The Lotus Esprit V8 Sports Car

A review of The Lotus Esprit V8 Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this the twenty fifth model in the Lotus range.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Lotus Esprit V8, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1996 to 1997.

The Lotus Esprit V8

After years of much thought since the mid 1980's, Lotus finally decided to fit a V8 engine into the Esprit's mid-engined chassis, together with a new interior, uprated clutch, improved gearchange, and a modified rear wing that was now mounted higher up.

The Lotus Esprit V8 sports car was launched in March 1996 at the Geneva Motor Show, and was seen as the replacement of the Series 4 Esprit and the Sport 300.

The need for such a change had its roots in new tighter emission control regulations in the US the result of which would have, almost certainly, prevented the existing 4-cylinder Turbo variant from complying.

It was powered by a Lotus 3.5 litre, 32 valve, V8, all aluminium, twin turbocharged engine, using Garrett T25/60 turbos.

This engine, developed by Lotus, was designated the Lotus 918, and produced 350 bhp, with a top speed of 175 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 secs, and a 0-100 mph time of 10.1 secs.

This was a huge improvement over the 4-cylinder Turbo, and positioned it on a par with its arch rivals the Ferrari F355 and Porsche 996.

The 918 engine originally developed 500 bhp, but was detuned to 350 bhp in order to prevent damage to the Renault transmission linkages, which were not able to cope with such output.

It was fitted with the same Renault five speed gearbox as previously, but no charge-cooler (intercooler) was added.

It retained the same ABS braking system, sported even larger wheels, and proudly displayed a V8 badge next to the rear lights.

The wood and leather interior was replaced by a more minimalist approach, including the use of push buttons within a redesigned centre console.

However, it still retained, from previous models, a necessary struggle to enter or leave the car.

Rear vision was still poor owing to the size of the rear spoiler.

In late 1997, the V8 model was presented in two slightly different specification formats, designated the Special Equipment (SE) and GT models.

The performance of each was virtually unchanged, with both displaying a restyled interior.

However, the SE variant was offered with more luxurious appointments.

The Lotus Esprit V8 GT

In October 1997, the Lotus Esprit V8 GT sports car was introduced at the London Motor Show.

It was powered by the same engine, and offered the same stunning performance as the V8, but without some of the more luxurious fitments, such as leather seats and air conditioning.

As a result, its weight was reduced by about 50 kg, and the price tag was lowered by around £10,000, which made it more attractive at just under £50,000.

There were a number of changes to this variant, which included:

• A racing clutch was added to make operating the clutch much easier
• The gearbox selector mechanism was modified to make it quieter and more precise
• The anti lock braking system was overhauled
• The rear wing was removed
• The leather seats were replaced by composite racing seats from the GT3

The Lotus Esprit GT3

Also in October 1997, the Lotus Esprit GT3 sports car was introduced as an entry level Esprit, and with the luxurious fittings present in the V8 variant having been removed.

It was powered by the same Lotus 920, 2 litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, charge-cooled engine, that had been used in previous models targeted at the Italian market.

It developed 240 bhp at 6250 rpm, and 216 ft/lbs of torque at 3750 rpm, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 secs, a 0-100 mph time of 12.9 secs, and a top speed of 162 mph.

Some of the features of the 1997 GT3 included:

• There was no aerofoil mounted at the rear
• "GT3" insignia were positioned along the bottom of the doors
• Seats came from the Sport 300
• It used the same lightweight ABS braking system as the V8
• It was fitted with the Delco multipoint fuel injection system

This marked the end of the Lotus Esprit V8

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

Which Lotus Sports Car is Your Favourite?

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of Lotus sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1952 to 1996.

By Peter Radford

The Recent Lotus Elise Series 1 Sports Car

A review of The Recent Lotus Elise Series 1 Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this the twenty ninth model in the Lotus range.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Recent Lotus Elise Series 1, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1996 to 2000.

The Lotus Elise Series 1

Originally, in 1994, the Lotus Elise sports car was projected as a two seater, mid-engined, low production convertible.

