Carbon-Fiber Lotus Esprit Remake Is Here, and It Costs $525,000
A Carbon-Fiber Lotus Esprit Remake Is Here, marrying iconic design with modern engineering. On the 50th anniversary of the original Lotus Esprit’s Paris debut, a new British venture named Encor is set to unveil its modern reinterpretation: the Encor Series 1. Limited to just 50 units globally and priced from a substantial £430,000 ($525,000) before options, taxes, and the donor car, this exclusive creation promises rebuilt V8 power and subtle digital touches, appealing directly to collectors seeking exclusivity and enhanced drivability.
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Encor Series 1: Blending Heritage with 21st-Century Engineering
The Encor Series 1 project meticulously blends Colin Chapman’s legendary lightweight ethos with advanced 21st-century engineering and craftsmanship. The foundation of this bespoke vehicle begins with a donor Lotus Esprit V8. While the car’s fundamental backbone chassis remains intact, the original fiberglass bodywork is entirely replaced with a precisely molded carbon-fiber shell. Encor states that this new structure is not only significantly lighter but also remarkably stiffer, enhancing both performance and rigidity. Modern updates include low-profile LED projectors housed within redesigned headlights, subtly integrating contemporary technology.
Rebuilt V8 Power and Revamped Interior
Power for the Encor Series 1 comes from the Esprit’s original V8 engine, which undergoes a complete and thorough rebuild to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Inside the cockpit, the Esprit’s classic interior has been completely revamped, showcasing luxurious materials such as fine leather, Alcantara, and precision-machined aluminum accents. These material upgrades are seamlessly integrated with subtle modernization touches, including the addition of Apple CarPlay for enhanced connectivity and 360-degree cameras for improved convenience and safety.
Simon Lane, co-founder of Encor and a veteran of bespoke programs at prestigious brands like Aston Martin and Lotus, emphasizes the gravity of the undertaking, insisting the car is being treated as a “responsibility, not a project.” Former Lotus designer Daniel Durrant adds that the Series 1’s styling carefully pays homage to the original design without sacrificing its authentic character, ensuring a faithful yet contemporary aesthetic.
The full reveal of the Encor Series 1 is highly anticipated and is slated for November 2025. This exclusive remake is poised to capture the attention of serious collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Lotus history reimagined for the modern era.
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