Vehicle Class:
Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seater sports car
Brand Segment:
Exotic/Performance
Key Competitors Era:
Ferrari F355, Porsche 911 (993), Chevrolet Corvette C5, Lamborghini Diablo
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency, and driver-focused experience
Distinctive Characteristics:
Striking wedge-shaped styling, composite body panels, and powerful V8 engine in later models.
Powertrain:
Engine (4-cylinder and V8), Transmission, Clutch, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System
Chassis And Suspension:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brake System, Wheels and Tires
Body And Interior:
Body Structure, Glazing, Door Weatherstrips, Windows Lift, Exterior Hardware and Trim, Interior Trim, Sound Insulation, Seat and Seat Belts, Pedal Box and Fascia
Electrical And HVAC:
Electrics, Engine Management, Heater / Air Conditioning, Supplementary Inflatable Restraint (Airbag), Lables and Literature
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Lubrication, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Belt Adjustments and Replacements
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault finding charts, diagnostic codes, troubleshooting procedures for all major systems
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, etc.
Technical Specifications:
Detailed specifications for all components, torque values, clearances, and performance data
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and bodywork repairs.
Engine Configuration:
Mid-mounted V8
Engine Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3506 cc)
Engine Code Identifier:
LEV (Lotus-engine V8)
Cylinder Head Design:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Induction:
Twin-turbocharged
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 82.7 mm
Horsepower:
350 bhp (261 kW) @ 6500 rpm (initial V8 models)
Torque:
295 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 4200 rpm (initial V8 models)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with twin turbochargers
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
ECM Type:
Lotus 'Lotus Engine Management' (LEM) system
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, Viscosity 10W-50 or 15W-50 recommended. Consult manual for specific grade.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.8 Liters (7.2 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Spark Plug Type:
NGK PFR7B-11 (or equivalent) - check manual for exact application
Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Gearbox Model:
ZF S5-18/3 (or similar variants for specific years)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate dry clutch (for V8 models)
Fluid Specification:
GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (consult manual for exact specification and brand recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Capacity
Capacity:
Approx. 2.3 Liters (2.4 US Quarts)
Length:
Approx. 4400 mm (173.2 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1860 mm (73.2 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1150 mm (45.3 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2440 mm (96.1 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1500 kg (3197-3307 lbs) depending on V8 specification
Crash Test Information:
Limited formal crash test data available for this era of exotic sports cars. Focus on design intent for occupant protection.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated and cross-drilled (specific sizes vary by year and specification, often AP Racing calipers).
ABS:
Available on later models, typically Bosch ABS system.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard. Passenger airbag optional or standard on later models. Supplementary Inflatable Restraint (SIR) covered.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts
Audio System:
Basic period-appropriate cassette or CD players, often upgraded by owners.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (air conditioning).
Traction Control:
Available on some V8 models, often integrated with the engine management.
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards; focus is on driving dynamics rather than integrated tech.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check and potentially replace every 12,000 - 24,000 miles (refer to manual for specific V8 engine needs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A for V8 (belt-driven cams on V8). 4-cylinder models would have specific intervals.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Common Problems:
Electrical gremlins, turbocharger issues (especially on high-mileage examples), suspension wear, potential for chassis corrosion (if not properly maintained/stored).
Maintenance Recommendation:
Due to the exotic nature and specific engineering, regular specialized maintenance is crucial for longevity and reliability.
Founder:
Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman
Brand Philosophy:
Simplify, then add lightness.
Esprite Introduction:
Original Esprit launched in 1976.
S4 Introduction:
The S4 (Sport 4) was introduced in 1993, featuring revised styling and updated chassis.
V8 Introduction:
The V8 model, featuring the Lotus-designed 3.5L V8 twin-turbo engine, debuted in 1996.
V8 Variants:
Various V8 variants including the GT3 (single turbo, 4-cylinder), S4S (Sport 4 S), GT, and V8 Sport.
Production Period:
1976 - 2004
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, England
