Lotus Esprit V8 Restomod: The Shocking Secret Under the Hood REVEALED!

Forget everything you thought you knew about classic Lotus cars, because a new player has entered the restomod game. A British firm calling themselves Encor has just unveiled their first project: the Series 1, a thoroughly modern reimagining of the iconic Lotus Esprit S1. And let me tell you, it's stunning.

Lotus Esprit V8 Restomod: The Shocking Secret Unde...

Now, Encor might not be a household name just yet. But behind the brand is a veritable dream team of automotive veterans. We're talking about folks who've honed their skills at Pagani, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, Porsche, and even Lotus themselves. They’ve touched everything from the Emira to Aston Martin's Q customization program. So, while they're new as a company, they're certainly not new to the game.

The Series 1 starts life as a donor Lotus Esprit V8. Smart move, keeping that iconic "backbone" chassis – a nod to the genius of Colin Chapman. But from there, Encor takes things to a whole new level. Think of it like Singer Vehicle Design, but for Lotus. They've kept the unmistakable silhouette of the Esprit, while adding contemporary touches that are both beautiful and functional. New bumpers, stunning 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, and modern LED lighting all contribute to a fresh, aggressive stance.

It's not just about looks, though. The Series 1 boasts a new Sport 350 suspension with upgraded uprights and Bilstein dampers. All this should ensure it handles even better than the original (which was no slouch to begin with). They've even implemented a new hydraulically assisted steering setup, promising to retain that legendary Lotus steering feel. And with a target curb weight of only 2,650 pounds, it's bound to be a real thrill to drive. This lightweight is a signature piece of Lotus, so Encor has been smart to retain it.

The original 3.5-liter V-8 gets a complete overhaul. Forged pistons, larger injectors, upgraded turbos, and a stainless steel exhaust are all part of the package. The result? A healthy 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Encor is estimating a 0-62 mph time of around 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph. Oh, and thankfully, they’ve kept the manual transmission. No paddles here, folks.

Inside, the bespoke cockpit is dripping in luxury. Premium leather, Alcantara, and machined aluminum create a truly special environment. But it's not just about the materials. Modern tech is seamlessly integrated, including Apple CarPlay, 360-degree cameras, and digital climate control. The Series 1 even uses the same infotainment system as supercars from GMA and Pagani. That’s quite a statement!

So, how many of these beauties will Encor build? They're planning on a limited run of just 50 examples, all based on original Esprit V8 models. Production is currently underway, with the first customer car expected to be delivered in April. The price? A cool $575,000. It is expensive, but you are getting a true work of art, after all. If you're a Lotus enthusiast with deep pockets, this is one restomod you definitely need to have on your radar.