front and rear suspension and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.
This late-production Esprit represents the ultimate evolution of Lotus' popular chassis. Being one of only 119 Esprit Turbo V8s made in 2003, this car is truly special. Though overshadowed by many of Germany's and Italy's elite cars, the Lotus Esprit remains a very impressive car in all respects. Given its fame and performance, it is fitting that Lotus unveiled a new generation of the Esprit in 2010 that will go into production in a couple of years. Long-live the 'Spirit'.
Sources:
'Buy: View Lots (Lot 170: Lotus Esprit Turbo V8)', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r313&fc=0). RM Auctions Arizona. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r313&fc=0. Retrieved 10 January 2011.
Wikipedia contributors, 'List of Formula One World Constructors' Champions', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 December 2010, 08:17 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Formula_One_World_Constructors%27_Champions&oldid=401414099 accessed 10 January 2011
Wikipedia contributors, 'Lotus Esprit', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 31 December 2010, 15:45 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lotus_Esprit&oldid=405177349 accessed 10 January 2011
Wikipedia contributors, 'Lotus Europa', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 3 December 2010, 20:55 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lotus_Europa&oldid=400372352 accessed 10 January 2011By Jeremy McMullen
In November of 1972, Lotus introduced the Silver Car concept based on the Europa chassis. The design of the vehicle was courteous of Ital Designs Giorgio Giugiario's. Giugiario, who had led an illustrious career as a stylist beginning at Fiat and later moving on to Bertone, then Ghia. He began his own business, Ital Design in 1968. The idea behind the concept came from Tony Rudd, Lotus's Technical Director who joined the company in 1969. The idea was a mid-engine two-seater vehicle that could serve as a replacement for the Europa. The concept, named the M70 project and Kiwi in some circles, evolved into the Esprit a year later when it debuted at the Geneva Auto Show. The vehicle was visually stunning with its wedge shape and clean flowing lines. It was hailed as 'Star of The Show' at the 1975 Paris Motor Shows. By 1975 production began for the Esprit S1 with the first customers receiving the vehicle in 1976.
Mounted mid-ship was a 2.0 liter engine capable of producing 160 horsepower. It was given super-car status due to its horsepower-to-weight ratio and its performance characteristics. In 1977 it was given a staring role in the James Bond Film, 'The Spy Who Loved Me'. The Esprit S1 was produced from 1975 through 1978 during which 714 examples were produced with most being exported to the United States. The S1 was replaced by the S2 in 1978 which stayed in production until 1980. The S2 was very similar to the S1 with modifications that resolved many of the issues that plagued the S1. The suspension and engine were improved and minor aesthetical updates transpired in the interior and exterior of the vehicle. There were 100 Special Edition S2 variants created that were adorned in black and gold colors produced as a celebration of the 1978 Formula 1 World Drivers and Constructors Championships and the successes achieved with the F1 Type 79.
The S2 was replaced by the S2.2 in 1980 which was basically a S2 with a type 912 2.2 liter engine. With fewer than 100 examples of the S2.2 produced, it is considered extremely rare in modern times. Performance was exceptional with a zero-to-sixty time of around seven seconds. This British sports car was exciting to drive and carried the tradition of Colin Chapman's Lotus cars and followed in the legacy of successful Grand Prix winners.
February of 1980 saw the introduction of the Turbo Esprit Type 82 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The engine was a 910 unit that when coupled with the turbocharger produced 210 horsepower. The chassis of the vehicle was modified to handle the extra horsepower and reworked to accommodate the larger engine configuration. A new splitter and front bumper were added to the vehicle. The first 100 examples were adorned in Essex Lotus racing livery.
A year later Lotus introduced the affordable Esprit S3 Type 85. During that same year James Bond, a.k.a. 007, drove a Turbo Esprit in the movie 'For Your Eyes Only. The S3 and the Esprit Turbo were built on the same chassis and suspension. The reasons were to eliminate overhead and reduce the cost of both vehicles.
The Esprit received an active suspension in 1983. The Active suspension was later be used in the Type 99 F1 car which, driven by Ayrton Senna in 1987, would prove the cars performance on the racing circuit.
During the years 1984 through 1986, 1427 examples of the Turbo Esprit were sold.
In 1987, to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Lotus at Norfolk, Lotus introduced a limited edition Turbo Esprit HC. The acronym HC represented High Compression, in reference to the modified 2.2 liter engine that produced 215 horsepower.
In October of 1987, the Peter Stevens designed Lotus Esprit was introduced. The design featured a new body that was smoother and round in appearance. The interior was modernized.
