Since the release of the 1st Lotus Esprit in 1976 till present day and the release of the new model in 2008, the car has been an Icon worthy of Hollywood films and real car drivers.

Esprit (1976 - 1980)

 

The Lotus Esprit was first shown to the world in 1974 as as a car style project by famed Italian design studio Giugiaro Design. The show car was so successful, and received instant enquiries, that Lotus took the successor to the Europa into immediate production. The Esprit had a Glass-Fibre body, steel chassis with backbone and specifically engineered 907 multi-valve engine this was mounted in the middle, each wheel was fitted with independent suspension, a real trademark for the first Esprits.

Esprit Turbo (1981 - 1987)

 

The 2nd mark used a turbocharger utilising technology learnt from track racing and applied, this saw a power increase to 210 bhp from a 2.2 litre engine. The Turbo Esprit was uprated also with rear suspension & stronger chassis. The Lotus's styling was even enhanced a deeper front spoiler and taller rear spoiler, this enhanced the cars handling at higher speeds. The Esprit Turbo was now able to reach 0-60 mph in 6 secs and 150 mph Top speed. The power was increased to 215 bhp in 1986 with the addition of the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection used on such cars as the Golf GTI. The designer Burt Rutan was contracted by Lotus to make a prototype 2-seat ultralight car whilst Chapman developed a small lightweight engine. The project was never finished before Colin Chapmans death.

The Lotus Esprit gave up its original lines of Giugiaro and was given a complete makeover including curved and softer lines. The Lotus esprit interior was also redone all the electrical system was completely overhauled with wiring, switches gauges and central locking. In 1989 the car was given an ECU with Delco base components. The original bhp was increased 228 bhp, even the 0-60 times were reduced to a quicker 5.2 secs the increase made the Lotus Esprit capable of reaching 155 mph. To handle the power increase a Renault built 5 speed gearbox was fitted. The Esprit SE came after with the overall power of the increased 280 bhp this was aided by a Lotus developed Chargecooler & enhanced ECU which utilises 6 fuel injectors. The Esprit SE was fitted with a deeper frontal air dam & rear wing. The 0-60 time fell to around 4.5 seconds and top speed around 165 mph. In 1991 three Esprit variations were produced, the standard Turbo SE, the Jim Clark Esprit version, and the X180R a street legal version of the racing car.

Esprit S4 & S4s (1994-1995)

 

The S4 was an iconic milestone for Lotus. The Exterior was changed new front and back bumpers, valances, new sidepods, rear wing mounted in the middle, and 17 inch rims were added.

 

The interior received a larger passenger area and airbag then power assisted steering increasing the Lotus cars refinements. In 1995 the Esprit S4 was added to with the intro of S4s. An aggressive looking car with sleek more aggresive rear wing providing the extra downforce needed. The turbocharger was uprated, this increased the S4s to 300 bhp, the car was given racing suspension shocks and springs. The car was capable of reaching 165 mph and 4.6 seconds 0-60 mph time.

Le Mans / Lotus GT1 Esprit (1996)

 

In 1996 a new version of the Esprit was unveiled on the Paul Richard racing circuit for the 1st race of the GT series, the GT1. It ran a V8 Lotus engine, a six-speed racing gearbox, Formula 1-style aerodynamics, carbon brakes, down to the min weight limit of 900 kg. The Esprit GT1 performed well, but was forced to retire due to a fractured exhaust.

 

1997 saw the release of the V8 a compact, light but powerful 3.5 litre V8 twin turbo charged. The car became the fastest road legal Esprit - 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds max speed 180 mph, the car adopted a new found supercar status.

 

One if the most famous Lotus concept cars is the M250 showcased at Frankfurt Motorshow 1999, their aim was to produce another superlative driver’s car, it was crafted from the inspiration of the Elise, however with with technology enhancements and refinements only achieveble made through Lotus's pioneering fifty year history of sportscar development.

 

The M250 ran a centre mounted 3.0 litre V6 engine highly tuned, this was enhanced by a 6 speed gearbox driving the rear wheels, the concept was directed to fit into the already established Lotus line-up between the Elise and the Esprit.

 

Unfortunately the Lotus M250 project was cancelled.

The Top Gear Lada

 

 

Another concept was the Lotus Lada in 2002, a 96 Lada Riva with the addition of a £100,000 makeover by Lotus of Norfolk, and of course Top Gear hosted by Jeremy Clarkson. The car received sports lowered suspension, courtesy of Bilstein dampers, uprated brakes, slick paint job and graphics, OMP racing seats retrimmed, Momo steering wheel, BBS rims & Yokohama rubber. This concept was driven by Fiat 2 litre twin cam engine, with stage 2 race tuning by engineer Guy Croft, it also received a 131 transmission and racing clutch.

 

The Lada was capable of developing approx 180bhp at 5,000 RPM, and gets 0-60 in around 7 secs, top speed 135mph.

 

Over the years many Lotus concepts have been spied at the Nurburgring in Germany -

 

The replacement for the aging Esprit is due around 2008. It is also known that Lotus may add a 2+2 model to their existing lineup, around 2010.

