If you could improve the Esprit?
Discussion
Mmmm the basic shape is pretty perfect for me but there are the obvious mechanical improvements that would HAVE to be made.
Gearbox and linkage primarily
Vastly improved structural rigidity
Increased lightness with composites
Increased engine reliabilty and tweaks that keep it all clean and leak free
More room for driver and passenger, head, leg and sideways
Less electrical gizmos, who needs electric windows and mirrors???
Coming complete with plug in fault finder that indicates exactly what it sees instead of having to go round the houses with bleeps and laptops etc.
cant think of anything else but have a list as long as your arm.
(I am a bit picky, though)
If you had design control over the
next generation improvment of the
Esprit what would you have done?
Not a replacement like the current (2006/2007)
Lotus car to replace the Esprit.
But just improve over the 1976-2004 esprit.
Gearbox and linkage primarily
Vastly improved structural rigidity
Increased lightness with composites
Increased engine reliabilty and tweaks that keep it all clean and leak free
More room for driver and passenger, head, leg and sideways
Less electrical gizmos, who needs electric windows and mirrors???
Coming complete with plug in fault finder that indicates exactly what it sees instead of having to go round the houses with bleeps and laptops etc.
cant think of anything else but have a list as long as your arm.
(I am a bit picky, though)
If you had design control over the
next generation improvment of the
Esprit what would you have done?
Not a replacement like the current (2006/2007)
Lotus car to replace the Esprit.
But just improve over the 1976-2004 esprit.
Ohhhh what a nice topic ! ;o)
I would take the last V8 model and improve that a bit ...
Here we go:
- basic shape is pretty perfect, maybe less front overhang should be fine
)
- Gearbox upgrade (the basic UN1 should be fine with additional à la Derek bell primary shaft upgrade)
- gearbox linkage in the latest versions is OK, IMHO no need to change this
- improved structural rigidity ... great idea !!!
- improved main front coolant radiator (quality)
- basic V8 engine is just fine, maybe some additional fine-tuning: balanced/matched rods, pistons, crank, slightly improved turbos ... I would like to have this engine a bit more aggressive/revvy ;o)
- remap ECU
- sports seats
- better cats (maybe metal ones ;o)
- better engine mountings (the black rubber mountings are way toooo soft)
- better wastegate capsules
- better exhaust that does not crack and fall apart
- better cambelt tensiors that do not like to loosen that much
- better auxiliary shaft bolt that does not like to undo itself ....(
Generally I would also remove all these little helpers that only do add wheight and unreliability ... ;o)
The new model should get named Esprit V8 GT-R)))
Engine output should be around 410HP (is doable) and kerb weight should be not more than 1390kg (is also doable)
Great idea ... let take a good concept, put the whole thing on a diet, improve it and also get some bugs out ... a true classic !
Cheers
Marcus
I would take the last V8 model and improve that a bit ...
Here we go:
- basic shape is pretty perfect, maybe less front overhang should be fine
) - Gearbox upgrade (the basic UN1 should be fine with additional à la Derek bell primary shaft upgrade)
- gearbox linkage in the latest versions is OK, IMHO no need to change this
- improved structural rigidity ... great idea !!!
- improved main front coolant radiator (quality)
- basic V8 engine is just fine, maybe some additional fine-tuning: balanced/matched rods, pistons, crank, slightly improved turbos ... I would like to have this engine a bit more aggressive/revvy ;o)
- remap ECU
- sports seats
- better cats (maybe metal ones ;o)
- better engine mountings (the black rubber mountings are way toooo soft)
- better wastegate capsules
- better exhaust that does not crack and fall apart
- better cambelt tensiors that do not like to loosen that much
- better auxiliary shaft bolt that does not like to undo itself ....
( Generally I would also remove all these little helpers that only do add wheight and unreliability ... ;o)
The new model should get named Esprit V8 GT-R
))) Engine output should be around 410HP (is doable) and kerb weight should be not more than 1390kg (is also doable)
Great idea ... let take a good concept, put the whole thing on a diet, improve it and also get some bugs out ... a true classic !
Cheers
Marcus
I agree with all the above. I would also:
1. What about a modem for instant diagnosis by the factory for a small fee. This would cost about fifty quid to fit and would avoid loads of not driving whilst waiting for a Tech 1 test.
