The Lotus Esprit Series 2 Sports Car

A overview of The Lotus Esprit Sequence 2 Sports Motor vehicle, covering advancement, important functions, and technological knowledge of this the eighteenth design in the Lotus variety.

In this Short article, I present a nostalgic search at the Lotus Esprit Collection 2, one of an elite team of classic autos, which was manufactured all through the period of time 1977 to 1981.

The Lotus Esprit Collection 2

In the course of its two yr creation run, the Collection 1 Esprit experienced gained a variety of criticisms from the push and customers, which induced Lotus to request means to increase the auto.

The result of this was the start of the two door, two seater, Sequence 2 variant in June 1978.

The only mechanical adjustments were being the introduction of a modified camshaft, and the substitute of the authentic Wolfrace wheels with 14 inch Speedline alloy equivalents.

The most apparent exterior alterations were being:

  • Entrance underneath nose spoiler was blended into the condition of the motor vehicle
  • Engine compartment air intakes now moved driving the rear aspect windows to aid the movement of chilly air into the engine bay
  • Rover SDI rear lights replaced those from the Fiat X19
  • Headlights were now lifted by two electric motors
  • Redesigned, broader seats
  • New instrument cluster and a electronic clock
  • Redesigned motor address
  • The emblem “Esprit” replaced “Lotus” on the bonnet, with “Esprit S2” at the rear

There was a promotional coup when Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson gained the to start with two Series 2 athletics cars.

At the NEC Motor Display in Oct 1978, Lotus released a limited edition of 100 of the Series 2 which displayed the black and gold John Player Particular livery.

This was to commemorate Mario Andretti successful the Components 1 World Championship, driving a Lotus 79 JPS Mark 4.

Every of these 100 vehicles acquired an person plaque, fitted to the dashboard, which had been individually signed by Colin Chapman.

Amongst 1978 and 1979, it has been believed that, in point, 149 of the JPS variant had been created.

The Series 2 even now retained a drag coefficient of only .34, even though its top rated pace was 124 mph, with a -60 mph time of 8.4 secs, and an over-all gas use of 24 mpg.

Involving June 1978 and January 1980, when the Sequence 2 was discontinued, a full of 1,060 models had been designed.

The Lotus Esprit Sequence 2.2

The even more growth of the Esprit was by implies of the introduction of a far more versatile and effective engine.

The resolution was not only to improve the stroke of the unique Style 907 engine, which would present it with much more reduced velocity and mid assortment torque, but also incorporating a new crankshaft.

The outcome was that the capacity was greater from 1973 cc to 2174 cc, with a corresponding maximize in torque.

This motor was now selected the Form 912.

Furthermore, an equivalent Form 911 engine was utilized, in March 1979, to electric power the new Sunbeam Lotus “scorching hatch”, selected the Lotus 81.

In January 1980, the Sequence 2 Esprit was changed by the Sequence 2.2 sporting activities motor vehicle, which now included the new Style 912 motor, a galvanized chassis, and a modified, element stainless metal, exhaust technique.

Engine Energy Torque

1973 cc Sort 907 as made use of 160 bhp @ 6200 rpm 140 ft/lbs @ 4900 rpm in the Series 1 and 2

2174 cc Type 911 as employed 150 bhp @ 5750 rpm 150 ft/lbs @ 4500 rpm in the Sunbeam Lotus

2174 cc Type 912 as utilised 160 bhp @ 6500 rpm 160 ft/lbs @ 5000 rpm in the Sequence 2.2

Externally, it was only the new “Esprit 2.2” badge at the rear that heralded the uprated motor.

It made use of two twin choke Dell’Orto DHLA4SE carburettors, a glassfibre strengthened plastic (GRP) overall body, 9.7 inch front disc brakes and 10.6 inch rear discs, and a compression ratio of 9.4:1.

The Series 2.2 was produced in between May 1980 and June 1981, when only 88 units were being built.

This product was released as a prevent hole evaluate, prior to the introduction of the Collection 3 variant.

This marked the close of the Lotus Esprit Collection 2

Probably this stroll down memory lane could possibly have answered, or at the very least drop gentle on, a feasible problem:

Which Morgan Sporting activities Car is Your Favorite?

However, must this concern still continue to be unanswered, I will be reviewing, in some detail, in foreseeable future posts inside this website, the total selection of Morgan sports cars which have been highlighted in the unforgettable era spanning 1911 to 1996.

I hope you sign up for me in my nostalgic travels “down athletics motor vehicle memory lane”.