Encore: Teased: Giugiaro’s Wedgy Lotus Returns as A Stupidly Expensive Carbon Fiber Sports Car
Encore: Giugiaro’s wedgy Lotus Esprit is set to return in a stunning modern “remastering” by Encor Design, transforming the iconic car into a stupidly expensive carbon fiber sports car. Encor Design has revealed the first images of its Series 1 restomod, based on the original Lotus Esprit S1. This reincarnation will feature a completely reengineered carbon fiber body, significantly enhancing rigidity and reducing weight—a principle that Lotus founder Colin Chapman would surely appreciate. With only 50 examples planned, this exclusive machine aims to elevate the Esprit for a new era without sacrificing its soul.
V8 Power, Improved Aero, But No Pop-Up Headlights
While the original Esprit S1 was known for its sleek wedge shape (designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro) and notorious unreliability, Encor Design plans to address the latter by completely rebuilding the engine and integrating modern amenities. Each Encor Series 1 will begin life as a Lotus Esprit V8, meaning the restomod will feature a modern interpretation of the mid-1990s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8, which originally produced around 350 horsepower. Encor intends to retain the donor chassis, engine, and gearbox to ensure these cars can still be registered as Lotus products. Horsepower and torque targets are yet to be revealed, but improved reliability is a key focus.
While the styling will remain largely faithful to Giugiaro’s original Esprit S1, there will be some meaningful changes to bring it into the modern age:
- No Pop-Up Headlights: The classic pop-up headlights will be replaced with sleek LED projectors.
- Enhanced Aerodynamics: The Giugiaro body surfaces will undergo refinement using CAD software to deliver “enhanced” aerodynamics.
Carbon Fiber Construction: A Nod to Chapman’s Ideals
“In every detail, we act as conservators of Chapman’s ideals,” states Simon Lane, Encor co-founder. “Our mission is to elevate the Esprit for a new era without sacrificing its soul.” This commitment is most evident in the car’s construction. The original glassfiber shell will be replaced entirely with carbon fiber, a move that dramatically enhances rigidity and significantly reduces weight—a philosophy perfectly aligned with Colin Chapman’s legendary focus on lightweight performance.
Pricing Is Sky-High, But Modern Amenities Help Justify The Cost
The interior of the Encor Series 1 will also receive a comprehensive update, blending classic luxury with subtle digital integration:
- Luxurious Materials: The cabin will be refinished with premium leather, Alcantara, and machined aluminum.
- Subtle Digital Integration: Modern conveniences will include Apple CarPlay, 360-degree parking cameras, and a new climate control system. These are features that even James Bond (who famously drove the Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only) never enjoyed.
Encor Design plans to reveal the finished product and more technical details next month. However, potential buyers should prepare for an astronomical price tag. The Encor Series 1 will start at £430,000 before options, taxes, and the cost of the Lotus Esprit V8 donor vehicle. This translates to approximately $578,000 USD, plus the cost of a donor Esprit V8, which can range from $75,000 for a “crummy one” to $220,000 for an immaculate example. This makes the Encor Series 1 an incredibly expensive, yet highly exclusive, proposition for collectors and enthusiasts looking for a “remastered” icon.
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