2. Make the glass and composite rooves interchangeable for all markets.
3. Fit the electronic hand brake from Jaguar. This would be a major help in hilly areas.
4. Slightly re-engineer the removable roof so that it would fit in the car instead of being left at home.
5. Windscreen washer diffusers, Jaguar again. Much better than the prostatic dribble from two small jets.
6. My son suggests "more interestig doors" and I agree althought this would probably be prohibitively expensive.
7. Re-instate fuel fillers on both sides of the car.
8. Fit a large removable panel in the engine bulkhead allowing access to cam belts, fan belt etc.
9. Sequential gearbox with optional paddle shift or fully automatic. My wife might even drive it then!
10. Fully automatic climate control. This is massively better than thermostatic air con like that on the Esprit.
11. Re-instate the storage tray in the centre tunnel.
12. Fit a battery conditioner socket in an easily accessed place in the rear luggage compartment.
13. Fit luggage bay courtesy light switches like the ones used by Mercedes-Benz. These can be pulled out slightly to switch the light off and this is then cancelled by closing the compartment lid. In other words, you can switch the boot light off to avoid a flat battery if you want the boot open for a while, but this is cancelled by closing the boot so that next time you need the light in the dark, it will be returned to normal "on" mode.
14. A parking aid would be nice, front and rear. I, of course, don't need one! But it would avoid the occasional scrape!
15. A small stay on the glove box with self releasing mechanism like wardrobe top boxes have. This would allow the very useful one handed operation of the glove box and its contents.
16. Photochromatic rear view mirrors.
17. Aircraft quality sheathing for door loom to correct exposed wiring from split sheathing that all Esprits have.
18. Mechanism (electrical) which causes headlamp flash switch to flash front fog lights if the headlamp pods are closed in order to allow daytime flashing without having to wait for pods to open. Standard operation would apply at night.
19. Starter switch (Big and red!) (and illuminated!)
20. Optional Estika display (See my article: You'll want one !) This is one of the best £70 I ever spent and never fails to raise a smile!
Having said all that, the Esprit is, was and always will be practically perfect in every way as far as I'm concerned.
1. What about a modem for instant diagnosis by the factory for a small fee. This would cost about fifty quid to fit and would avoid loads of not driving whilst waiting for a Tech 1 test.
2. Make the glass and composite rooves interchangeable for all markets.
3. Fit the electronic hand brake from Jaguar. This would be a major help in hilly areas.
4. Slightly re-engineer the removable roof so that it would fit in the car instead of being left at home.
5. Windscreen washer diffusers, Jaguar again. Much better than the prostatic dribble from two small jets.
6. My son suggests "more interestig doors" and I agree althought this would probably be prohibitively expensive.
7. Re-instate fuel fillers on both sides of the car.
8. Fit a large removable panel in the engine bulkhead allowing access to cam belts, fan belt etc.
9. Sequential gearbox with optional paddle shift or fully automatic. My wife might even drive it then!
10. Fully automatic climate control. This is massively better than thermostatic air con like that on the Esprit.
11. Re-instate the storage tray in the centre tunnel.
12. Fit a battery conditioner socket in an easily accessed place in the rear luggage compartment.
13. Fit luggage bay courtesy light switches like the ones used by Mercedes-Benz. These can be pulled out slightly to switch the light off and this is then cancelled by closing the compartment lid. In other words, you can switch the boot light off to avoid a flat battery if you want the boot open for a while, but this is cancelled by closing the boot so that next time you need the light in the dark, it will be returned to normal "on" mode.
14. A parking aid would be nice, front and rear. I, of course, don't need one! But it would avoid the occasional scrape!
15. A small stay on the glove box with self releasing mechanism like wardrobe top boxes have. This would allow the very useful one handed operation of the glove box and its contents.
16. Photochromatic rear view mirrors.
17. Aircraft quality sheathing for door loom to correct exposed wiring from split sheathing that all Esprits have.
18. Mechanism (electrical) which causes headlamp flash switch to flash front fog lights if the headlamp pods are closed in order to allow daytime flashing without having to wait for pods to open. Standard operation would apply at night.
19. Starter switch (Big and red!) (and illuminated!)
20. Optional Estika display (See my article: You'll want one !) This is one of the best £70 I ever spent and never fails to raise a smile!
