Beyond the 911: The Encor Series 1 – A Modern Masterpiece Reimagining the Lotus Esprit
For the discerning automotive enthusiast who finds themselves adrift in a sea of meticulously recreated Porsche 911 restomods, a new beacon of inspiration has emerged. For those with a significant investment in their passion and a yearning for something profoundly different, the Encor Series 1 presents an electrifying proposition. This isn’t merely a restoration; it’s a sophisticated reimagining of the legendary Lotus Esprit, a vehicle that promises to captivate with its blend of iconic heritage, cutting-edge engineering, and breathtaking aesthetics. Imagine a machine weighing only marginally more than a nimble Mazda Miata, yet packing the punch of a 400-horsepower, quad-cam, flat-plane-crank V8 engine, capable of propelling you to exhilarating speeds. This is the Encor Series 1 – a testament to what can be achieved when visionary design meets uncompromising execution, a vehicle that Lotus founder Colin Chapman himself might have only dared to dream into existence.
The genesis of the Encor Series 1 lies in a masterful synthesis of two distinct eras of the Lotus Esprit. It ingeniously marries the robust hardware from the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 models with the timeless design language of the original four-cylinder 1976 Esprit, a shape conceived by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. At its core, this extraordinary creation is powered by Colin Chapman’s enduring philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness.” Encor achieves this by meticulously sourcing Esprit V8 donor vehicles. The original glass-reinforced plastic body is carefully liberated from the car’s foundational steel backbone chassis. This chassis, the very skeleton of the Esprit’s dynamic prowess, is then transformed. It is meticulously stripped down to bare metal, a crucial step in ensuring its longevity and mitigating the common scourge of rust often associated with classic British automobiles. Furthermore, the chassis undergoes a vital galvanization process, rendering it remarkably resilient. Following this foundational work, the chassis is meticulously repainted, ready to receive its revitalized mechanical heart and soul.
The suspension system, a critical element in any performance automobile, has been significantly upgraded. Encor has precisely calibrated it to mirror the specifications of the Sport 350, the apex predator of the Esprit V8 lineage, renowned for its sharper handling and enhanced responsiveness. Every bushing has been replaced with new components, ensuring a taut and precise feel. While Encor champions the use of predominantly original Lotus parts, including the sophisticated hydraulic power steering system, they have also engineered crucial enhancements. Notably, stronger rear hub carriers have been developed to address a persistent structural weakness that historically plagued the Esprit V8, a testament to Encor’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues and elevating the inherent quality of the donor vehicle. This attention to detail, this dedication to problem-solving, is a hallmark of true automotive craftsmanship.
Reborn for the Track: Rebuilding the Heart of a Legend
The V8 engine, the formidable 3.5-liter Lotus Type 918, undergoes a complete and uncompromising rebuild. This is far more than a simple refresh; it’s a comprehensive revitalization designed to unlock its latent potential and ensure unwavering reliability. Forged pistons are integrated, designed to withstand higher stresses and temperatures. Upgraded fuel injectors ensure optimal atomization and delivery, while new turbocharger internals and a modern electronic throttle body contribute to a more responsive and efficient combustion process. The entire fuel and cooling systems are replaced with contemporary, high-performance units, ensuring consistent temperature management even under the most demanding driving conditions. The new stainless-steel exhaust system not only enhances the engine’s breathing but also contributes to a resonant, evocative soundtrack that befits this reborn icon.
The five-speed transaxle, originally a collaboration between Lotus and Renault, has also been subjected to significant enhancement in conjunction with the esteemed engineers at British transmission specialists, Quaife. This collaboration has yielded a stronger input shaft, addressing a historical vulnerability that necessitated a reduction in the Type 918’s original output from a projected 500 horsepower down to 350 horsepower at the Esprit V8’s launch in 1996. Revised gear ratios have been implemented to optimize acceleration and in-gear performance, while the integration of a helical limited-slip differential ensures superior traction and stability under spirited driving. The twin-plate clutch, a significant upgrade, not only enhances durability but also dramatically improves the clutch pedal feel, making it lighter and more user-friendly, a welcome refinement for everyday usability. This meticulous attention to the drivetrain’s integrity is crucial for delivering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and dependable.