 

 

 

The Lotus Elise was designed and manufactured to be a low amount production car, however the car regained the forefront of racing car production it completely shattered Lotus's expectations. Due to its fame many cool limited edition Lotus Elise cars have been developed and released, these include the 340R, Exige coupe, and several motorsport derivatives.

 

The Lotus Elise was initially shown as a windowless car running a 143 bhp K series Variable Valve Control engine similar to the MGF version. The benefit with VVC is it changes the cam profile progressively, however unlike the Honda VTEC engine which is similar but acts like an on/off switch. This unlike the Honda VTEC means power is available lower down the revs, this gave a wide & smooth power band. This was auto released as the Elise S1 111S in March 1999, this soon was replaced by a 160 bhp engine of the Sport 160 in August 2000.

Lotus Elise Mark II (2001)

 

The design was updated in 2001. Its smooth contours were replaced by aggressive angular styling. The Mk2 Elise was available in either a Sports Tourer or as the Race Tech model. 

The Sports Tourer came with full leather interior including, door panels & dashboard, factory fitted carpets and annodised aluminium fascia & controls, Lotus even fitted a quadrophonic eliseo speaker system, adjustable passenger footrest and cabin storage. The car was nicknamed the Lotus Monza in Hethel throughout its development.

 

The Race Tech version was more a racing car it featured a cockpit offering a racing inspired interior with ultra light in mind. Including carbon, leather and alcantara trim. The Race Tech came with more racing extras including Cross-grooved brake discs, auxiliary lights and aluminium controls and a two-speaker eliseo system.

An Electric version of the Elise that runs solely on electricity, was made by Zytek Electric Vehicles Ltd. The car runs on two oil-cooled, internally mounted brushless DC motors. The power is transmitted to the wheels through Zytek custom gearboxes with the aid of Lotus drive shafts, this most likely drove the development of the Tesla Roadster.

 

Both motors weigh 26 kg combined they produce 100bhp with 550 Nm torque. The range is approx 120 miles urban driving, maxing out at approx 90 mph. The acceleration is 0-90 mph in 11.2 sec, the car only weighs in at 875 kg (with battery pack). A definite idea for the future.

The introduction of the Elise 111R in America

In January 2003 the US officially announced the Lotus Elise was to be made available, it was to be based on the Euro S3 version, but made to US legality standards.

 

It took till September 2003 when Lotus announced the engine to be used in the Elise would run a Toyota 2ZZ-GE 1.8 litre 4 cylinder 16-valve engine, this utilised VVT and Lift-Intelligent (VVTL-i) would be used in conjunction with a 6 speed gearbox, all specially tuned by Lotus specifically for the US markets. The auto would be capable of producing 190 bhp.

 

The American version of the Elise officially launched in LA at the 2004 Auto Show. The confirmation came that the car would weigh in at 891kg, 0-60mph in 4.8 secs and a max speed of 150 mph. The US Lotus came with a starter button as well as carpets and sound proofing higher capacity fuel tank, twin airbags, TRW anti-lock brakes with servo, air-con & climate control.

 

The car and engine were chosen in preperation to reduce launch issues if any and legal problems in the US by giving the choice to have the engine which was going to be utilised in the new Exige S2, at the Geneva motorshow in 2004.

 

This model became available in the UK in January 2004 under the name the Lotus Elise 111R.

 

This British car company adopted a numbering system for all its car however this system wasn't consecutive, it started with 1 and ended at 119, each model produced was given a number to distinguish it, regardless of whether it was a Lotus production car or just a soapbox model. This guide concentrates on the cars that mad a signicant change in the owners history.

 

MK1

 

The first design was based roughly on a Austin 7 saloon 1930's model in 1948. It was built with thin aluminium bonded to plywood, the university student also tweaked the shocks and engine, the success of this motorcar drove Colin Chapman to continue with car design, all his cars would now be built with basic concept, bodypanels that would substantially strengthen the car however not add any excess weight. This whole philosophy was applied to all Colin's cars for the complete Lotus history.

Mk2

 

A Trials car suitable for circuit built in 1942, also participated in track events e.g. Silverstone where Colin won in his class in the car.

 

MK3

 

A single seated sportscar built as a 750 Racer.

 

Lotus 7

 

The Lotus Seven began as an uprated version of the successful Mark 6 (which was the first production sports car for the British car manufactuers. This car was pushed as a kit car enabling many sports car lovers to own a dual-purpose road/racing sports car at a reasonable price. Four versions were manufactured up until 1973, the rights to this car were sold to Caterham who still utilise the cars design.

 

 

Elite

 

The Elite debuted in 1957 at the Earls Court Motor Show this was the first closed passenger car. It is notorious for its victories in its class at LeMans 24 hour race, production ended in 1962.

 

Lotus 18

 

The 18 built from 1960 to 1962, the first racing car to utilise a mid-engine setup, however the auto was substanitally less powerful car from its Ferraricompetitiors, however it did have the capabilities to out handle them.

 

Lotus 23

 

(1962 to 1964) - A really popular model built between 1962 and 1964 based on the Type 19 shocks. Initially, it was powered by a Ford 1100cc engine and later the Lotus engineered Twin Cam. This model had its first debut to the world at the Nürburgring in Germany.