Having said all that, the Esprit is, was and always will be practically perfect in every way as far as I'm concerned.
who ever hear of an improved daiblo, or ferrari, or maclaren... or anything exotic.. ?
the Esprit may have been ahead of its time and is a great car as it was.. adding a lamp to the vanity mirror is pure SUV "my car has more features than your" type of bantor..
I say go with a clean sheet. take what you have learned and build a new exotic car. Make a new lotus with a new name.. this is not a Beetle or Fiat Punto. It is not a 911 or an M3..
Some things dont need optimising,, they just need new technology... Take a Ferrari 308, 328, 348.. are they all the NEW 308?? No, just new models.... I say bringn on the new car, and the new name, and forget feature.. we need performance.
How many cupholder reviews are there of a Lambo?..
lol just adding a twist to the thread... no strong offence meant to be taken,,,
the Esprit may have been ahead of its time and is a great car as it was.. adding a lamp to the vanity mirror is pure SUV "my car has more features than your" type of bantor..
I say go with a clean sheet. take what you have learned and build a new exotic car. Make a new lotus with a new name.. this is not a Beetle or Fiat Punto. It is not a 911 or an M3..
Some things dont need optimising,, they just need new technology... Take a Ferrari 308, 328, 348.. are they all the NEW 308?? No, just new models.... I say bringn on the new car, and the new name, and forget feature.. we need performance.
How many cupholder reviews are there of a Lambo?..
lol just adding a twist to the thread... no strong offence meant to be taken,,,
Hmmmm. Well, I def. go to one seat. In the center of the car too. I guess it should be open wheel with a mid engine and fins. Maybe black... Oh wait. Sorry. dreaming about the Lotus F1 cars again! I really wish the parent company in asia would buy out Minardi or start up the Lotus team again! Would it not be cool to have a Lotus F1 again?
As for the Esprit... My favorite body was the early S-body with a modified 'open' rear end more like the
V-8(I'm an 80's guy!) I guess I'd Go with a stronger gear box for sure with taller gears down low. But overall, I am one of those guys that would have to put in some thought as I think things should stay true to the original idea... I'll have to put in some thought.
Drive topless!!!
Cameron
Hi all. Let me introduce myself. My name is Tony Kimberley and my father, Mike Kimberley was instrumental in developing the Esprit (As Technical Director on the project). I'd like to answer a couple of items mentioned by cross-eyed-twit.
The problem with the interior space was, unfortunately, Colins (Chapman) fault as my father wanted the wheel base at least 2 inches longer. After a board meeting it was agreed by Colin (who was 5ft 8in tall) that my dad (who is 6ft 6in tall)could have his way and make the car bigger inside by the wheel base adjustment. Dad smugly went to visit their US dealers and whilst away Colin changed it back and put it into development. When Dad came back it was too late to change back. It was typical Colin and what made him a great man......and a stubborn one!
I also have to ask, would you seriously want to change it? Don't forget this car was developed in the 70's and is a credit to all involved that it has only just finished production.
Great Forum.
The problem with the interior space was, unfortunately, Colins (Chapman) fault as my father wanted the wheel base at least 2 inches longer. After a board meeting it was agreed by Colin (who was 5ft 8in tall) that my dad (who is 6ft 6in tall)could have his way and make the car bigger inside by the wheel base adjustment. Dad smugly went to visit their US dealers and whilst away Colin changed it back and put it into development. When Dad came back it was too late to change back. It was typical Colin and what made him a great man......and a stubborn one!
I also have to ask, would you seriously want to change it? Don't forget this car was developed in the 70's and is a credit to all involved that it has only just finished production.
Great Forum.
Wow, pleasure to chat with ya Tony, thanks for posting.
I am sure the only reason we post this stuff is because we are all different and the car, being a very limited production run thing, is not as 'developed' as, say, a Merc or Lexus. The customer does a little R&D which is fed back to the factory for future upgrading.
This doesn't detract from the joy of these great cars, you just need slightly deeper pockets and a greater commitment. One of which I have, the other I buy lottery tickets for...
I agree it is a credit to the chaps at Hethel, not many cars have had a production run as long as Concorde was operational for. Impressive stuff. Its just that as time goes on, technology gets better and we, the owners, can improve on things that Lotus may not have had the funding to develop, such as electric chargecooler pumps, brake kits for older cars, uprated gearkits and clutches etc. All little tweaks that improve the cars and keep them on the road longer. That last statement is key. I intend to run mine till I can't drive any more or am able to afford a new one.
