Lotus Esprit - Revision history

Sog240: /* The V8 (1996) */

2009-11-05T07:50:43Z

The V8 (1996)

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:50, 5 November 2009
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	==The V8 (1996)==		==The V8 (1996)==
	[[Image:Lotusesprit1.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px]]		[[Image:Lotusesprit1.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px]]
	The '''Esprit V8''' used Lotus' self developed all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged 90-degree V-8, Code-named Type 918, in front of the same [[Renault]] transmission as before with no Chargecooler. Derek Bell developed an uprated gearbox that overcame a lot of the gearbox problems with a much thicker single piece input shaft. The Type 918 engine was detuned from a possible 500 bhp to 350 bhp to prevent gearbox damage due to the fragility of the Renault transmission<ref>http://www.espritfactfile.com/Mod_Info.html#2004 Esprit</ref> . Zero to sixty miles per hour came in at 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph. Some examples of the engine are noted however to suffer from a leaking cylinder liner problem.		The '''Esprit V8''' used Lotus' self developed all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged (Garrett T3/60 turbos) 90-degree V-8, Code-named Type 918, in front of the same [[Renault]] transmission as before with no Chargecooler. Derek Bell developed an uprated gearbox that overcame a lot of the gearbox problems with a much thicker single piece input shaft. The Type 918 engine was detuned from a possible 500 bhp to 350 bhp to prevent gearbox damage due to the fragility of the Renault transmission<ref>http://www.espritfactfile.com/Mod_Info.html#2004 Esprit</ref> . Zero to sixty miles per hour came in at 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph. Some examples of the engine are noted however to suffer from a leaking cylinder liner problem.

	Alongside V8 models was produced the '''GT3''', a turbocharged 4 cylinder car with a 2.0 liter chargecooled, turbocharged engine as used in Italian market cars previously.		Alongside V8 models was produced the '''GT3''', a turbocharged 4 cylinder car with a 2.0 liter chargecooled, turbocharged engine as used in Italian market cars previously.

Sog240: /* The Peter Stevens redesign (1988) */

2009-11-05T07:44:16Z

The Peter Stevens redesign (1988)

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:44, 5 November 2009
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	==The Peter Stevens redesign (1988)==		==The Peter Stevens redesign (1988)==

	In 1987 a new version of the Esprit was introduced, incorporating rounder styling cues given by designer [[Peter Stevens (car designer)\|Peter Stevens]] of [[McLaren F1]] fame. A new Lotus patented process was introduced to create the new body called the VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection) process, which offered more advantages than the previous hand laid process. [[kevlar\|Kevlar]] reinforcement was added to the roof and sides for roll-over protection<ref>http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EOtherstuff/VARI.html</ref>. This time the tail-lights were sourced from the [[Toyota AE86\|Toyota Corolla Hatchback]]. Giugiaro is said to have liked the restyling, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The Stevens styled cars retained the mechanical components of the previous High Compression Esprit and Turbo Esprit, but introduced a stronger [[Renault]] transaxle, which necessitated a move to outboard rear brakes. The North American Esprit Turbo retained the Citroen gearbox for 1988 MY only. The Esprit's Type 910 engine retained 215 bhp and 220 ft-lbs, but reduced its zero to sixty from 5.6 seconds to 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of over 145 ~~MPH~~. The exterior style changes were accompanied by a freshening of the interior, allowing a little more space for the occupants. The Stevens styled Esprit is often known by its project code of X180. The Stevens Esprit was in the short lived TV series "The Highwayman" in 1988 but it was only seen twice as the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes.		In 1987 a new version of the Esprit was introduced, incorporating rounder styling cues given by designer [[Peter Stevens (car designer)\|Peter Stevens]] of [[McLaren F1]] fame. A new Lotus patented process was introduced to create the new body called the VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection) process, which offered more advantages than the previous hand laid process. [[kevlar\|Kevlar]] reinforcement was added to the roof and sides for roll-over protection<ref>http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EOtherstuff/VARI.html</ref>. This time the tail-lights were sourced from the [[Toyota AE86\|Toyota Corolla Hatchback]]. Giugiaro is said to have liked the restyling, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The Stevens styled cars retained the mechanical components of the previous High Compression Esprit and Turbo Esprit, but introduced a stronger [[Renault]] transaxle, which necessitated a move to outboard rear brakes. The North American Esprit Turbo retained the Citroen gearbox for 1988 MY only. The Esprit's Type 910 engine retained 215 bhp and 220 ft-lbs, but reduced its zero to sixty from 5.6 seconds to 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of over 145 mph. The exterior style changes were accompanied by a freshening of the interior, allowing a little more space for the occupants. The Stevens styled Esprit is often known by its project code of X180. The Stevens Esprit was in the short lived TV series "The Highwayman" in 1988 but it was only seen twice as the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes.

