Lotus Spirit S1 reveals ‘remastered’

Just when it seemed as if every sports car on the planet, from MX-5 to Diablo, was enjoyed in the sun in the sun, so there is a newcomer in our midst. This, or at least the car that hides somewhere in the photos, is the Encor Series 1, also known as a reinvestion of the original Lotus Esprit. Today, exactly 50 years ago, the wraps in Paris marked, so no better time to reveal a remastered take of 50 units.

Interestingly, Encor will build series 1 from the later Esprit V8 basic principles, albeit with even more power of the Twin-Turbo 3.5-liter and ‘improved drivability and larger daily usability’. Let’s hope that the gearbox, always an Achilles heel of the Esprit, can also benefit from any improvement. Although there is not yet a word about what will change for the suspension, brakes and tires to turn an Esprit V8 into an Encor Series 1, they are dedicated to a new carbon body instead of the fiber optic original, which will of course be for Karbweight and stiffness. The original POP utilizers are again as LED projectors.

The interior will be overhauled on the usual Restomod -Koer: keep the residents cool, comfortable and entertained, in principle. So the series 1 will have CarPlay, climate control that really works and many beautiful materials. Maybe even a tartan, if you’re lucky. Encor suggests that it will be a ‘space that will balance timeless shape with contemporary comfort’.

Everything sounds pretty good now, especially with some former Lotus people in the Encor team. Daniel Durrant was the main designer on the Emira, so it is well qualified to evolve the Esprit; Simon Lane was also head of the advanced performance for a period. The latter said: “Our mission is to elevate the Esprit for a new era without sacrificing his soul.” Full details and photos will come next month, but there is already a prize: it is £ 430,000, excluding donor vehicle. Dear hunting on an Esprit V8. Of course we covered you there …