Of course what we the owners don't realise is the cost of implementing all these good ideas by the car manufacturer, how tough it would be to get the car through all the rigorous approval and emmissions legislation etc. A compromise has to be met, unfortunately. I just wish I had as much money as Roman Abramovitch...
Cheers
ps, it would be great if your Dad was 'listening in' or maybe could chime in now and then.
I am sure the only reason we post this stuff is because we are all different and the car, being a very limited production run thing, is not as 'developed' as, say, a Merc or Lexus. The customer does a little R&D which is fed back to the factory for future upgrading.
This doesn't detract from the joy of these great cars, you just need slightly deeper pockets and a greater commitment. One of which I have, the other I buy lottery tickets for...
I agree it is a credit to the chaps at Hethel, not many cars have had a production run as long as Concorde was operational for. Impressive stuff. Its just that as time goes on, technology gets better and we, the owners, can improve on things that Lotus may not have had the funding to develop, such as electric chargecooler pumps, brake kits for older cars, uprated gearkits and clutches etc. All little tweaks that improve the cars and keep them on the road longer. That last statement is key. I intend to run mine till I can't drive any more or am able to afford a new one.
Of course what we the owners don't realise is the cost of implementing all these good ideas by the car manufacturer, how tough it would be to get the car through all the rigorous approval and emmissions legislation etc. A compromise has to be met, unfortunately. I just wish I had as much money as Roman Abramovitch...
Cheers
ps, it would be great if your Dad was 'listening in' or maybe could chime in now and then.
HI,
Interesting thread, but seemingly a futile excercise. Since the new car is going to be a White Paper project, and since this wishlist isn't likely to make it into the Lotus/Proton Boardroom, it's seems like mainly venting to me.
No car is the Perfect Car, posing this same question to the Ferrari, Lambo, McLaren, Porsche, MB, BMW, Corvette, Viper, Jag forums is bound to elicit similar disatisfactions or suggestions. The fact is, these idiosyncrasies are what give a car it's distinctive Flavor and distinguish it from all the other models out there.
Not to mention, that this kind of hindsight, with it's total lack of prioritizing for design, engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, competing designs, marketing, unit cost and sales price can make a Design Genius out of anyone.
The Esprit has stood the test of time, exactly as it is. It has lasted longer than any other Sports Car model except maybe the Porsche 911. That alone is quite a testament to all those at Hethel who got it mostly right.
Happy Motoring! ...Jim '00 Boxster
Interesting thread, but seemingly a futile excercise. Since the new car is going to be a White Paper project, and since this wishlist isn't likely to make it into the Lotus/Proton Boardroom, it's seems like mainly venting to me.
No car is the Perfect Car, posing this same question to the Ferrari, Lambo, McLaren, Porsche, MB, BMW, Corvette, Viper, Jag forums is bound to elicit similar disatisfactions or suggestions. The fact is, these idiosyncrasies are what give a car it's distinctive Flavor and distinguish it from all the other models out there.
Not to mention, that this kind of hindsight, with it's total lack of prioritizing for design, engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, competing designs, marketing, unit cost and sales price can make a Design Genius out of anyone.
The Esprit has stood the test of time, exactly as it is. It has lasted longer than any other Sports Car model except maybe the Porsche 911. That alone is quite a testament to all those at Hethel who got it mostly right.
Happy Motoring! ...Jim '00 Boxster
Cross-eyed-twit..yes I agree that technology moves on, what you can't forget is that a large percentage of that technology is designed, invented and sold/used by Lotus Engineering who (and you may not know this as alot is developed for other manufacturers) have done everything from light tanks to aero engines, active suspension to push bikes, etc etc.
Everyone to their own, though I prefer them original and when I have bought classic cars in the past I have put them back the way they should be, makes them more valuable anyway!
For me, the best car was the original Turbo Esprit....maybe the Essex special edition. My dad's is the Excel....but what does he know he was only a designer, come MD...haha
Everyone to their own, though I prefer them original and when I have bought classic cars in the past I have put them back the way they should be, makes them more valuable anyway!
For me, the best car was the original Turbo Esprit....maybe the Essex special edition. My dad's is the Excel....but what does he know he was only a designer, come MD...haha
I'm a fairly new esprit owner but have wanted one since childhood.... and that says it all for me. These are cars that dreams are made of.
I have just done a 1000 mile round trip to the nurburgring and back in comfort (I'm 6'1") and devastatingly quickly both on and off the track.
