Fifty Years On: The Lotus Esprit, Reimagined By Encor
When the Lotus Esprit debuted at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, it didn’t just introduce a new sports car—it announced a new design language for the brand and, arguably, for the decade. With its razor-sharp wedge profile penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Esprit captured the spirit of the 1970s in aluminum-edged geometry, becoming a poster car long before it was a performance benchmark. Nearly fifty years later, that same silhouette has inspired Encor’s first creation: the Series 1.
Rather than recreating the Esprit as it originally appeared, Encor chose to reinterpret its ultimate evolution. The project is based on the Esprit V8 Series 4, selected for its stronger structure and greater technical potential. For chief designer Daniel Durrant, a former Lotus employee, this generation offered the ideal balance between authenticity and modernization.
The original fiberglass body has been replaced by carbon fiber, significantly increasing rigidity and safety. Using digital scans of a classic Esprit and modern CAD techniques, Encor refined the surfaces and proportions while preserving the sharp, angular character that made the Esprit an icon.
Power comes from a heavily revised 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 derived from Lotus’s Tipo 918 engine. With new pistons, turbochargers, and injectors, it now produces 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque—more than double the output of the original four-cylinder Esprit. A five-speed manual gearbox, redeveloped with Quaife, keeps the experience firmly driver-focused.
Weighing just 1,200 kg, the Series 1 delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 333 hp per ton, comparable to a modern supercar. Performance figures reflect this: 0–60 mph in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph. Chassis upgrades include reinforced suspension components, revised stabilizer bars, and AP Racing brakes, while hydraulic power steering is retained for authentic feedback.
Inside, the Series 1 remains unmistakably Esprit. The sloping dashboard, wraparound console, and tartan details are all present, complemented by redesigned seats with improved support. A floating aluminum instrument panel integrates a discreet digital display, while modern conveniences are carefully hidden to preserve the analog atmosphere.
Limited to just 50 made-to-order examples, the Encor Series 1 starts at GBP 430,000 before taxes, options, and the donor car. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026—marking a modern continuation of one of Lotus’s most enduring automotive legends.
Read more at Encor.
