1995 Lotus Esprit

The Lotus Esprit was in production from 1976 until 2004. Code named Project M70, it was developed as a successor to the Europa and wore styling by designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Its design was inspired by the Maserati Boomerang Concept, a car that had been designed by Giugiaro and first shown to the public at the Turin Motor Show in 1971. Its wedge shape with sharp angles would resonate through Giugiaro's future designs for many years, including the Audi Asso di Picche concept, Volkswagen Passat Mk1, Volkswagen Golf Mk1, Medici II show car, Maserati Quattroporte III, Lancia Delta, and the DeLorean.

Peter Stevens redesigned the mid-engine Esprit for 1987, giving it softer edges, improved mechanical specification, and a revamped interior. The design was updated for 1993 by Julian Thomson, resulting in the Series 4 (or S4) and would remain in production through 2004. Exterior changes included revised bumpers, a new wheel design, valence panels, side skirts, and a small rear spoiler positioned halfway up the rear deck lid. In the back were new rectangular taillights that were sourced from the Toyota AE86. The engine delivered the same 264 horsepower as the prior generation. This was the first Esprit to be fitted with power steering.

Mechanical changes occurred in 1995 when the S4 was replaced by the S4 Sport (S4S) and power rose to 300 horsepower. The engine received a new cylinder head, the inlet ports were enlarged, and an updated ECM and Garret AiResearch T3/60 turbocharger were installed. Zero-to-sixty mph was now accomplished in a mere 4.6 seconds, and top speed was achieved at 168 mph. Visually, the S4S received a larger wing from the Sport 300, new OZ five-spoke alloy rims, and Brembo brakes.

The Supercar Arena
The Lotus Esprit was sleek and modern, with wedge-shaped styling and a potent four-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder, 97 cubic-inch (1588cc) engine had a cast-iron block, an aluminum head, 8.2:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, 8.2:1 compression, and with the help of a turbocharger and intercooler, developed 162 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,200.

Compared to contemporary supercars of the era, many endowed with eight, ten, and twelve-cylinder engines, the four-cylinder Esprit was lacking in the performance department. Considerable improvements occurred in 1997 when a twin-turbocharged version of the Lotus-designed V8 engine was installed, boosting output to 350 bhp.

With lightweight construction and sleek designs, the Lotus Esprit offered enviable performance, attractive fuel economy, and a fairly budget-friendly price (as far as supercars go).

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019