Lotus..

[rob_e1]

Nice site. Not much in the way of Lotus content so i thought i'd say hello and post some pics of my Esprit.

Taken last year:
http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/1221.jpg
http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/1222.jpg

..and this one taken last week (after new mag wheels, brake upgrade and new suspension):

http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/3351.jpg

Any other lotus owners on here?

cheers
Rob

[gucom]

WOW nice car, i like the esprit and lotus in general alot. if u got more pics, plz post em! :D

[Erdmann]

Hi, welcome to this site. Very very nice Car, I love the esprit. Tlak about some facts of the motor! How much Bhp does it have?

[Jabba]

Hey....what do you mean no Lotus content....I didnt always have Ferrari's and Lamborghini's you know....

Heres a picture of my old baby....damn I still LOVE the way this car looks....

Oh yehh...and welcome to Jabbas World....

http://www.supercarshowdown.co.uk/house/u16.jpg

[rob_e1]

The car is a 1998 V8-GT. The V8-GT is a lightweight version of the esprit - its a 3.5 litre with two turbos.. 350bhp. I have an aftermarket exhaust, hi-flow filters, ecu upgrade (increased torque) AP racing brakes, adjustable bilstein suspension and magnesium alloys. :)

Jabba - nice car.. 8) thats an SE right? I had a GT3 (also 4 cylinder) before the v8.. lovely car.

[gucom]

w00t nice car Jabba... hope someday i'll own 1 of those...

[Erdmann]

Also very nice Car Jabba. rob_e1, very very very nice rims. :D They look as if they were made for this Car. And very nice stats, I think 350 bhp will do it in this Car and nice brakes. Should stop really good.

[Jabba]

Yep she was an SE Turbo....and used to destroy my Ferrari 348....in fact used to embarrass it silly....

I cant ever remember loosing a race in that Lotus to anything....it was the fastest car in the galaxy thats for sure....once I got full boost from the turbo it was all over....I would love to see how it did against a F355...I am sure there wouldn't be much in it....

An outstanding car...that I regret selling badly...totally gutted in fact...

Anyway....back to your car....I would love to see any videos of it in action or kill stories that you have to tell.....

[Jabba]

The lady Jabbas car at the time :

http://www.supercarshowdown.co.uk/house/571.jpg

[gis]

welcome to jabbasworld and very nice car.you have some nice mods on there aswell.any idea on the power now?

jabba yours was nice aswell.do either of you have any vids of them in action?

[rob_e1]

The rims are OZ "crono magnesio". They were a special made rim for the Sport 350 esprit model (of which only 50 made). Factory price to upgrade to these on my car at the time was approx 4k. I tracked down a set second hand for a lot less (took 2 years to find some for sale). The OZ's weight approx 15kg less than the original wheels. They also say "E S P R I T" on one of the spokes, which is nice..

Jabba - you can get a whole bunch of stuff for the SE these days.. lots of people offering chips etc up to 330bhp. Elan is a lovely handling car, esp for fwd.

I don't have much in the way of vids, but there's a couple i did for the guys i bought the exhaust off (pukesprit.de in germany):

http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit/products/exhaust/V8_away.avi

http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit/products/exhaust/V8_towards.avi

This was filmed last year at the old Reims GP circuit .. stopped off there on the way back from the french gp. :P

cheers
Rob

[1zippo1]

Nice car man!! It may have a few flaws, heard the gearbox is terrible... but it is an amazing & a supercool car!! I wish I had one of them in the garage.

I remember you told me that you used to have an Esprit Jabba, but I've never seen pics of it. Actually don't think I ever saw pics of a red esprit. But it goes well with that car. If I remember correctly you once said you also really liked the handling of the car. Too bad you sold it... was it maybe a trade in for the GTR33, if I may be so curious.

[gis]

nice little clips,the sound is very nice indeed :D

[rob_e1]

1zippo1 - Yes, gearbox can break if abused. My car has 73,000 hard driven miles. No poblems with the 'box. If you drive it like an open gate ferr/lambo etc and take your time with shifts you'll have no problem. Drive it like a rental and you can do some damage. Its on its design limits with 295 lb/ft of torque, however that said i know a couple of guys who've run higher boost /450bhp and more with the standard box and had no issues.

[Jabba]

I used to have alot of niggly little problems that did end up with rather a bigger one though....cam belt failure that ended up costing £5,000 for a complete engine re-build...

Shortly traded her for £16,000 after...

All I will say is when she was running right then IMO theres nothing to touch the Esprit for handling performance and looks...outstanding value for money....I would really really like to get another.....