Giugiaro’s Vision, Modernized: An Uncompromising Aesthetic
While the Encor Series 1 retains an unmistakable visual kinship with Giugiaro’s original masterpiece, its design transcends mere mimicry. The evolution of the Esprit’s bodywork over the years, first by Peter Stevens and subsequently by Julian Thomson, paved the way for a new interpretation. Encor’s Design Director, Dan Durrant, a former Lotus designer himself, has masterfully distilled Giugiaro’s iconic sharp-edged, wedge-shaped concept, first unveiled at the 1972 Turin Motor Show. Durrant’s philosophy is clear: “We’re not handcuffed by the original, but we’re completely inspired by it.” This approach allows for a refined and modernized interpretation, a visual dialogue between past and present.
The adoption of a carbon-fiber body has been instrumental in Durrant’s ability to streamline and simplify the car’s overall aesthetic, bringing it closer to Giugiaro’s original vision in both form and detail. The prominent black stripe that once encircled the original Esprit’s midsection, a design necessity to conceal the external flanges of the two-piece glass-reinforced plastic body, has been elegantly rendered obsolete. The Encor car’s seamless one-piece carbon-fiber construction enables remarkably clean bodysides and a more integrated appearance, particularly around the front and rear fascias. This technological advancement allows for a purity of form that was simply unachievable with the materials of the past.
Durrant’s design thoughtfully incorporates the flat roofline and the distinctive trapezoidal windshield that characterized the original Esprit, a deliberate choice to honor its lineage. The subtle Kamm tail at the rear and the discreet front spoiler seamlessly integrated beneath the tapered nose further enhance the car’s aerodynamic profile and visual cohesion. The front and rear fascias are markedly cleaner and more resolved than those of the original Esprit, featuring modern LED lighting elements that provide both superior illumination and a contemporary visual signature. A particularly striking element is the visible engine bay, a direct nod to the four-cylinder Esprit. Unlike the V8’s concealed engine cover, the Encor Series 1 proudly showcases its mechanical heart beneath a transparent rear backlight, a visual celebration of its potent performance.
The five-spoke, forged billet wheels, sized at 17 inches in the front and 18 inches at the rear, are shod with generously proportioned Bridgestone Potenza tires – a configuration reminiscent of the final Esprit V8 models. Durrant acknowledges the delicate balance involved in 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 wheel apertures themselves are carefully scaled-up interpretations of the iconic five-slot Wolfrace alloys from the original Esprit, a subtle yet significant detail for aficionados. Behind these meticulously crafted wheels, high-performance AP Racing brakes provide exceptional stopping power, ensuring confidence and control.
Two subtle design cues, instantly recognizable to Lotus enthusiasts, serve as powerful links to the original Esprit. The six small vents nestled at the base of the windshield and the distinctive fuel filler cap meticulously integrated into the left C-pillar are both present, evoking a sense of nostalgic familiarity. Durrant elaborates on this approach: “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 meticulous approach to panel gaps and glass integration exemplifies the premium build quality that defines the Encor Series 1.
Beyond its aesthetic virtues, the carbon-fiber body introduces significant advancements in structural rigidity and passenger safety. In a stark contrast to the plywood firewall that separated the engine bay from the passenger compartment in the production Esprit V8 until its discontinuation in 2004, the Encor Series 1 boasts a sophisticated double-layer carbon-fiber firewall. This advanced structure seamlessly integrates with the cant rails of the roof, which in turn incorporate tubular carbon-fiber elements. These elements extend down the sides of the windshield to connect with the supporting structure for the dashboard and doors, and also bridge across the top of the windshield, effectively forming a robust passenger safety cell. This is a level of safety and structural integrity that elevates the Encor Series 1 far beyond its heritage.