I really can't think of any other car I would rather do it in than the esprit (sport 350).
the only niggle I had was fishing around for 2nd gear sometimes on the track, but the tourque in 3rd gear was an able substitute instead.
And I agree, we need the Lotus name back in F1.... but only if proton commit in the way renault have done
Tassa
I have just done a 1000 mile round trip to the nurburgring and back in comfort (I'm 6'1") and devastatingly quickly both on and off the track.
I really can't think of any other car I would rather do it in than the esprit (sport 350).
the only niggle I had was fishing around for 2nd gear sometimes on the track, but the tourque in 3rd gear was an able substitute instead.
And I agree, we need the Lotus name back in F1.... but only if proton commit in the way renault have done
Tassa
I'm a fairly new esprit owner but have wanted one since childhood.... and that says it all for me. These are cars that dreams are made of.
I have just done a 1000 mile round trip to the nurburgring and back in comfort (I'm 6'1") and devastatingly quickly both on and off the track.
I really can't think of any other car I would rather do it in than the esprit (sport 350).
the only niggle I had was fishing around for 2nd gear sometimes on the track, but the tourque in 3rd gear was an able substitute instead.
And I agree, we need the Lotus name back in F1.... but only if proton commit in the way renault have done
Tassa
I have just done a 1000 mile round trip to the nurburgring and back in comfort (I'm 6'1") and devastatingly quickly both on and off the track.
I really can't think of any other car I would rather do it in than the esprit (sport 350).
the only niggle I had was fishing around for 2nd gear sometimes on the track, but the tourque in 3rd gear was an able substitute instead.
And I agree, we need the Lotus name back in F1.... but only if proton commit in the way renault have done
Tassa
Tassa said:
I'm a fairly new esprit owner ...And I agree, we need the Lotus name back in F1.... but only if proton commit in the way renault have done
Tassa
Hi,
Just my own $0.02 here, but I wouldn't look for the Lotus name to appear back in F1 anytime soon, at least not solo.
Given the tremendous effort and resources required to field a competitive Grand Prix team nowadays, as well as the increasing sense of National Pride emerging from Industrial Asian nations, it's likely that the Proton name will figure prominently, if not predominate, should they elect to support such a team.
Happy Motoring! ...Jim'00 Boxster
scoule said:
Does your dad think the Esprit V8 might drop into the Excel in normally aspirated form? And old N/A dev engines available? ...
Sorry, I think that the V8 Mid engined will not fit in any form, into the Front Engined Excel. V8 was ok but best engine by far was the old 4cyl 2.2 Turbo.
Take no offense Kimber to the topic of discussion. It difficult to live and dream Lotus until you eventually buy one with this perfect car in mind, only to find it has faults. Most of these are not design. My biggest complaint is the transmission. The only other grip I had was changed in 2002 with the new tail lights and the center exhaust was a good touch. The headlights are a little dim, but that's a legal requirement that a US$30.00 aftermarket bulb will fix. I was never a big fan of the wheels and the bolt pattern was a challenge (doable however). The rear seal was a disappointment as it leaks even with driving.
We love the cars and the design, or we wouldn't be here.
We love the cars and the design, or we wouldn't be here.
I like the Esprit.
However, I believe that over the course of it's long evolution it got away from it's roots and away from that which used to make Lotus unique. Light, nimble over-achievers that could embarrass the "big boys". I don't object to the Esprit having "big boy" status of it's own, but it should achieve that on it's own terms and not become the very nose it used to bloody.
Times have changed and modern regulations preclude micro-light cars like the Mk14 Elite, Elan or Europa. The Elise was Lotus' attempt to return to it's roots, but even in minimalist form unlike anything else currently in series production (it's a stretch to call a Noble a series production car), the Elise is scratching at 2000 lbs in US Fed form. And at that, it's in the US only on waivers (12?) for a number of missing items that would add considerable weight (crash bumpers, side intrusion… etc).
In the late 60's, pending regulations forced revolutionary change upon Lotus before they were really prepared for it. They responded with the 3rd generation Lotus cars that were an impressive achievement for a tiny company. However, in some ways, the budget-hampered designs resorted to over-kill to meet mandates rather than finesse and inventive development.