[1zippo1]

1zippo1 - Yes, gearbox can break if abused. My car has 73,000 hard driven miles. No poblems with the 'box. If you drive it like an open gate ferr/lambo etc and take your time with shifts you'll have no problem. Drive it like a rental and you can do some damage. Its on its design limits with 295 lb/ft of torque, however that said i know a couple of guys who've run higher boost /450bhp and more with the standard box and had no issues.

interesting... allways nice to learn something more first hand about a car like this one. 450 hp in a car as light as an Esprit, that must pack an awesome punch. I'm really looking forward to the successor of this car.

EDIT: Jabba, let's hope the next Esprit will be even a bit better and if they get it right, meaning that they'll make it more reliable... that would make an nice addition to the cars you own don't you think :wink:

[rob_e1]

welcome to jabbasworld and very nice car.you have some nice mods on there aswell.any idea on the power now?


Probably not that much more than stock. I'd guess the filters and exhaust would add maybe 5-10bhp? I have some cat bypass pipes to go on at some point that should make it spool a bit quicker (and spit flames probably too!).

The V8 runs very low boost in stock form. A 'race' ecu with higher boost would give about 440bhp or so but i would not want to go that route without intercooling (none of the v8's had intercoolers) or maybe water injection. TBH the car is fast enough as it is.. better brakes have made more difference to the drive than a power increase.

cheers
Rob

[Jabba]

What is the turbo boost like when it kicks in Rob on the V8 and is it still at around 3K ?

I could never understand how the performance figures were still similar to the old 4 pot though considering it has twin turbos and a bloody great V8...yes I know there is a slight improvement in the top end....but still....

[rob_e1]

What is the turbo boost like when it kicks in Rob on the V8 and is it still at around 3K ?

I could never understand how the performance figures were still similar to the old 4 pot though considering it has twin turbos and a bloody great V8...yes I know there is a slight improvement in the top end....but still....

Not driven an SE (260 hp?) my GT3 had 240bhp. Biggest difference between that and the v8 is torque and lag. The v8 has huge torque compared to the 4 and no lag. In my GT3 off boost it was pretty useless, you'd sit there waiting for 3k+. The V8 is fast whatever gear you're in.

On a twisty road a v8 would not lose a well driven SE (remember the v8 only has +80bhp and is a little heavier than the 4). Difference is thought that the SE driver would be having to work a lot harder to keep the pace up. The V8 you can drive much more on the torque, plus react quicker to gaps in traffic or overtaking opportunities.
Open road (e.g. motorway abroad) a 4 cylinder would be blown away over 100+ mph. The v8 is simply awesome. Friend of mine had a 360 modena which was very similar performance - he had more at the top end (high revs) but the lotus had more lower down. That guy now has 550 maranello which IS quicker than the esprit once its moving :wink:

[Jabba]

What is the turbo boost like when it kicks in Rob on the V8 and is it still at around 3K ?

I could never understand how the performance figures were still similar to the old 4 pot though considering it has twin turbos and a bloody great V8...yes I know there is a slight improvement in the top end....but still....

Not driven an SE (260 hp?) my GT3 had 240bhp. Biggest difference between that and the v8 is torque and lag. The v8 has huge torque compared to the 4 and no lag. In my GT3 off boost it was pretty useless, you'd sit there waiting for 3k+. The V8 is fast whatever gear you're in.

On a twisty road a v8 would not lose a well driven SE (remember the v8 only has +80bhp and is a little heavier than the 4). Difference is thought that the SE driver would be having to work a lot harder to keep the pace up. The V8 you can drive much more on the torque, plus react quicker to gaps in traffic or overtaking opportunities.
Open road (e.g. motorway abroad) a 4 cylinder would be blown away over 100+ mph. The v8 is simply awesome. Friend of mine had a 360 modena which was very similar performance - he had more at the top end (high revs) but the lotus had more lower down. That guy now has 550 maranello which IS quicker than the esprit once its moving :wink:

Ahhhh...just as I thought.....and I always thought that poor old 4 pot was very overworked....staggering performance for such a small engine..I also remember it being quite good on fuel as well and I used it as a daily driver going everywhere for around 4 years.

Damn I would love to see a video of it up against a 360....but I would imagine it to be exactly as you describe....think of the difference in price though...I would also say the Esprit has the better driving position...its definitely more Diablo than Ferrari...it reminds me of it in so many ways...

May I ask what dealers you use...

I used to use London Lotus Centre ...that I can tell you a few horror stories about..got my first Esprit N/A from there....

Then Norfolk Motor Company...not sure if there still in business or not...got my Turbo SE and Elan SE from there

Also had some minor dealings with Nelmes in Romford...