It featured a fibreglass body on a lightweight aluminium spaceframe chassis, together with a galvanised steel subframe which supported the engine.

It was powered by an all aluminium Rover K-Series, 1796 cc, 4-cylinder, 16 valve, double overhead cam engine.

Fitted with fuel injection, it developed 118 bhp at 5500 rpm, and 122 ft/lbs of torque at 3000 rpm.

With its high power-to-weight ratio, it produced a top speed of 126 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 secs.

The Series 1 Elise was launched in 1996, and was designated the Type 111.

Elisa, the granddaughter of the chairman of Lotus and Bugatti, leant her name to the Elise.

Julian Thomson, head of design at Lotus, was instrumental in the car's styling.

It had independent suspension all round, a five speed gearbox, and disc brakes fitted on all wheels.

With the passenger's seat fixed, the adjustable driver's seat was positioned near the centre of the car, so maximising peripheral vision.

The Lotus Elise GTI

Introduced in 1997, and designated the Type 115, the Lotus Elise GT1 sports racer was powered by a 3506 cc, twin turbo, V8 engine, developing 580 bhp at 7500 rpm, and 288 ft/lbs of torque at 6500 rpm.

With a body made from carbon fibre on an Elise spaceframe chassis, and fitted with a Hewland six speed gearbox, it had a top speed of 195 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 secs.

It used vented disc brakes all round.

At least one GTI sports car was built in a street legal format.

The Lotus Elise Sport 135

The Lotus Elise Sport 135 sports car was introduced in November 1998 as a limited edition of 50 units, and its Rover K-Series engine was modified to develop 135 bhp.

It was fitted with a close ratio gearbox, sports exhaust, stiffened suspension, drilled disc brakes, metallic silver paint with a blue tinge, sports seats, roll over bar, and distinctive Sport 135 body graphics.

In 1999, additional units were built which featured Elise 111S wheels, and "Sport 135 99" logos.

The 50th Anniversary Edition

The 50th Anniversary Lotus Elise was a limited edition variant of just 50 units, based on the standard Elise.

Introduced in late 1998, the wheels were gold coloured, it had leather seats, but the sole colour was green.

The Lotus Elise 111S

With a designation based on the Elise Type 111, the 111S was originally given the name Elise Sprint.

It was launched in early 1999 at the Geneva Motor Show as the Lotus Elise 111S sports car, and turned out to be the most popular of the uprated Elise models.

It was powered by the 1.8 litre Rover K-Series Variable Valve Control (VVC) engine. The VVC addition helped produce better breathing at higher revs.

Coupled with a modified cylinder head, it developed 143 bhp. This engine variant gave rise to a wider and smoother power band.

With a close ratio gearbox and lower ratio final drive, it had a top speed of 133 mph, produced a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 secs, and a 0-100 mph time of 14.4 secs.

It featured wide rear tyres, disc brakes all round, a rear spoiler, a grille that looked like an egg crate, uprated springs and dampers, six spoke road wheels, and optional 111S logos.

In August 1999, the Elise 111S was replaced by the Lotus Sports 160, which developed 160 bhp.

The Lotus Elise Sport 160

The Lotus Elise Sport 160 sports car was launched in February 2000, and featured an uprated Sport 135 cylinder head, and a new camshaft and EFI engine management system.

Fitted with a catalytic converter and Sport exhaust, it developed 160 bhp at 7000 rpm, and 178 ft/lbs of torque at 5000 rpm.

Many regarded this model as the best Series 1 Elise.

In June 2000, the Elise 111S was phased out and replaced by the Sport 160 and Sport 160S, of which the later was fitted with sports suspension, a close ratio gearbox, and a taller rear wing.

Each was fitted with five spoke race wheels, either six or eight inches in width.

In July 2000, a kit was offered to increase the output of the engine to 190 bhp, as in the Elise Sport 190.

This marked the end of the Lotus Elise Series 1

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:
Which Lotus Sports Car is Your Favourite?

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of Lotus sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1952 to 1996.