	The Esprit was again improved with the addition of a water to air intercooler known as the chargecooler producing the '''SE'''. Horsepower was increased to 264 with 280 available on overboost, and zero to sixty times reduced to an amazing 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of over 160 mph. The chargecooled engine was known as the type 910 S. Modifications to the body kit are also noted. Again the Esprit continued to keep a small or nonexistent gap between itself and competition from rivals such as [[Ferrari]] and [[Porsche]].		The Esprit was again improved with the addition of a water to air intercooler known as the chargecooler producing the '''SE'''. Horsepower was increased to 264 with 280 available on overboost, and zero to sixty times reduced to an amazing 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of over 160 mph. The chargecooled engine was known as the type 910 S. Modifications to the body kit are also noted. Again the Esprit continued to keep a small or nonexistent gap between itself and competition from rivals such as [[Ferrari]] and [[Porsche]].

Sog240: /* The V8 (1996) */

2009-11-05T07:43:48Z

The V8 (1996)

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:43, 5 November 2009
Line 98:		Line 98:
	==The V8 (1996)==		==The V8 (1996)==
	[[Image:Lotusesprit1.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px]]		[[Image:Lotusesprit1.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px]]
	The '''Esprit V8''' used Lotus' self developed all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged 90-degree V-8, Code-named Type 918, in front of the same [[Renault]] transmission as before with no Chargecooler. Derek Bell developed an uprated gearbox that overcame a lot of the gearbox problems with a much thicker single piece input shaft. The Type 918 engine was detuned from a possible 500 bhp to 350 bhp to prevent gearbox damage due to the fragility of the Renault transmission<ref>http://www.espritfactfile.com/Mod_Info.html#2004 Esprit</ref> . Zero to sixty miles per hour came in at 4.4 seconds. Some examples of the engine are noted however to suffer from a leaking cylinder liner problem.		The '''Esprit V8''' used Lotus' self developed all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged 90-degree V-8, Code-named Type 918, in front of the same [[Renault]] transmission as before with no Chargecooler. Derek Bell developed an uprated gearbox that overcame a lot of the gearbox problems with a much thicker single piece input shaft. The Type 918 engine was detuned from a possible 500 bhp to 350 bhp to prevent gearbox damage due to the fragility of the Renault transmission<ref>http://www.espritfactfile.com/Mod_Info.html#2004 Esprit</ref> . Zero to sixty miles per hour came in at 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph. Some examples of the engine are noted however to suffer from a leaking cylinder liner problem.

	Alongside V8 models was produced the '''GT3''', a turbocharged 4 cylinder car with a 2.0 liter chargecooled, turbocharged engine as used in Italian market cars previously.		Alongside V8 models was produced the '''GT3''', a turbocharged 4 cylinder car with a 2.0 liter chargecooled, turbocharged engine as used in Italian market cars previously.

