The Encor Series 1: A Modern Masterclass in Lotus Esprit Reimagination
For the discerning automotive connoisseur who finds the deluge of Porsche 911 restomods increasingly monotonous, a new beacon of bespoke automotive artistry has emerged. The Encor Series 1, a breathtaking revival of the legendary Lotus Esprit, offers a potent blend of iconic design, cutting-edge engineering, and exhilarating performance, catering to those who seek something truly exceptional. Imagine a vehicle that tips the scales at a mere few hundred pounds more than a nimble Mazda Miata, yet houses a formidable 400-horsepower, quad-cam, flat-plane-crank V-8 engine, capable of propelling you to a thrilling 175 miles per hour. This isn’t merely a restoration; it’s a meticulous reimagining, a tribute to the spirit of innovation that defined Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s vision, realized with a level of craftsmanship he might have only dreamed possible.
At its heart, the Encor Series 1 masterfully melds the robust hardware of the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 with the timeless design philosophy of the original 1976 four-cylinder Esprit, penned by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. This fusion is underpinned by a profound respect for Chapman’s pioneering engineering principles. In essence, Encor meticulously deconstructs an Esprit V8 donor car, carefully detaching the original glass-reinforced plastic body from its steel backbone chassis. This foundational structure is then meticulously reborn, clad in a stunning, bespoke carbon-fiber shell that pays homage to Giugiaro’s groundbreaking design.
The process, while conceptually straightforward, is an undertaking of immense complexity. The engine, suspension, and all ancillary components are systematically removed from the steel backbone chassis, which is then stripped to its bare metal. For an enduring legacy, it undergoes a galvanization process, mitigating the rust concerns often associated with classic British automobiles, before receiving a flawless repaint. The suspension system is significantly upgraded, mirroring the potent specification of the Sport 350 – the ultimate iteration of the Esprit V8. It’s meticulously reassembled with an array of new bushings, ensuring a revitalized and responsive feel. While predominantly utilizing original Lotus parts, including the hydraulic power steering system, Encor has engineered significantly stronger rear hub carriers, addressing a chronic vulnerability that has historically plagued the Esprit V8’s rear axle.
Rebuilt, Reinforced, and Ready for Uncompromised Performance
The heart of this remarkable machine is the 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, codenamed Type 918. It is subjected to a complete and thorough strip-down and rebuild. Forged pistons, upgraded fuel injectors, reconditioned turbocharger internals, a new electronic throttle body, and completely modernized fuel and cooling systems are installed, all culminating in a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system that sings with unadulterated V-8 fury. The five-speed transaxle, originally a Renault sourcing for Lotus, has been expertly re-engineered in collaboration with transmission specialists Quaife. This collaboration has yielded a reinforced input shaft, revised gear ratios for enhanced acceleration, a sophisticated helical limited-slip differential, and a dual-plate clutch, transforming the driving experience.
The reinforced input shaft is a crucial upgrade, directly addressing a historical limitation that compelled Lotus engineers to de-tune the Type 918’s output from its potential 500 horsepower down to 350 horsepower at the Esprit V8’s launch in 1996. Coupled with the dual-plate clutch, the pedal feel is dramatically improved, offering a lighter and more engaging engagement for the driver. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the Encor Series 1 delivers not just breathtaking performance, but also a refined and robust driving dynamic, a true testament to modern automotive engineering upgrades.
Honoring a Masterpiece Without Being Bound by Time
While the Encor Series 1 retains an unmistakable visual kinship with Giugiaro’s original masterpiece, the evolution of the Esprit’s design by Peter Stevens (designer of the McLaren F1) and later Julian Thomson (who contributed to the Lotus Elise before his significant work at Jaguar Land Rover on vehicles like the first-generation Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar F-Type) is acknowledged. Spearheaded by Encor’s Design Director, Dan Durrant, a former Lotus designer himself, the Series 1’s carbon-fiber body is a masterful distillation of Giugiaro’s sharp, wedge-shaped concept first unveiled at the 1972 Turin Motor Show. Durrant eloquently states, “We’re not handcuffed by the original, but we’re completely inspired by it.”
Durrant’s design ethos, enabled by the advanced properties of carbon fiber, allows for a significantly cleaner and more simplified aesthetic compared to the original Lotus. The resultant form recaptures the essence of Giugiaro’s 1972 vision in both its overarching shape and intricate detailing. The prominent black mid-body line on the original Esprit, a clever design element to conceal the external flanges joining the two-piece glass-reinforced plastic body, is rendered obsolete by the Encor’s seamless, one-piece carbon-fiber construction. This innovation results in dramatically smoother bodysides and a more refined, uncluttered appearance across the front and rear fascias. For those seeking bespoke supercar construction, this level of detail is paramount.
The Encor Series 1 elegantly reintroduces the flat roofline and the distinctive trapezoidal windshield, reminiscent of the original Esprit (a departure from the slight curvature introduced in Peter Stevens’ redesign). It also features a subtle Kamm tail and a discrete front spoiler integrated seamlessly into the tapered nose. The front and rear fascias are a study in modern minimalism, incorporating advanced LED lighting elements that echo the distinctive forms of the original. In a brilliant nod to the early four-cylinder Esprits, the V-8 engine, once concealed beneath a utilitarian cover, is now proudly displayed beneath a transparent rear backlight, a captivating visual connection to its heritage. The choice of forged billet wheels – 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, clad in generously sidewalled Bridgestone Potenza tires – mirrors the final Esprit V8 specifications, ensuring a perfect balance between performance and visual harmony. Durrant emphasizes the critical nature of wheel design: “Wheels were a real topic of discussion. Inflate the wheel size too much, and you can completely unbalance the visuals of the car. It starts to look like a toy.” The apertures for these striking wheels are essentially scaled-up interpretations of the original Esprit’s iconic five-slot Wolfrace alloys, behind which reside high-performance AP Racing brakes, promising exceptional stopping power. This emphasis on performance vehicle engineering is evident in every component.