I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".

By Peter Radford

The Lotus M100 Elan Sports Car

A review of The Lotus M100 Elan Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this the twenty eighth model in the Lotus range.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Lotus M100 Elan, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1989 to 1992.

The M100 Elan Series 1

The original Lotus Elan sports car, designated the Type 26, was launched in October 1962 at the Earl's Court Motor Show in London, and was given the name Lotus Elan 1500.

It was phased out in 1975, having evolved into a number of variants, the last being the Elan Plus Two.

In 1986, the future of Lotus was secured when it was acquired by General Motors.

However, the idea of a small convertible, with an outsourced engine, was still kept alive, and design work began in 1986.

Consequently, in August 1989, the Elan was re-launched, at the Motorfair in Earl's Court London, as the Lotus M100 Elan Series 1 sports car, having been designated the Type M100.

There were, in fact, two variants on offer:

• The standard non-turbocharged model, the Elan 1.6, developed 130 bhp at 7200 rpm, and 105 ft/lbs of torque at 4200 rpm
• The turbocharged special equipment model, the Elan SE, with an "SE" badge on the boot lid, developed 165 bhp at 6600 rpm, and 148 ft/lbs of torque at 4200 rpm

The Elan was a two seater convertible, designed by Lotus' Peter Steven, and featured a fibreglass body on a steel chassis, with four wheel independent suspension.

It was conceived as a mass market convertible, with the target market being the US.

The M100 was the first, and indeed the last, car with front wheel drive to be built by Lotus.

Following its launch, press reaction was somewhat mixed, but it quickly gained the accolade of being "the finest front wheel car".

It was powered by the 1588 cc, double overhead cam, 4-cylinder, 16 valve, multipoint fuel injected, Japanese Isuzu 4XE1 engine, with an alloy head and cast iron block, as used in the Isuzu Impulse saloon.

Furthermore, as a result of it being extensively modified by Lotus, and fitted with an IMI turbocharger, the SE variant developed 165 bhp, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 secs, and a top speed of 137 mph.

It had a five speed gearbox, and servo assisted disc brakes all round.

Typical changes made to the Isuzu-Lotus engine included a new exhaust system, modified suspension, and upgrading the engine management system to improve torque.

The M100 Elan Series 2

Unfortunately, the launch of the M100 coincided with the onset of economic recession in the UK and US, combined with the introduction of the Mazda MX-5 sports convertible, which was marketed on the nostalgic concept of the original Elan, whilst the M100 focused on new technology.

Put simply, the Elan was regarded as the right product at the wrong time.

Furthermore, sales of both variants were insufficient to recoup the massive development costs.

Consequently, when Lotus was sold to Bugatti in 1993, the loss-making M100 was discontinued.

Between November 1989 and July 1992, a total of 3,855 M100's were built, of which all but 130 were the turbocharged SE variant.

A limited edition version, for the US market, featured a redesigned body with an alternative spoiler at the rear, a nose that was extended to comply with US regulations, and larger 16 inch wheels.

A total of 559 units of this variant were built.

Between June 1994 and September 1995 whilst Lotus was owned by Bugatti, a limited edition of 800 turbocharged Elan M100 Series 2 sports car units were built following the chance discovery of a warehouse full of surplus engines and gearboxes.

This model was fitted with a new dashboard, the power steering was uprated, and the suspension was stiffened.

Since, by this time, it was necessary to fit catalytic converters to the Bosal exhaust system, the power output of the Series 2 SE variant was reduced to 155 bhp, whilst the 0-60 mph time increased to 7.5 secs.

The ABS system was only available on the Series 2 models.

With improved build quality and uprated interiors, the Series 2 was a greater success than was the Series 1.

When production of the Series 2 ended in 1995, Kia Motors of South Korea acquired the rights to build their own version of the Elan.

This marked the end of the Lotus M100 Elan

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

Which Lotus Sports Car is Your Favourite?

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of Lotus sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1952 to 1996.

I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".