Sog240: /* The V8 (1996) */

2009-11-05T07:40:36Z

The V8 (1996)

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:40, 5 November 2009
Line 98:		Line 98:
	==The V8 (1996)==		==The V8 (1996)==
	[[Image:Lotusesprit1.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px]]		[[Image:Lotusesprit1.jpg\|right\|thumb\|250px]]
	The '''Esprit V8''' used Lotus' self developed ~~type~~ 918 ~~3.5 liter twin turbo engine~~, in front of the same [[Renault]] transmission as before. ~~Power was up to 355 bhp, however the capability~~ of the 918 engine was ~~limited by~~ the fragility of the Renault transmission. Zero to sixty miles per hour came in ~~under 5~~ seconds. Some examples of the engine are noted however to suffer from a leaking cylinder liner problem.		The '''Esprit V8''' used Lotus' self developed all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged 90-degree V-8, Code-named Type 918, in front of the same [[Renault]] transmission as before with no Chargecooler. Derek Bell developed an uprated gearbox that overcame a lot of the gearbox problems with a much thicker single piece input shaft. The Type 918 engine was detuned from a possible 500 bhp to 350 bhp to prevent gearbox damage due to the fragility of the Renault transmission<ref>http://www.espritfactfile.com/Mod_Info.html#2004 Esprit</ref> . Zero to sixty miles per hour came in at 4.4 seconds. Some examples of the engine are noted however to suffer from a leaking cylinder liner problem.

	Alongside V8 models was produced the '''GT3''', a turbocharged 4 cylinder car with a 2.0 liter chargecooled, turbocharged engine as used in Italian market cars previously.		Alongside V8 models was produced the '''GT3''', a turbocharged 4 cylinder car with a 2.0 liter chargecooled, turbocharged engine as used in Italian market cars previously.
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	In 1998 the V8 range was split into '''SE''' and '''GT''' specs, both cars with a much changed interior configuration, both offering similar performance with the SE being the more luxurious of the two.		In 1998 the V8 range was split into '''SE''' and '''GT''' specs, both cars with a much changed interior configuration, both offering similar performance with the SE being the more luxurious of the two.

	The ultimate incarnation of the Esprit came in 1999 with the '''Sport 350'''. Only 50 were made [http://www.lotusespritworld.com/ERoadtests/350_topgear.html], each offering 350 horsepower (as per the name) and various chassis and braking improvements. By this time the Esprit could reach 60 ~~mph~~ in well ~~under 5~~ seconds, and weighed 1300 kg as a result of their hand laid fiberglass bodies.		The ultimate incarnation of the Esprit came in 1999 with the '''Sport 350'''. Only 50 were made [http://www.lotusespritworld.com/ERoadtests/350_topgear.html], each offering 350 horsepower (as per the name) and various chassis and braking improvements. By this time the Esprit could reach {{convert\|60\|mi/h\|km/h\|-1\|abbr=on}} in 4.3 seconds as well as reaching 0-100 in 9.9 seconds, and weighed 1300 kg as a result of their hand laid fiberglass bodies.

	Esprit production continued on until 2004, Lotus content on producing the Esprit with little development aside from minor cosmetic changes including a switch to 4 round taillights in 2002. Over 28 years a total of 10675 Esprits were produced.		Esprit production continued on until 2004, Lotus content on producing the Esprit with little development aside from minor cosmetic changes including a switch to 4 round taillights in 2002. Over 28 years a total of 10675 Esprits were produced.

Sog240: /* The Peter Stevens redesign (1988) */

2009-11-05T07:35:26Z

The Peter Stevens redesign (1988)

