Lotus Esprit Models

Between 1976 and 2004, Lotus made 24 models and derivates of the Esprit. The list below shows the production models (excluding the GT1 and GT2 cars). Lotus made 10,675 Esprit's in the car's 28 year history. There were 5829 Giugiaro's style Esprit's and 4846 Steven's Esprit's made. Below is a list of the Esprit models including production date, engine power, top speed, acceleration and production numbers and other distinguishable features.

GIUGIARO ESPRIT

S1

June 1976 to May 1978, 1973cc, 160bhp @ 6200rpm, 140lb ft @ 4900rpm, 124mph, 0-60mph 8.4secs (Autocar figures). Production: 718.

S2

June 1978 to January 1980. As S1, however with revised front spoiler, air ducts behind rear side windows, numerous interior changes (new Smiths dials different switchgear, trim), Speedline alloy wheels. Production: 1060.

S2 JPS

1978-79 commemorative model in black with gold detailing: three-spoke 'wheel instead of two-spoker. Production: thought to be 147.

S2.2

February 1980 to March 1981, 2.2-litre (2174cc), 160bhp @ 6500rpm, 160lb ft @ 4900rpm, 138mph, 0-60mph 6.7sec (Lotus figures). Galvanised chassis. Production: 88.

Essex Turbo

February 1980 to April 1981 Limited-edition Turbo in Essex livery (Lotus' GP sponsor), 210bhp @ 6250rpm, 200lb ft @ 4500rpm. Dry-sump lubrication, roof console and Compomotive split-rim alloys, 150mph approximately, 0-60mph 5.6secs (Motor). Production: 34 (+11 development cars).

S3

April 1981 to October 1987 Significant chassis/suspension changes (as per Essex Turbo) plus many cosmetic revisions, 135mph, 0-60mph 6.5secs (Autocar & Motor). Production: 767.

Turbo Esprit

April 1981 to October 1986 Cheaper 'production' version, with reduced trim spec; except for earliest models, all have wet-sump lubrication, BBS wheels. Production: 1845 (2274 including the HC model).

Turbo HC

October 1986 to October 1987, High-compression version (up from 7.5:1 to 8:1), with Mahle forged pistons and new exhaust manifolds, 215bhp @ 6000rpm, 220lb ft @ 4250rpm, 152mph, 0-60mph 5.5 secs (Lotus figures).

STEVENS ESPRIT

NA

October 1987 to September 1990 (no normally aspirated Esprits after this date). Engine improvements brought into line with Excel, 172bhp @ 6500rpm, 163lb ft @ 5000rpm. Gearbox from Renault (previously Citroën) on all new-shape cars. Production: 290

Esprit Turbo

October 1987 to 1991 215bhp @ 6000rpm, 220lb ft @ 4250rpm, 152mph, 0-60mph 5.5 secs 2.2 litre 4 cylinder Turbo. Gearbox from Renault. Out board rear disc breaks. Production: 1562.

Turbo SE

May 1989 to 1993 Chargecooled derivative, 264bhp @ 6500rpm, 261lb ft @ 3900rpm. Aerodynamic revisions. 159mph, 0-60mph 4.9secs (Autocar & Motor). Production: n/a. The "Highwing" featured was as the SE, but with a large rear mounted wing. Production: 1608

X180-R

1991. Lotus Esprit racing car based on the US spec SE. 350 bhp. Maximum torque,310 lb ft at 4,800rpm. Kerb Weight lb 2,600. Lightweight bodyshell with stripped interior and competition seat. Suspension uses roadcar design with race settings Uprated brake system uses Lotus Carlton disc assemblies with race pads Revolution wheels with Bridgestone Potenza treaded tyres

S300

1992 - 1995. 300 bhp at 6500 rpm. Max torque 2871b ff/4400rpm. Power steering fitted as standard. Maximum speed: 161 mph 0 - 60 mph: 4.7 seconds 27 mpg, Weight: 1243kg. Production: 64.

S4

1992 - 1996. 264 bhp at 6500 rpm. Maximum torque: 261 lb ft at 3900 rpm. Power steering fitted as standard. Maximum speed: 165 mph 0 - 60 mph: 4.7 seconds 27 mpg, Weight: 1320kg. Production: 625.

S4s

1994 - 1997. 300 bhp at 7000 rpm. Maximum Torque: 290 lb ft at 3600 rpm. Rear wing, wheel arches, Oz racing light wheels. 0-60 mph: 4.6 sec Maximum speed: 168 mph. Weight: 1460 kg. Production: 367

V8 (including GT & SE)

1996 - 2001. 349bhp @ 6500rpm Max torque: 295lb ft @ 4250rpm. V8 Engine. Twin Garrett T25 turbochargers, Maximum speed 175mph, 0 - 60 4.8 Seconds. Weight 1380 kg. Production: 1231 (Production of V8 GT: 204).

GT3

1996 - 1999. 240BHP @ 6250rpm. Max torque 216Ib ft@3750rpm. 4 cylinder engine Garrett Turbo. 165mph. 0 - 60 5.6 seconds. Weight 1220kg. Production: 196.

S350

1999 - 2001. 349bhp @ 6500rpm Max torque: 295lb ft @ 4250rpm. V8 engine. Twin Garrett T25 turbochargers Maximum speed 175mph, 0 - 60 4.7 Seconds. Weight 1300 kg. Production: 54.

02

2002 - 2004. 349bhp @ 6500rpm Max torque: 295lb ft @ 4250rpm. V8 Engine. Twin Garrett T25 turbochargers 175mph/6850rpm, 0 - 60 4.8 Seconds. Weight 1380 kg. Production: 292.

For more information on the Lotus Esprit models, please see www.lotusespritworld.com