Two subtle yet significant design cues immediately link the Encor Series 1 to its esteemed predecessor for any Lotus aficionado: the cluster of six small vents positioned at the base of the windshield and the distinctive fuel filler cap integrated into the left C-pillar. Durrant elaborates, “The silhouette and the key shapes on the car are very, very close to the Giugiaro original, but refined and honed in every way. We’ve made just small adjustments here and there to add elements that wouldn’t have been possible when the car was originally produced. And because carbon fiber is such a robust and dimensionally accurate material, it means that we can do the things that customers want, like nice tight shut gaps and flush mounted glass.” This commitment to precision automotive manufacturing elevates the Encor beyond a mere homage.
Beyond its aesthetic advancements, the new carbon-fiber body confers substantial benefits in terms of structural rigidity and safety. Astonishingly, until its cessation of production in 2004, the Esprit V8 utilized a plywood firewall separating the engine bay from the passenger compartment. The Encor Series 1 revolutionizes this with a dual-layer carbon-fiber firewall that seamlessly integrates with the roof’s cant rails. These rails house tubular carbon-fiber elements that traverse the length of the windshield, connecting to the supporting structure for the dashboard and doors, and also span the width of the windshield’s apex, effectively creating a robust passenger safety cell. This represents a significant leap in lightweight composite vehicle structures.
A Retro-Inspired Cabin Infused with Contemporary Technology
The interior of the Encor Series 1 artfully mirrors the original Esprit’s character, most notably through its twin-spoke steering wheel and the foundational architecture of the center console. However, this classic aesthetic is elevated by the judicious integration of modern materials and cutting-edge technology. The instrument panel serves as a prime example of this duality. The freestanding, wraparound pod of the original Esprit is reimagined as a sleek, illuminated metal structure, featuring a state-of-the-art digital display at its core, flanked by auxiliary touchscreens angled ergonomically towards the driver. The central console is dominated by a portrait-format touchscreen, offering intuitive control. For enthusiasts seeking luxury car interior design, the Encor strikes an exquisite balance.
From the driver’s perspective, all key touchpoints within the Encor Series 1 – the tactile relationship between the steering wheel, shifter, and pedals – are meticulously calibrated to replicate the original Esprit’s familiar feel. This ensures an immediate sense of connection and familiarity. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the Esprit’s compact dimensions present a snug interior. While boasting a wheelbase 6.6 inches longer than a contemporary Porsche 911, the original Esprit was significantly lower. Consequently, headroom can be a premium for individuals exceeding six feet in height. One of the primary reasons Encor opted to retain the original Lotus seat frames wasn’t solely for their inherent lightness; it was also to accommodate the reality that most modern seats simply proved too tall for the cabin’s constraints.
Despite its intimate cabin, Encor Managing Director William Ives assures that the Series 1 will be a remarkably user-friendly vehicle. Beyond the inclusion of air conditioning, it will feature a comprehensive infotainment system, complete with a high-fidelity audio setup. This entire system has been designed and engineered by Ives’ primary venture, Skyships Automotive, renowned for supplying similar bespoke equipment to elite, low-volume manufacturers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. Furthermore, the specter of the infamous Lucas “Prince of Darkness” electrical systems is a relic of the past. The Encor Series 1’s entire electrical architecture, right down to its new electronic throttle body, has been meticulously developed by Skyships, representing the pinnacle of contemporary automotive electrical engineering. This focus on advanced automotive electronics ensures reliability and sophistication.
The vehicle showcased is the inaugural prototype, poised to commence rigorous testing to fine-tune its suspension dynamics. Given its reduced weight compared to a production-spec Esprit V8, the spring and shock rates will require precise calibration, alongside comprehensive final system checks and recalibrations. The production Esprit V8 demonstrated an impressive 0–60 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds, reaching 0–100 mph in 10.2 seconds, and completing a quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. With an anticipated weight reduction of approximately 400 pounds and a 50-horsepower increase, the Encor Series 1 is poised to surpass these benchmarks, confidently achieving its projected top speed of 175 mph. This performance profile makes it a strong contender in the high-performance sports car market.
Encor has committed to a limited production run of just 50 vehicles over a two-year period, with manufacturing scheduled to commence in 2026. Importantly, the Encor Series 1 will be available in a left-hand-drive configuration, catering to global demand. Considering that approximately half of the 1,400 Esprit V8s produced were exported to the United States, a robust supply of donor cars is readily available for American enthusiasts. The base price, reflecting current exchange rates, stands at approximately $570,000, exclusive of shipping, taxes, and the cost of the donor Esprit V8. While undeniably an investment, it is crucial to contextualize this figure against the escalating costs of 911 restomods exhibiting a comparable caliber of engineering and meticulous craftsmanship. This level of exclusive vehicle manufacturing justifies its premium position.
The allure of the Encor Series 1 lies not merely in its impressive performance figures or its stunning aesthetics, but in its sophisticated fusion of heritage and innovation. It represents a compelling proposition for those who appreciate the artistry of automotive design and the thrill of visceral performance, delivered with a level of refinement and exclusivity that is increasingly rare.
Are you ready to experience automotive brilliance reborn? Explore the possibilities of owning a piece of this extraordinary automotive renaissance and discover how the Encor Series 1 can redefine your driving passion.