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:35, 5 November 2009
Line 86:		Line 86:
	In 1987 a new version of the Esprit was introduced, incorporating rounder styling cues given by designer [[Peter Stevens (car designer)\|Peter Stevens]] of [[McLaren F1]] fame. A new Lotus patented process was introduced to create the new body called the VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection) process, which offered more advantages than the previous hand laid process. [[kevlar\|Kevlar]] reinforcement was added to the roof and sides for roll-over protection<ref>http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EOtherstuff/VARI.html</ref>. This time the tail-lights were sourced from the [[Toyota AE86\|Toyota Corolla Hatchback]]. Giugiaro is said to have liked the restyling, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The Stevens styled cars retained the mechanical components of the previous High Compression Esprit and Turbo Esprit, but introduced a stronger [[Renault]] transaxle, which necessitated a move to outboard rear brakes. The North American Esprit Turbo retained the Citroen gearbox for 1988 MY only. The Esprit's Type 910 engine retained 215 bhp and 220 ft-lbs, but reduced its zero to sixty from 5.6 seconds to 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of over 145 MPH. The exterior style changes were accompanied by a freshening of the interior, allowing a little more space for the occupants. The Stevens styled Esprit is often known by its project code of X180. The Stevens Esprit was in the short lived TV series "The Highwayman" in 1988 but it was only seen twice as the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes.		In 1987 a new version of the Esprit was introduced, incorporating rounder styling cues given by designer [[Peter Stevens (car designer)\|Peter Stevens]] of [[McLaren F1]] fame. A new Lotus patented process was introduced to create the new body called the VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection) process, which offered more advantages than the previous hand laid process. [[kevlar\|Kevlar]] reinforcement was added to the roof and sides for roll-over protection<ref>http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EOtherstuff/VARI.html</ref>. This time the tail-lights were sourced from the [[Toyota AE86\|Toyota Corolla Hatchback]]. Giugiaro is said to have liked the restyling, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The Stevens styled cars retained the mechanical components of the previous High Compression Esprit and Turbo Esprit, but introduced a stronger [[Renault]] transaxle, which necessitated a move to outboard rear brakes. The North American Esprit Turbo retained the Citroen gearbox for 1988 MY only. The Esprit's Type 910 engine retained 215 bhp and 220 ft-lbs, but reduced its zero to sixty from 5.6 seconds to 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of over 145 MPH. The exterior style changes were accompanied by a freshening of the interior, allowing a little more space for the occupants. The Stevens styled Esprit is often known by its project code of X180. The Stevens Esprit was in the short lived TV series "The Highwayman" in 1988 but it was only seen twice as the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes.

	The Esprit was again improved with the addition of a water to air intercooler known as the chargecooler producing the '''SE'''. Horsepower was ~~pushed up~~ to 264 with 280 available on overboost, and zero to sixty times reduced to an amazing 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of over 160 mph. The chargecooled engine was known as the type 910 S. Modifications to the body kit are also noted. Again the Esprit continued to keep a small or nonexistent gap between itself and competition from rivals such as [[Ferrari]] and [[Porsche]].		The Esprit was again improved with the addition of a water to air intercooler known as the chargecooler producing the '''SE'''. Horsepower was increased to 264 with 280 available on overboost, and zero to sixty times reduced to an amazing 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of over 160 mph. The chargecooled engine was known as the type 910 S. Modifications to the body kit are also noted. Again the Esprit continued to keep a small or nonexistent gap between itself and competition from rivals such as [[Ferrari]] and [[Porsche]].

	Along with the SE, Lotus produced the little seen '''Esprit S''', a midrange turbocharged car offering fewer appointments and 228 hp, as well as the standard turbo still offering 215 hp. The N/A and turbo were cancelled after 1990, and the S in 1991.		Along with the SE, Lotus produced the little seen '''Esprit S''', a midrange turbocharged car offering fewer appointments and 228 hp, as well as the standard turbo still offering 215 hp. The N/A and turbo were cancelled after 1990, and the S in 1991.

Sog240: /* The Peter Stevens redesign (1988) */

2009-11-05T07:23:00Z

The Peter Stevens redesign (1988)

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:23, 5 November 2009
Line 84:		Line 84:
	==The Peter Stevens redesign (1988)==		==The Peter Stevens redesign (1988)==