By Peter Radford

The Latest Lotus Elise Series 1 Sports Car

A review of The Latest Lotus Elise Series 1 Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this the thirtieth model in the Lotus range.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Latest Lotus Elise Series 1, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1999 to 2000.

The Lotus Elise Series 1

The Heritage Lotus Elise Type 79

In July 1999, a limited edition Lotus Elise, with 100 left hand drive cars, were built for the Italian dealer network.

They were painted in the John Player Special (JPS) colours of black, with gold wheels and grilles, and displayed a "Heritage" badge.

Furthermore, another limited edition of 50 cars, with right hand drive, and designated as the Type 79 sports car, were ofered with either 1.8 litre Rover K-Series standard or Variable Valve Control (VVC) engines.

The Lotus Elise Type 79

Introduced in October 1999 at the London Motor Show, this special edition Lotus Elise sports car shared the same colour of red, gold, and white as the Type 49 Formula One race car.

This Elise was powered by either a 1.8 litre Rover K-Series standard or VVC engines.

The Millenium Edition Lotus Elise

Also introduced in October 1999, this Millenium Edition Lotus Elise was based on the standard Elise or Elise 111S variants.

Painted in Atlantis Blue, both the leather seats and road wheels from the 111S were painted black, while the rear wheel arches had spats.

The Lotus Elise 340R

Based on the Series 1 Elise, and with a name derived from the fact that only 340 units were built, the Lotus Elise 340R sports car was launched in August 1999 at the Hippodrome in London.

It was the most radical of all the Elise variants.

The body shell, which was custom made, contained neither a roof nor doors, and was painted in silver and black.

It was powered by a 1.8 litre Very High Performance Derivative (VHPD) Rover K-Series engine, which developed 177 bhp at 7800 rpm, and 126 ft/lbs of torque at 6750 rpm.

Fitted with a Rover five speed PGI close ratio gearbox, it had a top speed of 135 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 secs, and a 0-100 mph time of 12.4 secs.

Power enhancement was available by way of a Track Pack, which included adjustments to the engine management system, no catalytic converter, and no sports silencer.

With such an addition, power was increased to 195 bhp at 7500 rpm, and 139 ft/lbs of torque.

In the UK, the Elise 340R was road legal.

The Lotus Exige

Launched by Lotus at Brands Hatch in April 2000, the Lotus Exige sports car was, essentially, a fixed head coupe version of the Elise.

It was designed to be used on both track and the road.

It was powered by the 1.8 litre, Rover K-Series VHPD unit, as used in the Elise 340R, and developing 177 bhp at 7800 rpm.

There was the option of upgrading from 177 bhp to 190 bhp by using the Track Pack, which excluded a catalytic converter.

This resulted in a top speed of 137 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 secs.

The Exige featured a lightweight, reinforced glass fibre body, with a front aerodynamic splitter, sports suspension, a close ratio gearbox, larger black wheels, and a transparent tailgate to view the engine.

It was fitted with a large carbon fibre high level rear wing, similar to that used on the Lotus Esprit Sport 350, which increased downwrd pressure to improve rodholding, and minimise drag.

Optional extras included a sports exhaust, and the same seats as used in the 340R.

In October 2000, air conditioning became standard equipment on the Exige.

The Series 1 Lotus Exige was produced until 2002, when 604 units were built. It was reintroduce in 2004 as the Series 2 variant.

The VX220 Type 116

New European directives on car impacts caused Lotus to seek a business partnership with General Motors. This resulted in Lotus agreeing to build specified Opel and Vauxhall performance cars.

Launched as a concept car at the March 1999 Geneva Motor Show, and designated the Type 116, the VX200, also known as the Speedster, was powered by Vauxhall's new 2198 cc, ECOTEC, 4-cylinder engine.

This developed 147 bhp at 5800 rpm, and 203 ft/lbs of torque at 4000 rpm, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 secs, and a top speed of 132 mph.

In 2003, the VX220 Turbo sports car was introduced, fitted with the 1.8 litre turbocharged engine, as used in the Vauxhall Astra SRi, and developing 200 bhp, with 190 ft/lbs of torque.