 

Elan (1962 - 1973)

 

A real road car, available as a roadster and came with an optional hardtop, then converted into a coupe version. This model was manufactured till 1974, this car became the most produced Lotus ever.

 

Elan Plus Two (1967 - 1973)

 

An enlarged backbone chassis, a twin cam engine, disc brakes, independent suspension; and was able to offer two jump seats and a roomier cabin. This was Lotus's first "family" car. The Plus 2 retained all of the sporty performance of the standard version but, added practicality.

 

Elan (1990)

 

This latest incarnation of the model was powered by a 1588cc twin cam 16 valve turbo-charged engine producing 162 bhp, propelling it from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds and to a top speed of 137 mph. The chassis is a hybrid of the Lotus' classic steel backbone mated with advanced composites to create one the stiffest cars in the world.

 

Lotus 40

 

A little documented 1965 model, which of only three were made. The bodywork of the 40 was striking with 2 stack exhausts angled and fitted in the rear deck. The car was a real beast powered by a healthy Ford 5.3 litre V8, 410 bhp. It was the fastest Lotus racing car built.

 

Europa (Type 46)

 

(1966 - 1975) The first a two door non-track, mid-priced, mid-engine GT Coupe car produced, constructed using a steel backbone and fibreglass moulded shell, the Europa was the first mass produced mid engined road car built to compete in Henry Ford II's ' Build a Lemans racing car'. All in all, 9,300 Europas were manufactured.

 

Clan Crusader

 

1971 brought Lotus Clan Crusader a sports two-seater made from fibre glass, it ran the infamous Rootes Imp Sport engine. It was the predesessor of the Europa.

However Colin Chapman didn't accept the designers plans, in contest the engineers and designers formed their own company aided by development grants through the government. Over 350 Crusader's were built by the newly formed Clan Motor Company.

 

Elite

 

The new Lotus Elite was a four seater powered by a 907 aluminium twin cam 4 valve engine. This was the first four valve production engine to be sold on the open market. The Eclat manufactured from 1975 - 1982, was a fastback version of the new Elite.

 

Esprit

 

The Esprit first debuted in 1974 at the studio of Giugiaro Design, The car was an instant hit with its styling and powerful engine.

 

Emotion

 

The Emotion was developed in 1991, Bertone had the idea of designing a new shell for the aging Esprit, the design was produced by General Motors.

 

Emme

 

While mainly specialising in scooters, the Brazilian company Emme joined Lotus in 1997 to produce a sedan in 1997, based on the existing Emme 420 and 420T. The turbocharged 16-valve engine produced over 121 hp per litre and 354 Newton metres of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 sec, 0-100 mph in 11.9 sec, and with a top speed 171mph. Only between 12-15 were ever built.

 

Elise (Type 111)

 

The Lotus Elise was designed and manufctured from 1996 till the present day. The car is conceived as a low production model, the British sportscar has shattered sales expectations and returned Lotus to the forefront of sportscar production. This incredible car has also spawned some very interesting limited editions, including the 340R, the Exige coupe, and several motorsport derivatives.

 

Lotus Collaboration Cortina

 

The English division approached Lotus to build 1000 special Cortina GT'srunning twin cam engines for Group 2 racing. This model was completely different to a standard Ford Cortina. it was capable of 105 mph, 0-60 in 9.9 sec, the cra was manufactured from 1963 to 1966. The Lotus Cortina is an extremely rare site today.

 

Sunbeam

 

The 1980 Sunbeam Lotus, A version of the Lotus 907 engine was dropped into a Talbot Sunbeam shell with some other extras and instantly became a Rally winner. This model had lighting acceleration and appeared a real sheep in wolves clothing.

 

The Delorean Scandal

 

Colin Chapman in 1981 had the opportunity to become involved with his friend John DeLorean new project. The DeLorean sport is now famed globally, due its part in the "Back to the Future trilogy", however before this stardom the name was best known for its scandal. It started when John was given tens of millions to develop and manufacture his new sports car in an unemployment blackspot in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the area was located between the Catholic and Protestant communities.

 

John DeLorean financed Chapman to design an Esprit based design. The car when it was completed was underpowered, overpriced, and a poor quality car all round - DeLorean declared insolvency in January, however this wasn't his only problem, cocaine charges were also looming over him, however this was dropped.

 

In February, the UK government appointed receivers, October everything stopped production only 8,550 cars had been manufactured.

 

Colin Chapman the founder of Lotus died of a heart attack in 1982.

 

Fred Bushell, Lotus MD served a 3 yr sentence. The trial judge said that if Colin had stood court 'Chapman and De Lorean 10 year sentences would have been mandatory' for "an outrageous and massive fraud".

 

Lotus Carlton/Omega (1990)

 

Lotus engineered and manufactured a version of the Vauxhall Carlton and Opel Omega 4 door saloon with a gutsy 3.6 lire 24 valve twin turbo straight six engine, merged witha 6 speed gearbox from the Lotus developed Corvette ZR-1, this allowed the Lotus Carlton to max out at 170 mph and 0-60 in under 6 seconds.