British start-up Encor Design has revealed teaser images of its imagined Lotus’ legendary Esprit, a restomod that uses the same chassis as the original two-seater but also features a rebuilt engine and new bodywork made entirely from carbon fiber.
The two teaser images for the restomod, dubbed the Encor Series 1, were released 50 years to the day since the original Lotus Esprit S1 made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1975. Just 50 examples of the reimagined Encor Series 1, which is set be unveiled sometime next month, will be available worldwide. Prices start from £430,000 GBP (around $577,000 USD), although it should be noted, this does not include the price of the Lotus Esprit V8 on which each restomod will be built. Second-hand examples of which, as HotCars discovered last year, could fetch an average of $47,000-plus USD.
Built on what Encor calls the “backbone chassis” of the Esprit V8, fans will be pleased to hear that the British newcomer has forgone electric propulsion for this project, company co-founder Simon Lane stating, “what sets us apart is the way we treat the Esprit – not as a project, but as a responsibility. Progress should enhance, not replace.” Consequently, each Series 1 will feature the same engine and gearbox as its donor model to ensure continuity with Lotus’ heritage, albeit with the five-speed manual and ’96-era 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 rebuilt from the ground-up. Encor makes no mention of whether the Esprit V8’s original 350-horsepower output remains intact, the official announcement stating only that priority has been given to “higher performance, improved drivability [sic] and greater everyday usability.” This could mean a subtle power hike, or, given the lighter-weight nature of the carbon fiber bodywork, potentially a lower power-to-weight ratio.
Fittingly, the team behind this “responsibility” bring years of experience from Pagani, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin (several members are said to have worked at the British brand’s ‘Q’ customization division), Porsche, and, notably, Lotus. Indeed, the lead designer on the project, Daniel Durrant, previously penned the 400 hp Lotus Emira.
Though built on top of the Esprit V8, the design of the Encor Series 1 is heavily based on the original, Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Esprit S1. The new carbon fiber body replaces the original fiberglass shell, meaning model traits like the wedge-shape and the distinctive chin spoiler remain as focal points. Though the shadowy teasers reveal only limited details, there are a few notable upgrades. The use of carbon fiber means the Esprit’s distinctive dividing line – a fall-out from the fiberglass construction – is seemingly nowhere to be seen, nor are the Morris Marina-sourced door handles. The pop-up headlights remain, albeit now replaced with low-profile LED projectors, but beneath that, the original Esprit’s protruding front bumper is rejigged in new, sunken form.
Images of the interior have not yet been revealed, though Encor states that the “wraparound cockpit has been reinterpreted” for a more premium finish, and will thus be finished in leather, Alcantara and machined aluminum. In a very non-Lotus touch, the Series 1 can be specced with modern climate control, Apple CarPlay, and even 360-degree cameras, although, in fairness, this is something a client would reasonably expect of a restomod that, combined, could end up costing north of $620,000 USD. And, let’s be honest, we’ve seen quite a few strange editions from Lotus down the years…
Source: Encor Design
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