	In ~~1988~~ a new version of the Esprit was introduced, incorporating rounder styling cues given by designer [[Peter Stevens]] of [[McLaren F1]] fame. Giugiaro is said to have liked the restyling, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The ~~first~~ Stevens styled cars ~~were mechanically identical to their~~ previous ~~year counterparts, with~~ Turbo ~~and N/A variants available~~, ~~though quickly~~ a stronger [[Renault]] transaxle ~~was used~~, ~~as well as [[Delco]] GMP4 [[EFI]]~~. The exterior style changes were accompanied by a freshening of the interior. The Stevens styled Esprit is ~~collectively~~ known as the ~~X180~~.		In 1987 a new version of the Esprit was introduced, incorporating rounder styling cues given by designer [[Peter Stevens (car designer)\|Peter Stevens]] of [[McLaren F1]] fame. A new Lotus patented process was introduced to create the new body called the VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection) process, which offered more advantages than the previous hand laid process. [[kevlar\|Kevlar]] reinforcement was added to the roof and sides for roll-over protection<ref>http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EOtherstuff/VARI.html</ref>. This time the tail-lights were sourced from the [[Toyota AE86\|Toyota Corolla Hatchback]]. Giugiaro is said to have liked the restyling, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The Stevens styled cars retained the mechanical components of the previous High Compression Esprit and Turbo Esprit, but introduced a stronger [[Renault]] transaxle, which necessitated a move to outboard rear brakes. The North American Esprit Turbo retained the Citroen gearbox for 1988 MY only. The Esprit's Type 910 engine retained 215 bhp and 220 ft-lbs, but reduced its zero to sixty from 5.6 seconds to 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of over 145 MPH. The exterior style changes were accompanied by a freshening of the interior, allowing a little more space for the occupants. The Stevens styled Esprit is often known by its project code of X180. The Stevens Esprit was in the short lived TV series "The Highwayman" in 1988 but it was only seen twice as the show was cancelled after only 10 episodes.

	The Esprit was again improved with the addition of a water to air intercooler known as the chargecooler producing the '''SE'''. Horsepower was pushed up to 264 with 280 available on overboost, and zero to sixty times reduced to an amazing 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of over 160 mph. The chargecooled engine was known as the type 910 S. Modifications to the body kit are also noted. Again the Esprit continued to keep a small or nonexistent gap between itself and competition from rivals such as [[Ferrari]] and [[Porsche]].		The Esprit was again improved with the addition of a water to air intercooler known as the chargecooler producing the '''SE'''. Horsepower was pushed up to 264 with 280 available on overboost, and zero to sixty times reduced to an amazing 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of over 160 mph. The chargecooled engine was known as the type 910 S. Modifications to the body kit are also noted. Again the Esprit continued to keep a small or nonexistent gap between itself and competition from rivals such as [[Ferrari]] and [[Porsche]].

TristanT at 08:58, 21 May 2009

2009-05-21T08:58:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:58, 21 May 2009
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	[[Category:Sports cars]]		[[Category:Sports cars]]
	[[Category:MR layout vehicles]]		[[Category:MR layout vehicles]]
			[[Category:James Bond Vehicles]]

Red marquis at 05:42, 15 November 2008

2008-11-15T05:42:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:42, 15 November 2008
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	Image:Espritpolice.jpg		Image:Espritpolice.jpg
	</gallery>		</gallery>

			==See Also==

			{{Lotus}}

	==External links==		==External links==
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	* [http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/ Lotus Esprit Turbo]		* [http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/ Lotus Esprit Turbo]
	* [http://www.all-car-photos.com/Lotus/Lotus-Esprit.php Lotus Esprit kit car]		* [http://www.all-car-photos.com/Lotus/Lotus-Esprit.php Lotus Esprit kit car]
			* [http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/11/james-bond-iconic-1976-lotus-esprit-up.html James Bond's Iconic 1976 Lotus Esprit up for Sale]
	~~==See also==~~

	~~{{Lotus}}~~

	<!-- ~~from [[List of MR Cars]]; evidence is needed~~ -->

	[[Category:Lotus vehicles\|Esprit]]		[[Category:Lotus vehicles\|Esprit]]
	[[Category:Sports cars]]		[[Category:Sports cars]]
	[[Category:MR layout vehicles]]		[[Category:MR layout vehicles]]

Red marquis at 16:44, 12 September 2008

2008-09-12T16:44:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 12 September 2008
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	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Body Style		\| Body Style
	\| 2 dr Coupe		\| 2 door, 2-seat [[MR layout\|Mid-Engined]] [[Coupe]]
	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| Length		\| Length

Red marquis at 16:43, 12 September 2008

2008-09-12T16:43:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 12 September 2008
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	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Production		\| Production
	\| ~~{{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}}~~		\| 1976 - 2004
	\|- style="vertical-align:top;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top;"
	\| Class		\| Class
	\| ~~{{{Class}}}~~		\| [[Supercar]]
	\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"		\|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
	\| Body Style		\| Body Style