1988 was Lotus's 40th Anniversary and to celebrate a 40 Limited Edition Esprit Turbo models were produced. The vehicles were distinguished by their white pearlescent paint with matching wheels and blue interior.
In 1989 Lotus introduced their fastest edition of the Esprit, the Esprit Turbo SE. Powered by a 2.2 liter engine and producing 264 horsepower, the vehicle could race from zero-to-sixty in just 4.7 seconds. Top speed was achieved at nearly 165 mph.
Leather interior, air-conditioning and tilt/removable glass sunroof was now offered as standard equipment on the Esprit.
In 1994 Lotus introduced the Esprit S4S at the British Motor Show. The new Esprit had a 285 horsepower engine, modified suspension, and a new wing, wheel and tire package.
For 1990, Lotus returned to racing with 3 factory supported Lotus Esprit Turbo SE models. Competing in the USA 'Showroom Stock' series, the vehicles captured four of the nine races they entered.
The 1992 Esprit received interior improvements which provided the passenger with more room and better access. Safety was enhanced by improving the rear visibility for the driver. This trend continued in 1993 when the Lotus Esprit S4 was given power steering as standard equipment.
In 1993 two Lotus Esprit Sport 300 models were entered in the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans race. This was the first works-supported entry for the Lotus factory in more than 30 years. A year later the Lotus Esprit Sport 300 was driven by Thorkild Thyrring when it captured the British National GT series.
In 1996 Lotus introduced the Esprit V8 at the Geneva Auto Show. The twin-turbocharged, 32-valve, 3.5 liter V8 produced 350 horsepower and went from zero-to-sixty in around 5 seconds. Improvements continued throughout the vehicle with an improved braking system with a new Kelsey-Hates ABS controller and vacuum servo system.
A year later Lotus introduced the Esprit V8GT at the London Auto Show. Void were some of the luxurious amenities found in the V8 version as a means for reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. The interior was new, complete with updated instruments and layout.
In 1998 Lotus introduced the Esprit Sport 350 at the Birmingham Auto Show. Improvements included brakes, carbon fiber wing, and magnesium wheels. The result was the most technologically advanced road-going Esprit supercar to date, with a top speed of 175 mph.
Due to rising emission regulations, Lotus decided to abandon the four-cylinder Esprit, making 1999 the final year of its production.
The Esprit has been featured in movies such as Pretty Woman, 007, and Basic Instinct. Introduced in the early 1970's, production began in 1976 and concluded in 2004. A new version of the Esprit is set to be released in 2007. Based on the Lotus Europa, it was given the name Esprit in keeping with the traditional Lotus 'E' naming standard. The original powerplant was a 2.0 Liter engine but quickly advanced to a 2.2 liter unit in 1980. A turbocharger system amplified the output with horsepower skyrocketing to over 300. In 1987 Peter Stevens redesigned the Esprit giving it a modernized shape but keeping the tradition of the Giorgetto Giugiaro's 'folded paper' designs of the original 1970's Esprit. An eight-cylinder was fitted into the engine bay and the zero-to-sixty time sank to the mid four-seconds.
The Esprit is a wonderful example of form and function. The Lotus Esprit was an amazing vehicle. Its aerodynamic design, light weight material, advanced technology and potent engine made the vehicle a successful and attributed to its nearly thirty-years of production.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006
For more information and related vehicles, click hereMounted mid-ship was a 2.0 liter engine capable of producing 160 horsepower. It was given super-car status due to its horsepower-to-weight ratio and its performance characteristics. In 1977 it was given a staring role in the James Bond Film, 'The Spy Who Loved Me'. The Esprit S1 was produced from 1975 through 1978 during which 714 examples were produced with most being exported to the United States. The S1 was replaced by the S2 in 1978 which stayed in production until 1980. The S2 was very similar to the S1 with modifications that resolved many of the issues that plagued the S1. The suspension and engine were improved and minor aesthetical updates transpired in the interior and exterior of the vehicle. There were 100 Special Edition S2 variants created that were adorned in black and gold colors produced as a celebration of the 1978 Formula 1 World Drivers and Constructors Championships and the successes achieved with the F1 Type 79.
The S2 was replaced by the S2.2 in 1980 which was basically a S2 with a type 912 2.2 liter engine. With fewer than 100 examples of the S2.2 produced, it is considered extremely rare in modern times. Performance was exceptional with a zero-to-sixty time of around seven seconds. This British sports car was exciting to drive and carried the tradition of Colin Chapman's Lotus cars and followed in the legacy of successful Grand Prix winners.