A Modern Sanctuary: Retro Elegance Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
The interior of the Encor Series 1 masterfully balances its homage to the original Esprit with the seamless integration of modern technology and premium materials. The iconic two-spoke steering wheel and the architectural layout of the center console are faithfully recreated, providing a tactile connection to the Esprit’s past. However, these classic elements are complemented by contemporary materials and sophisticated digital interfaces that imbue the cabin with a distinct modern edge.
The instrument panel is a prime example of this harmonious integration. The original Esprit’s free-standing, wraparound pod is reimagined as a sleek, lightweight metal structure. At its heart lies a state-of-the-art digital screen, flanked by smaller, driver-angled touchscreens that provide intuitive access to vehicle information and controls. The center console features a striking portrait-format touchscreen, further enhancing the driver’s engagement with the vehicle’s advanced systems.
From a driver’s perspective, the critical touchpoints – the relationship between the steering wheel, the gear shifter, and the pedals – remain faithfully calibrated to replicate the sensation of driving an original Esprit. This dedication to authentic driver engagement is a testament to Encor’s commitment to preserving the Esprit’s unique driving character. While the tight fit of the original Esprit is a known characteristic – its wheelbase was longer than a contemporary Porsche 911, yet it was notably lower – Encor has strived to optimize the available space. The decision to retain original Lotus seat frames was not only driven by their inherent lightness but also by the fact that most modern aftermarket seats would simply be too tall to accommodate the limited headroom.
William Ives, Encor’s Managing Director, reassures potential owners that the Encor Series 1 is designed for a practical and enjoyable ownership experience. The car will be equipped with a comprehensive climate control system and a full infotainment suite, complete with high-end audio. This sophisticated electronic integration is a direct result of Ives’ primary business, Skyships Automotive, a company renowned for supplying similar advanced systems to exclusive, low-volume automakers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. Furthermore, any lingering concerns about the notoriously temperamental Lucas electrical systems of vintage British cars can be definitively set aside. The entire electrical architecture of the Encor Series 1, from its fundamental wiring to its advanced electronic throttle body, has been meticulously designed by Skyships, representing the pinnacle of contemporary automotive electrical engineering. This is an entirely new, reliable, and sophisticated electrical system.
The vehicle showcased is the first prototype, and it is poised to undergo an extensive testing regimen to precisely calibrate its suspension settings. Given its reduced weight compared to a production-spec Esprit V8, the spring and shock rates will require careful tuning. This phase also includes comprehensive final system checks and calibrations to ensure optimal performance and reliability across all operational parameters. For context, a production Esprit V8 achieved the 0–60 mph sprint in a brisk 4.1 seconds and reached 100 mph in 10.2 seconds, completing the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. With an anticipated weight reduction of approximately 400 pounds and an additional 50 horsepower, the Encor Series 1 is projected to be significantly quicker on its journey to its conservatively estimated top speed of 175 mph.
Encor plans to produce a limited run of just 50 Series 1 models over a two-year period, with production slated to commence in 2026. Importantly, the Encor Series 1 will be available in a left-hand-drive configuration, catering to a global market. Of the approximately 1,400 Esprit V8s manufactured, nearly half were exported to the United States, ensuring a healthy supply of suitable donor vehicles for American enthusiasts looking to embark on this bespoke automotive journey. The projected base price, based on current exchange rates, stands at approximately $570,000, exclusive of shipping, taxes, and the cost of the donor Esprit V8. This is, undoubtedly, a significant investment. However, when one considers the unparalleled level of engineering, craftsmanship, and exclusivity offered, especially when compared to a similarly priced 911 restomod that often lacks this depth of bespoke transformation, the Encor Series 1 presents a compelling and distinct value proposition for the discerning collector and driving enthusiast alike.
For those who have been captivated by the allure of the Encor Series 1 and wish to explore this extraordinary automotive endeavor further, we invite you to connect with Encor directly. Discover the meticulous process of commissioning your own reimagined Lotus Esprit and secure your place among the select few who will experience this modern masterpiece.
