by The British company Encor is reviving the legendary 1975 Lotus Esprit sports car, but in a modern interpretation. Production is limited to only 50 units. Here are the car’s key features:
Modern technology in a classic guise
Although the car is called Series 1 and is inspired by the original, it is actually built on the more advanced and robust platform of the Lotus Esprit Series 4. This solution allowed for the use of a better chassis.
As reported back in December, the car’s design borrows inspiration from the original, but the technical basis is the Series 4 model. This platform was chosen for its more advanced chassis and stronger body structure.
Powerful and melodious engine
The heart of the car is the famous Type 918 engine. It received new turbochargers, pistons, and injectors, allowing it to produce 400 horsepower. Despite the presence of turbocharging, at high RPMs the engine sounds like a naturally aspirated V8, promising thrilling driving sensations.
Analog sensations behind the wheel
Encor aims to preserve the authentic driver’s experience. In addition to the manual transmission, the car features hydraulic power steering for maximum road feel. Powerful AP Racing brakes, updated suspension, stabilizers, and a limited-slip differential have also been installed.
The company confirmed that the V8 engine will be managed by a new electronic control unit (ECU) with electronic throttle control, which will improve precision and handling.
The modernized gearbox, despite the updates, retained part of the original casing. The car accelerates to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4 seconds, and its top speed is 175 mph (281 km/h).
Lightness and exclusivity
The carbon fiber body helps keep the car’s weight at 1200 kg, ensuring an excellent power-to-weight ratio. The design, created by Giorgetto Giugiaro, has retained its characteristic features but looks more modern.
This exclusivity comes at a price: each of the 50 cars will cost from £430,000 (approximately $570,000). This amount exceeds the price of two new Ferrari Roma models on the American market. It is important to note that this price does not yet include the cost of the donor Lotus Esprit Series 4 car, which must be provided for conversion.
The cost and limited series make this project more of a dream fulfillment for collectors than a mass product. This combination of classic aesthetics, modern technology, and handcrafted work continues the trend of restoring and modifying iconic models of the past, where the main values become uniqueness and the emotions of driving, not just technical specifications. Such projects often become a bridge between eras, proving that good design does not age, it only requires new technical embodiment.