It had a top speed of 150 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 secs.

It was built on the same production lines as the Elise. Lotus ceased production of the VX220 in 2005.

The Lotus Elise Sport 190

Introduced in January 2001 for use on the track, the Lotus Elise Sport 190 sports car featured a heavily modified 1.8 litre Very High Performance Derivative (VHPD) Rover K-Series engine, developing 189 bhp.

It produced a top speed of 131 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 secs, and a 0-100 mph time of 10.7 secs.

It used drilled disc brakes all round, with competition suspension and gearbox.

This marked the end of the Latest Lotus Elise Series 1.

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

Which Lotus Sports Car is Your Favourite?

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of Lotus sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1952 to 1996.

I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".

By Peter Radford 

The Lotus Excel Sports Car

A review of The Lotus Excel Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of this the twenty seventh model in the Lotus range.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Lotus Excel, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1982 to 1992.

The Lotus Excel sports car was launched in 1982, and was given the designation Type 89.

In terms of design, it was similar in shape to the Eclat, upon which it was based, but received softer styling in the nose area, together with integrated lights, bumper, and spoiler.

The result was a stylish 2+2 sports coupe.

While the upper half of the body moulding had a more aggressive styling, the lower half was retained from the Eclat.

It was for this reason that the car was also known as the Eclat Excel, and even the Eclat 3.

Interestingly, the first batch of Excel production displayed "Eclat" badges on the boot, and "Excel" badges on the rear wings.

However, by late 1983, this anomaly was removed.

At around this time, Toyota became a 20% shareholder in Lotus and, as part of the agreement, it allowed Lotus to use a number of its mechanical parts.

Consequently, the original Excel used the gearbox, drive shaft, differential, alloy wheels, and door handles from the Toyota Supra Grand Tourer.

The Excel was powered by the Lotus 912, 2174 cc, 4-cylinder, double overhead cam, all aluminium engine, as previously used in the Esprit Series 3.

Fitted with two twin choke Dell'Orto DHLA 45E carburettors, it developed 160 bhp, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 secs, and a top speed of 134 mph.

In October 1985, the Excel SE was introduced, and the 912 engine was further modified so that the SE variant now developed 180 bhp, with a top speed of 135 mph.

Changes to this model included alterations to the bumpers, wings, and interior, together with a new dashboard.

In October 1986, the Excel SA variant was included in the range, and featured the addition of a four speed ZF automatic transmission, which was aimed at the US market.

In 1989, minor changes included wing mirrors sourced from Citroen, and 15 inch OZ alloy wheels, as used in the Esprit.

The Excel gained a reputation for good cornering and handling characteristics due, in part, to its 50:50 weight distribution.

It had a galvanized steel chassis, firmer rear suspension, a five speed Toyota gearbox, disc brakes all round, whilst the passenger space was increased.

Over the period 1982 to 1992, the Excel underwent a number of changes, the more important of which included:

1984 - bumpers matching the body colour, bonnet was now louvered, a spoiler was added to the boot

1985 - wheel arches were widened, boot lid was increased in size

1986 - a high compression engine variant was made available, steering column was now adjustable, air conditioning system was improved

1989 - bonnet was modified, as were the front and rear spoilers

Following reliability problems with previous models, an improvement was made with the Excel, although this deficiency still fell well short of its nearest rival at that time, the Porsche 944.

The ten year production run ended in 1992, when 2,159 Lotus Excel's were built, which reflected a disappointing sales record.

The main cause was due to the fact that the Excel was never officially marketed in the US, since Lotus felt that it would not be able to satisfy the stringent US emission control regulations.

This marked the end of the Lotus Excel

Perhaps this stroll down memory lane might have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

Which Lotus Sports Car is Your Favourite?

However, should this question still remain unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of Lotus sports cars which were featured in the memorable era spanning 1952 to 1996.

I hope you join me in my nostalgic travels "down sports car memory lane".

By Peter Radford