The fact that my 4-seat Eclat 523 with power steering and A/C is marginally lighter than my similar vintage, smaller, 2-seat Esprit S2 would indicate that something got out of whack somewhere. And with every evolutionary step along the way, the Esprit put on more weight. In the end the Esprit V8 (as great! as it is) at nearly 3100 lbs is down right portly by Lotus standards.
No, I'm not leaning toward the new Esprit being a larger Elise, but it's design philosophies need to be firmly rooted more in the Elise than the old Esprit. Add to the last Esprit's content by taking away… "Add lightness and simplicate…". Include thoughtful features in an original design that makes inventive use of lightweight materials. Don't add features in layers of afterthought that add weight.
The engine should be a marvel of lightweight. The Lotus V8 was a wonderful engine, but it was heavy!! It would require a major re-design to meet future regulations, and then it would still be heavy. It's time to bid it adieu and move on.
Marcus hinted at 410 BHP. In the most recent form of the Esprit V8, that would be about right. But calculate the BHP/ Ton, drop 600 lbs and re-calculate. The power-performance would still be there, the handling dynamics would be improved, and the driving experience would be more racer-for-the-street than heavy, high performance GT. Comfortable!, but "oh-my-gawd… hang on". Then Lotus would have a saleable point of difference instead of simply slugging it out in somebody else's over-weight marketplace.
Engine access must be improved. Replace the diaphragm bulkhead/ firewall with a hoop-style structure that will facilitate an access panel. Yes, that potentially invites some of the mess of engine maintenance into the cabin. But it would be less of an issue to remove the seats, a quick release panel and lay in a drop-cloth than to remove the engine or perform ship-in-a-bottle maintenance.
Massive horsepower is no good if it can't be put to the ground reliably. Whatever the final power level, the driveline must be sized in proportion and not be the weak link as it has been for decades. A lighter car achieving a startling BHP/ Ton through less weight will place lower demands upon the driveline.
The transmission should be a 6-speed manual. "Manual"... most current paddle-shifts being glorified automatics. I prefer a direct involvement in driving the car, and computerized assists only serve to relegate the driver to passenger mode. Going faster as second-fiddle to a computer is not as satisfying to me as going as fast as I can as the driver in command. If a semi-automatic is what's required so an "SO", kids or friends can drive the car, then they probably shouldn't be driving a car of that potential. Putting them in over their heads is not doing them any favors.
A torque biased differential should be standard equipment.
BRAKES !!
The shape must be evocative. Whether svelte and sexy (my preference) or brutal… it should turn every head within eyesight. It's satisfying to see a lone Esprit in a pack of exotics be the car that draws all the attention. Don't loose that.
Unusual doors? Lambo's scissors doors are more of a statement than a convenience. They hinder normal ingress more than they help in tight parking situations… who parks a car like that door-to-door anyway? If a vertical opening door is to be considered, then it should be more like the Enzo's (up and forward over the cowl) than the Lambo's. Gullwing doors would require more structure and it's attendant weight, and wouldn't be consistent with the idea of a lightweight car.
In an inverted crash scenario, vertical doors pose an additional escape/safety hazard. I vote for a more conventional door.
The exhaust should sound the part. Don't saddle the new Esprit with a quiet whoosh that would do a Lexus proud... like the original V8's exhaust. Everyone should know something special is coming... not raucous, but a presence. Like an Esprit Turbo or V8 with straight pipes after the cat.
Reliability. Everything should work. Build quality should be impeccable. The kitcar ghost should be exorcised. The engine must be reliable. The timing belt must go the distance without hand-holding every 12k miles. I'd rather not have an accessory than have one that doesn't work or that deposits knobs in the carpet.
Storage trays, cup holders, starter buttons, etc… not really issues for this discussion, IMHO. Yes, the car must be competitive in the marketplace, but those secondary items should be transparent and not defining.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
>> Edited by Esprit2 on Wednesday 4th May 17:26
However, I believe that over the course of it's long evolution it got away from it's roots and away from that which used to make Lotus unique. Light, nimble over-achievers that could embarrass the "big boys". I don't object to the Esprit having "big boy" status of it's own, but it should achieve that on it's own terms and not become the very nose it used to bloody.
Times have changed and modern regulations preclude micro-light cars like the Mk14 Elite, Elan or Europa. The Elise was Lotus' attempt to return to it's roots, but even in minimalist form unlike anything else currently in series production (it's a stretch to call a Noble a series production car), the Elise is scratching at 2000 lbs in US Fed form. And at that, it's in the US only on waivers (12?) for a number of missing items that would add considerable weight (crash bumpers, side intrusion… etc).
