Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Exotic
Production years: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
When Lotus introduced the Esprit in 1976, it didn't know that it will be the car that will cross the British brand into the new Millenium.
The Esprit was the car that changed the Lotus' image forever. It was more than a sports-car. It was a new concept. Collin Chapman was not pleased at first, but after he saw a full-size scale model, he gave the OK, and the car was launched. Lotus built 10,675 Esprits until 2004 when the final unit rolled off the production line.
Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the car with the "folding paper" concept in mind and built it from fiber-glass. Thus, it resulted in a light, wedged-shaped bodywork with flat, wide surfaces and clear edges. Giugiaro carried over the pop-up headlights and taillights from the Fiat X1/9, which Bertone designed. Despite all the upgrades on the run, Lotus didn't want to install fixed headlights and kept the original shape. While the first models featured horizontal, rectangular taillights, and side-mounted exhausts, the later versions featured round taillamps and center-mounted pipes.
Inside, Giugiaro made the instrument cluster around the driver, with tilted sides. It was inspired by the commands of a fighter plane. The flat and low-mounted dashboard didn't feature a center stack. Between the sport bucket-seats with high bolstering, Lotus installed a tall center console with a storage compartment.
Lotus made the mid-engine sports car with a small, four-cylinder unit paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. Later on, it added various other engines, including a few turbocharged options or a V8.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT RWD (162 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1973 cm3 |
Power: | 199 KW @ 6200 RPM 271 HP @ 6200 RPM 267 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 140 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM 190 Nm @ 4900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 137 mph (220 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 1984 lbs (900 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT RWD (243 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1973 cm3 |
Power: | 179 KW @ 6250 RPM 243 HP @ 6250 RPM 240 BHP @ 6250 RPM |
Torque: | 217 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 294 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 163 mph (262 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Disc |
Rear: | Disc |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT RWD (254 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1973 cm3 |
Power: | 186 KW @ 6250 RPM 253 HP @ 6250 RPM 249 BHP @ 6250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 163 mph (262 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Disc |
Rear: | Disc |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2701 lbs (1225 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT RWD (162 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2174 cm3 |
Power: | 119 KW @ 6500 RPM 162 HP @ 6500 RPM 160 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 160 lb-ft @ 5250 RPM 217 Nm @ 5250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 135 mph (217 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 72.9 in (1852 mm) |
Height: | 44 in (1118 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2352 lbs (1067 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT RWD (174 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2174 cm3 |
Power: | 128 KW @ 6500 RPM 174 HP @ 6500 RPM 172 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 163 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM 221 Nm @ 5000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 138 mph (222 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2425 lbs (1100 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT RWD (213 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2174 cm3 |
Power: | 157 KW @ 6500 RPM 213 HP @ 6500 RPM 211 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 200 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 271 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 72.9 in (1852 mm) |
Height: | 44 in (1118 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2687 lbs (1219 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT RWD (218 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2174 cm3 |
Power: | 160 KW @ 6000 RPM 218 HP @ 6000 RPM 215 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 220 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM 298 Nm @ 4250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 152 mph (245 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3051 lbs (1384 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT RWD (268 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2174 cm3 |
Power: | 197 KW @ 6500 RPM 268 HP @ 6500 RPM 264 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 261 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 354 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 165 mph (266 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT RWD (289 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2174 cm3 |
Power: | 213 KW @ 6400 RPM 290 HP @ 6400 RPM 286 BHP @ 6400 RPM |
Torque: | 290 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM 393 Nm @ 4100 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 160 mph (257 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Disc |
Rear: | Disc |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2970 lbs (1347 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT RWD (304 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2174 cm3 |
Power: | 224 KW @ 6400 RPM 305 HP @ 6400 RPM 300 BHP @ 6400 RPM |
Torque: | 280 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM 380 Nm @ 4100 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 165 mph (266 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2899 lbs (1315 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.5L V8 5MT RWD (355 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3506 cm3 |
Power: | 261 KW @ 6500 RPM 355 HP @ 6500 RPM 350 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 295 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM 400 Nm @ 4250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Electronic Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 19.3 gallons (73.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 175 mph (282 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 4.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 285/35 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165 in (4191 mm) |
Width: | 73.3 in (1862 mm) |
Height: | 43.7 in (1110 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.5/59.5 in (1,511/1,511 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 96 in (2438 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.1 in (104 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3038 lbs (1378 kg) |