Sold my SE to Kent Sport Cars....sadly.... :(

[Erdmann]

Nice friends, but why should a 4 cylinder-engine be blown away at more than 100 mph??? I think there are enough examples that show that a 4-cylinder can go probarly go 230-250 km/h. Or did misunderstand you?

[1zippo1]

Nice friends, but why should a 4 cylinder-engine be blown away at more than 100 mph??? I think there are enough examples that show that a 4-cylinder can go probarly go 230-250 km/h. Or did misunderstand you?

hehe, I think you're missing the point a bit :-)

I wish my German was better, but I'm not gonna try it. My German writing skills are horrible.

What's he's saying is that the V8 Esprit can accelerate much faster above 100mph then the 4 cilinder SE...

[Jabba]

I am sure that would make sense...and remember in the Clarkson drag race video it only just got beat by a 993 turbo...and they are not exactly slow....

[TT]

Hell how slow I am today? :D

The Esprit was always a marvellous car IMO, since the Mk I!

And the V8 GT is for sure a great one! And fast!

Is it your only car that you use also as a daily drive or do you have something more.. civilized? :D

[rob_e1]

TT - i ran my GT3 esprit as my only car (12 months) then ran the v8 for a further 2 years as my only means of transport. Running costs were pretty high but depreciation is the killer. My v8 has a pretty high mileage, and i didn't want to totally destroy its value - hence I have a Golf GTI now for commuting purposes :(

Erdmann - 1zippo1 is correct. The SE will probably do 160mph or so flat out but the real difference is in acceleration. The v8 would accelerate much better over 100mph :shock:

Jabba - i use Nick Whale Sportscars in Birmingham. Not cheap, but they know Esprits. Regarding fuel - i got about 21mpg out of the GT3, the V8 is about the same on a long run. Give it some stick though and you'll drop that right down :twisted:

Not sure how the 993TT performs but i guess very similar to the Esprit. My car will (allegedly) do 0-100 in about 9.5 or so.

R

[stradale]

Wow, marvellous car, Rob! I'll join the guys that like to see more of it. The wheels are great, OZ really makes the best looking rims. Nice to learn something about Esprits as well.

Jabba, your Esprit and Elan also look wonderful. I knew you had an Esprit, but had never seen pics of it before.

[Erdmann]

hehe, I think you're missing the point a bit :-)

I wish my German was better, but I'm not gonna try it. My German writing skills are horrible.

What's he's saying is that the V8 Esprit can accelerate much faster above 100mph then the 4 cilinder SE...

Ah, thanks. Than I missunderstood him. Now I got the point, but you see like your german my english is not the best. :D

[novass]

Very nice Lotus Rob! Ive always been a big fan of the Esprit. I dled the 2 vids and the car sounds great too. Welcome to JW!

@Jabba-I think thats the first time ive seen a pic of your Lotus. Its a beauty!

BTW-anyone know how much the 3.5 liter V8 in the Esprit weighs and where I could possibly find one? Do they sell it as a crate engine anywhere. Doesnt have to be a Lotus(though that would be nice), but if anyone has any info on small displacement V8s let me know. I would love to get my hands on one of those engines.

[adlinyusman]

nice car, it's sad that the esprit has shipped it's last production car a month ago. Can't wait for the new esprit.

When i was younger i watched the movie, "If looks could kill," which was a teenage movie about a kid who wanted to be james bond, he drove the esprit in the movie and i've been lusting after one ever since. Unfortunately, it's really hard to find one over here. How much is the value of a used '94 and above (the turbo not the N/A). 30k quid?

[novass]

When i was younger i watched the movie, "If looks could kill"


LOL I remember that movie with Richard Grieco. That was on the other day. Between that and Bond ive always wanted a Lotus. If only the missles, guns, etc really came with the car. Even if they dont, I still want one.

[dropot2]

Very nice car rob!!!! Yesterday I saw a Esprit like yours in the motorway and its sound was quite impressive! Thank you for these short vids! :D
________
100 \COMMANDO\"" (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Dodge_100_\Commando\"")

[rob_e1]

Thanks for the positive comments guys.

Some more pics:

http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/3433.jpg
http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/3453.jpg
http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/3454.jpg
http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/3192.jpg
http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/3434.jpg



novass - not sure about the weight of the v8. Check out www.lotusespritworld.com for some good info on the lotus v8.

Cheers
Rob

[Jabba]

http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/3434.jpg

Lovely picture... 8) 8) 8)

[novass]

Ya great photos. Its a really sexy car IMO. And thanks for the link, im gonna check it out in depth later on. :D

[Fast_car006]

Welcome to the site. The car look great! I've always been a fan of the Espirit.

