Lotus Unveils Radical Three-Seat Concept Car Inspired by the Esprit
Lotus has recently unveiled its latest concept car, the Theory 1, which takes inspiration from the iconic Esprit. This radical three-seat concept car has garnered a lot of attention and excitement in the automotive world. In celebration of the original Esprit, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit one of its high points: when Lotus took on Europe’s giants in the GT2 class and shocked everyone.
The Autocar Archive: A Journey Back in Time
Back in August 1995, just before the Four Hours of Silverstone race, Autocar had the opportunity to test and review the Autocar-sponsored Esprit GT2. The goal was to compare the performance of a road car with that of a racing thoroughbred. Little did they know that this experience would leave a lasting impression.
The Thrill of Driving the Esprit GT2
The article from August 23, 1995, captures the thrill and excitement of driving the Esprit GT2. The author recalls stalling the car five times before finally getting the hang of it. The Esprit GT2 proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the track, outperforming every other GT2 sports car in the BPR sportscar championship.
The Esprit S4S: A Road-Going Equivalent
Before diving into the GT2, the author reminisces about their experience driving the road-going equivalent of the Esprit GT2, the Esprit S4S. The Esprit S4S is described as a special car that always exceeds expectations. Its exceptional chassis, nimble handling, and impressive balance make it a joy to drive on the track.
The Performance Differential
To accurately assess the performance differential between a front-row supercar and its racing equivalent, Autocar enlisted the help of George Howard-Chappell, the manager of the Lotus GT Team and chief development driver for the Esprit GT2. The team used advanced technology, including speed measuring equipment and a full telemetry system, to log every aspect of the car’s performance.
The Power of the Esprit GT2
The Esprit GT2 boasts an impressive 375bhp in race trim and over 400bhp in qualifying. Its engine, a modified version of the Lotus 64 engine, delivers exceptional power and performance. With its superior speed and handling, the Esprit GT2 was unmatched in the GT2 class.
The Autocar Archive: A Treasure Trove of Automotive History
This article is just a glimpse into the rich history of the automotive world, and the Autocar Archive is a treasure trove of similar stories. With 129 years of weekly magazine content available at the click of a button, car enthusiasts can delve into the past and explore the evolution of the industry.
Conclusion
Lotus’s new Theory 1 concept car is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and design. The Esprit GT2 remains a significant milestone in Lotus’s racing history, showcasing the brand’s engineering prowess and performance capabilities. The Autocar Archive allows us to relive these moments and gain a deeper appreciation for the automotive industry’s rich heritage. So, whether you’re a fan of Lotus or simply interested in automotive history, the Autocar Archive is a valuable resource worth exploring.