Program manager John Owen characterizes the 3.5-liter 32-valve engine as evolutionary rather than revolutionary in concept: "The trick is knowing where to make suitable innovations that pay off in performance gains as well as making it easier to build." The engine is based on a modular design ultimately capable of spawning inline-4, V-4, and/or V-6 offspring.
In street trim, running an 8.0:1 compression ratio and 10 psi of boost, Lotus' first all-new engine in a quarter century makes 350 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 296 pound-feet of torque at 4250 revs. According to Car & Driver Magazine, the 3050 pound Esprit should go from zero to 60 mph in about 4.1 seconds (the 4 cylinder version it replaced made it in ~4.5), and give it a top speed of ~175 mph.
Even more important, the power band is said to be broad and flat, greatly enhancing overall drivability. Last, but far from least, the engine clearly has loads of untapped potential. (Race-prepped for international GT1 racing, an intercooled single-turbo variant is already making more than 525 horses.)
Technical highlights include a Lotus-designed engine management system, multipoint electronic fuel injection, a single-plane crankshaft for smoother power delivery and better response from the twin Garrett T025 turbochargers, and cast-in iron cylinder liners for enhanced durability.
Despite an extra bank of cylinders, the new engine slips right into the space
formerly occupied by the old four-cylinder. In fact, capacity of the adjacent
cargo area has actually been increased as a result of the powerplant swap.
The big under-skin changes aren't readily apparent from the curb. Up front, there's a modified valance panel, while the rear sports a V8 badge and a pair of chrome exhaust tips. The other sole exterior cue is new optional six-spoke alloy wheels. Interior changes are equally subtle; only a V8 logo on the tach and a speedometer that now goes all the way to 300 kph (about 185 mph) bear witness to its new engine and other functional upgrades, which include a high-efficiency AC system, stronger clutch, recalibrated suspension tuning, and all-new servo assisted four-channel anti-lock brakes that provide greater stability and more feedback to the driver.
The new Esprit V8 base price has been set at $85,270. Exclusivity comes at a price and this model has only sold a little over 9000 cars since its inception in 1975. So for thousands less than an Acura NSX you get a couple of extra cylinders bringing 17-28% more horsepower and the true racing heritage Lotus is known for.