The 2002 model represents a significant milestone in the rich history of the
Lotus Elise. First unveiled in 1972 at the Turin Motor Show, production began in the mid 70s, and today the Elise is widely regarded as one of the finest super cars in the world. The 2002 edition has had a major upgrade in celebration of the model’s thirtieth anniversary.
According to Russell Carr,
Lotus Chief of Design, “The
Lotus Esprit is an iconic design, a classic blend of traditional super car razor sharp edges combined with design elements that have evolved over three decades. We therefore decided not to change the car dramatically for 2002 as this would be changing the true spirit of the Esprit, a classic super car.”
New for 2002
The rear light unit and panel, featuring pairs of rounded lights, are echoes from the Elise model. The
Lotus Sport 350’s influence can be seen in the lip spoiler, improving stability and handling at top end speeds.
The inside of the
Lotus Esprit V8 also shows some subtle alterations. The
Lotus logo is emblazoned upon new high-backed seats, which come with two-tone leather at no extra cost. Aluminium characterises the interior features, producing a lightweight, stylish and futuristic finish. The gear lever, inner door panel, inner door sill and handbrake all get the aluminium treatment, with the sill also gaining the
Lotus logo.
The wheels are now adorned with crystal titanium finish, OZ racing, multi-spoke alloys. Behind these are four-pot calipers, featuring the superior ABS system from Kelsey Hayes. The enormous 320mm diameter brake discs are vented and cross-drilled AP Racing models, fitted to both front and rear. These prevent the Esprit V8’s wheels from overheating under emergency braking at high speeds. This racing specification setup means that the Esprit is just as capable of stopping as it is of accelerating.
Vital statistics
The acceleration power is provided by a
Lotus-designed, twin turbo-charged, 3.5 litre V8 engine. The production Esprit V8 produces 350 bhp at 6500 rpm, whilst racing variants have been capable of an output of over 550 bhp with few modifications from the standard engine.
Lotus describe their engine as “…efficient, compact and lightweight.”
The Esprit V8 is fitted with an ECM which allows the engine to produce more torque in the lower gears. This results in a peak of 295 lb/ft at only 4250 rpm. It is capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds, yet has an average fuel consumption of 21.2 mpg – surprisingly efficient for a powerful super car.
The 2002
Lotus Esprit V8 went on sale in December 2001.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Brian Clebowicz for www.sport-cars.org
April 1, 2008, 10:54 am
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