In the late 60's, pending regulations forced revolutionary change upon Lotus before they were really prepared for it. They responded with the 3rd generation Lotus cars that were an impressive achievement for a tiny company. However, in some ways, the budget-hampered designs resorted to over-kill to meet mandates rather than finesse and inventive development.
The fact that my 4-seat Eclat 523 with power steering and A/C is marginally lighter than my similar vintage, smaller, 2-seat Esprit S2 would indicate that something got out of whack somewhere. And with every evolutionary step along the way, the Esprit put on more weight. In the end the Esprit V8 (as great! as it is) at nearly 3100 lbs is down right portly by Lotus standards.
No, I'm not leaning toward the new Esprit being a larger Elise, but it's design philosophies need to be firmly rooted more in the Elise than the old Esprit. Add to the last Esprit's content by taking away… "Add lightness and simplicate…". Include thoughtful features in an original design that makes inventive use of lightweight materials. Don't add features in layers of afterthought that add weight.
The engine should be a marvel of lightweight. The Lotus V8 was a wonderful engine, but it was heavy!! It would require a major re-design to meet future regulations, and then it would still be heavy. It's time to bid it adieu and move on.
Marcus hinted at 410 BHP. In the most recent form of the Esprit V8, that would be about right. But calculate the BHP/ Ton, drop 600 lbs and re-calculate. The power-performance would still be there, the handling dynamics would be improved, and the driving experience would be more racer-for-the-street than heavy, high performance GT. Comfortable!, but "oh-my-gawd… hang on". Then Lotus would have a saleable point of difference instead of simply slugging it out in somebody else's over-weight marketplace.
Engine access must be improved. Replace the diaphragm bulkhead/ firewall with a hoop-style structure that will facilitate an access panel. Yes, that potentially invites some of the mess of engine maintenance into the cabin. But it would be less of an issue to remove the seats, a quick release panel and lay in a drop-cloth than to remove the engine or perform ship-in-a-bottle maintenance.
Massive horsepower is no good if it can't be put to the ground reliably. Whatever the final power level, the driveline must be sized in proportion and not be the weak link as it has been for decades. A lighter car achieving a startling BHP/ Ton through less weight will place lower demands upon the driveline.
The transmission should be a 6-speed manual. "Manual"... most current paddle-shifts being glorified automatics. I prefer a direct involvement in driving the car, and computerized assists only serve to relegate the driver to passenger mode. Going faster as second-fiddle to a computer is not as satisfying to me as going as fast as I can as the driver in command. If a semi-automatic is what's required so an "SO", kids or friends can drive the car, then they probably shouldn't be driving a car of that potential. Putting them in over their heads is not doing them any favors.
A torque biased differential should be standard equipment.
BRAKES !!
The shape must be evocative. Whether svelte and sexy (my preference) or brutal… it should turn every head within eyesight. It's satisfying to see a lone Esprit in a pack of exotics be the car that draws all the attention. Don't loose that.
Unusual doors? Lambo's scissors doors are more of a statement than a convenience. They hinder normal ingress more than they help in tight parking situations… who parks a car like that door-to-door anyway? If a vertical opening door is to be considered, then it should be more like the Enzo's (up and forward over the cowl) than the Lambo's. Gullwing doors would require more structure and it's attendant weight, and wouldn't be consistent with the idea of a lightweight car.
In an inverted crash scenario, vertical doors pose an additional escape/safety hazard. I vote for a more conventional door.
The exhaust should sound the part. Don't saddle the new Esprit with a quiet whoosh that would do a Lexus proud... like the original V8's exhaust. Everyone should know something special is coming... not raucous, but a presence. Like an Esprit Turbo or V8 with straight pipes after the cat.
Reliability. Everything should work. Build quality should be impeccable. The kitcar ghost should be exorcised. The engine must be reliable. The timing belt must go the distance without hand-holding every 12k miles. I'd rather not have an accessory than have one that doesn't work or that deposits knobs in the carpet.
Storage trays, cup holders, starter buttons, etc… not really issues for this discussion, IMHO. Yes, the car must be competitive in the marketplace, but those secondary items should be transparent and not defining.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
>> Edited by Esprit2 on Wednesday 4th May 17:26
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