British company Encor has unveiled the Series 1, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Lotus Esprit. The model celebrates 50 years of the original concept presented in the Salão of Paris in 1975. Production is limited to just 50 units worldwide.
The vehicle adopts an entirely carbon fiber body, replacing the original fiberglass with a more rigid and lighter structure. The design maintains the classic wedge lines, with retractable headlights updated to low-profile LEDs. The total weight is below 1,200 kg.
The mechanical base comes from the Lotus Esprit V8, with a restored original chassis and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine rebuilt for around 400 hp. Deliveries begin in the second quarter of 2026, with a starting price of £430,000, not including the donor car.
Preserved exterior design
Encor digitized the original Esprit to refine its forms with modern tools. The welding lines of the old fiberglass disappear in the new autoclaved carbon monocoque body.
The result maintains the classic visual identity, but gains cleaner and more precise surfaces. The wheel arches receive greater tension, while the shoulder line becomes more defined. The slightly wider stance accommodates contemporary tires and brakes without altering overall proportions.
The pop-up headlights integrate compact LED projectors into low-profile housings. Essa solution preserves the iconic front wedge and improves aerodynamics and nighttime performance.
Forged wheels reinterpret original designs such as mag slots and five spokes from the Sport 350. Elas combine familiar aesthetics with current structural rigidity.
Engine and performance
The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine receives forged pistons, updated injectors and remanufactured turbos. Sistemas of fuel, cooling and new stainless steel exhaust increase power to around 400 hp and torque close to 475 Nm.
The five-speed manual transmission gains a more robust axle, revised ratios, helical LSD and a customized double clutch in partnership with the Quaife. Essas changes guarantee precision and durability absent in the original.
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds
- Maximum speed close to 280 km/h
- Total weight below 1,200 kg
- Suspension based on the Sport 350 with Bilstein shock absorbers
- High-performance AP Racing brakes
- Maintained power steering for pure feedback
The philosophy prioritizes the driver’s analog experience, avoiding electronic excesses.
Reinterpreted interior
The cabin maintains a tilted dashboard, wraparound binnacle and low driving position typical of the Esprit. Todos the elements undergo reconstruction with premium materials.
The floating cluster is machined from a single block of aluminum, integrating a modern digital display. The carbon “T” center section concentrates essential controls in intuitive positions.
The original seats are restored with new foam and coverings, improving ergonomics and support. Detalhes in tartan preserves classic reference.
Infotainment system, air conditioning and 360° cameras are integrated discreetly, without compromising the analogue character. The electrical architecture was developed by Skyships Automotive.
Team and development philosophy
Encor brings together professionals with experience in Lotus, Aston Martin, Koenigsegg and Pagani. The design director, formerly of Lotus, led projects such as the Emira.
The approach treats Esprit as cultural heritage, seeking respectful evolution. Cada modification aims for original purity with gains in precision and quality impossible in the 1970s.
The donor V8’s steel backbone chassis undergoes complete disassembly, blasting and rebuilding. Essa choice maintains continuity of identity and legal registration.
Production and marketing
Manufacturing takes place in Chelmsford, in Reino Unido, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026. The process will extend until 2027 to complete the 50 units.
Customers supply Esprit own V8 as base, excluded from base price of £430,000. Opções of customization expands final values.
- Total production limited to 50 copies
- Starting price £430,000 (excluding tax or donor)
- Extensive customization in colors and finishes
- Private consultations for international clients
- Factory located at Chelmsford, Inglaterra
The model represents a controlled evolution of a classic, combining heritage with contemporary engineering.
Additional technical details
The carbon body eliminates visible joints of the original two-piece, achieving initial line purity of Giorgetto Giugiaro. Aerodinâmica benefits from cleaner surfaces.
Suspension adopts components from the Sport 350 with new uprights and adjustable shock absorbers. Direção hydraulics remain unchanged to preserve direct feedback.
The full stainless steel exhaust alters sound character while maintaining recognizable V8 soul. Enhanced Refrigeração supports high performance under heavy use.
These elements combine to deliver agile, engaging dynamics, true to the Lotus tradition of lightness and precision.
Legacy of Lotus Esprit
The original Esprit marked an era with revolutionary wedge design and memorable cinematic appearances. Version Encor extends this story to a new generation.
The project respects limitations overcome from the 1970s era, applying current technologies without distorting the essence. Resultado offers Esprit idealized, but unrealizable at the time.
