Lotus Esprit Turbo

Lotus Esprit Turbo

Specs Mentioned:

Make/ Model – Lotus Esprit Turbo (1984)

Engine – 2184cc, turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder overhead valve

Power – 210bhp

Top speed – 153mph

0-60mph – 5.4 seconds

The Lotus Esprit is perhaps one of the most famous cars the British automaker has ever built. Besides being used in two James Bond films, the Esprit had an extremely long lifespan, which began in 1976 and lasted until 2004. Originally launched in 1976, the Esprit was the product of the Giorgetto Giugiaro’s wedge design theme of the era along with Lotus’ renowned chassis tuning abilities.

With its fiberglass body, steel backbone chassis, and a 2.0-liter I4 with 160hp mated to a five-speed manual, the first-generation Esprit could supposedly go from 0 to 60mph in 6.8 seconds and had a top speed of 138mph. However, many doubted this claim in the U.S. because the car was down-rated for emissions purposes. But still, the first-generation car was famous for its handling and many believe it had the best steering of any Esprit. The second generation introduced what’s known as the Essex Turbo Esprit, which was built in commemoration of Lotus’ F1 ties and their sponsorship, Essex Petroleum.

The featured car was first imported by Sri Lankan lawyer, politician and diplomat, Susil Moonesinghe in 1987. The car was then bought in 1992, who imported and fitted a new engine bringing the car back to life, the wedge design of the Lotus Esprit Turbo still looks amazing to this day.