[VerderameJ]

Very nice Lotus. I have always wanted and Esprit myself. Never could decide on which generation I liked best though....and they did just seem to get better and better. Still think I will get either an 89 turbo or a mid 90's S4...but who knows what I will end up with in the end...
Love those wheels on there too. Very nice looking and the ESPRIT on them is a nice touch, did you notice any difference with them...or just using them for asthetics...

[adlinyusman]

nice colour, but doesn't it get dirty often? I always hate when silver dirties just by looking at it.

[rob_e1]

VerderameJ - the wheels save aprox 15kg, which is always a good thing, but to be honest, no, you don't actually feel a difference when driving :)

adlinyusman - don't find silver is a particularly bad colour for getting dirty :? but i'm more interested in driving than polishing in any case, so it does not bother me. Why spend time waxing when you could be driving :wink:

Cheers
Rob

[DR.GONZO]

nice ride rob_e1 and jabba, I like those little clips of your car sounds Nice! :)

[VerderameJ]

15kg is quite a bit. but I would expect that you would have to remove more than that to really notice it. Didn't you say you changed the suspension at the same time? That might have effected the impression of the ride if you did them both at the same time....

[irrational_i]

Hmmm. For some reason I always thought the Esprit - even the V8 version - should really compete with the Honda/Acura NSX? I suppose they just seem similar to me in looks. I have seen a few Esprits (NSX too come to think of it.) on the road here(mostly older models) but have never been in one. I have been told that the Ferrari 348 is a dog of a car and a 328 is preferable. (I'd go for a 365 boxer - 512BB later models). I do find it very hard to believe that the Esprit could really beat an F355 in any way, 348 I can accept easily. A question though. Does this Esprit have "Active suspension"?

[irrational_i]

Oh forgot to add: It looks great in Silver! Seems like you really love and enjoy your car. As it should be.

On the cleaning point -
My car is Silver too. Dirt is not so bad, but it looks so great when clean. And if you park it on gravel at sunset or early morning the effect is breathtaking. <grin>

[rob_e1]

Hmmm. For some reason I always thought the Esprit - even the V8 version - should really compete with the Honda/Acura NSX? I suppose they just seem similar to me in looks. I have seen a few Esprits (NSX too come to think of it.) on the road here(mostly older models) but have never been in one. I have been told that the Ferrari 348 is a dog of a car and a 328 is preferable. (I'd go for a 365 boxer - 512BB later models). I do find it very hard to believe that the Esprit could really beat an F355 in any way, 348 I can accept easily. A question though. Does this Esprit have "Active suspension"?

Active suspension, er.. no. Lotus were leaders in that technology for racing cars, and built some road cars for evaluation purposes about ten years ago but the production cars never had this technology.

Regarding esprit v8 vs. 355. I've driven both 355 GTS and GTB. Ferrari has a little more power than the esprit but i found that it didn't really get going until you've wound it up.. esprit has more torque which is delivered from low revs. My preference in driving is torque over high end power, also a v8 esprit is much cheaper to buy than a Ferrari.. Ferrari wins easily on sound though 8) that v8 wails!

They're both great cars. On real roads with average drivers there would be nothing between them.

:D

[PATo355]

http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/LOTUS/3434.jpg

Lovely picture... 8) 8) 8)

For a lovely car 8) 8) 8)

[v12kid]

here is my friends Esprit

very nice example of the S4



http://www.hideinmy.com/trip/data/media/2/100_2048.JPG

[normy360]

I've always liked the Esprit. Theyr'e not making them for the US market anymore, I understand. Is that true of the European market too?

[rob_e1]

I've always liked the Esprit. Theyr'e not making them for the US market anymore, I understand. Is that true of the European market too?

Yes, its true. In fact the last esprits made went to the usa.

New esprit due 2005 (allegedly!).

[Erez]

here is my friends Esprit

very nice example of the S4



http://www.hideinmy.com/trip/data/media/2/100_2048.JPG

dude.. are you from SC? cause a dude i know from SC had the same logo as you and posted about his friend's Esprit..

[redleicester]

Lurvely car. Very nearly bought one instead of my TVR, but then I was looking at a Diamond White 1980 Turbo, and decided that gorgeous though it was, I couldn't afford the Safari Suit and wide collar shirts so that I could really look like Roger Moore...... plus sadly it didn't come with Barbara Bach in the glovebox.... :fist:

[SamuraiGti]

I love the wheels that you put in you car! :mrgreen:

[Paul_e]

Nice car