February of 1980 saw the introduction of the Turbo Esprit Type 82 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The engine was a 910 unit that when coupled with the turbocharger produced 210 horsepower. The chassis of the vehicle was modified to handle the extra horsepower and reworked to accommodate the larger engine configuration. A new splitter and front bumper were added to the vehicle. The first 100 examples were adorned in Essex Lotus racing livery.
A year later Lotus introduced the affordable Esprit S3 Type 85. During that same year James Bond, a.k.a. 007, drove a Turbo Esprit in the movie 'For Your Eyes Only. The S3 and the Esprit Turbo were built on the same chassis and suspension. The reasons were to eliminate overhead and reduce the cost of both vehicles.
The Esprit received an active suspension in 1983. The Active suspension was later be used in the Type 99 F1 car which, driven by Ayrton Senna in 1987, would prove the cars performance on the racing circuit.
During the years 1984 through 1986, 1427 examples of the Turbo Esprit were sold.
In 1987, to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Lotus at Norfolk, Lotus introduced a limited edition Turbo Esprit HC. The acronym HC represented High Compression, in reference to the modified 2.2 liter engine that produced 215 horsepower.
In October of 1987, the Peter Stevens designed Lotus Esprit was introduced. The design featured a new body that was smoother and round in appearance. The interior was modernized.
1988 was Lotus's 40th Anniversary and to celebrate a 40 Limited Edition Esprit Turbo models were produced. The vehicles were distinguished by their white pearlescent paint with matching wheels and blue interior.
In 1989 Lotus introduced their fastest edition of the Esprit, the Esprit Turbo SE. Powered by a 2.2 liter engine and producing 264 horsepower, the vehicle could race from zero-to-sixty in just 4.7 seconds. Top speed was achieved at nearly 165 mph.
Leather interior, air-conditioning and tilt/removable glass sunroof was now offered as standard equipment on the Esprit.
In 1994 Lotus introduced the Esprit S4S at the British Motor Show. The new Esprit had a 285 horsepower engine, modified suspension, and a new wing, wheel and tire package.
For 1990, Lotus returned to racing with 3 factory supported Lotus Esprit Turbo SE models. Competing in the USA 'Showroom Stock' series, the vehicles captured four of the nine races they entered.
The 1992 Esprit received interior improvements which provided the passenger with more room and better access. Safety was enhanced by improving the rear visibility for the driver. This trend continued in 1993 when the Lotus Esprit S4 was given power steering as standard equipment.
In 1993 two Lotus Esprit Sport 300 models were entered in the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans race. This was the first works-supported entry for the Lotus factory in more than 30 years. A year later the Lotus Esprit Sport 300 was driven by Thorkild Thyrring when it captured the British National GT series.
In 1996 Lotus introduced the Esprit V8 at the Geneva Auto Show. The twin-turbocharged, 32-valve, 3.5 liter V8 produced 350 horsepower and went from zero-to-sixty in around 5 seconds. Improvements continued throughout the vehicle with an improved braking system with a new Kelsey-Hates ABS controller and vacuum servo system.
A year later Lotus introduced the Esprit V8GT at the London Auto Show. Void were some of the luxurious amenities found in the V8 version as a means for reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. The interior was new, complete with updated instruments and layout.
In 1998 Lotus introduced the Esprit Sport 350 at the Birmingham Auto Show. Improvements included brakes, carbon fiber wing, and magnesium wheels. The result was the most technologically advanced road-going Esprit supercar to date, with a top speed of 175 mph.
Due to rising emission regulations, Lotus decided to abandon the four-cylinder Esprit, making 1999 the final year of its production.
The Esprit has been featured in movies such as Pretty Woman, 007, and Basic Instinct. Introduced in the early 1970's, production began in 1976 and concluded in 2004. A new version of the Esprit is set to be released in 2007. Based on the Lotus Europa, it was given the name Esprit in keeping with the traditional Lotus 'E' naming standard. The original powerplant was a 2.0 Liter engine but quickly advanced to a 2.2 liter unit in 1980. A turbocharger system amplified the output with horsepower skyrocketing to over 300. In 1987 Peter Stevens redesigned the Esprit giving it a modernized shape but keeping the tradition of the Giorgetto Giugiaro's 'folded paper' designs of the original 1970's Esprit. An eight-cylinder was fitted into the engine bay and the zero-to-sixty time sank to the mid four-seconds.
The Esprit is a wonderful example of form and function. The Lotus Esprit was an amazing vehicle. Its aerodynamic design, light weight material, advanced technology and potent engine made the vehicle a successful and attributed to its nearly thirty-years of production.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006
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