The Encor Series 1: A Modern Renaissance for the Iconic Lotus Esprit
For the discerning automotive aficionado with a taste for the extraordinary, and perhaps a lingering ennui with the ubiquitous Porsche 911 restomod scene, a new beacon of automotive artistry has emerged. The Encor Series 1, a breathtaking contemporary reimagining of the legendary Lotus Esprit, offers an intoxicating blend of vintage allure and cutting-edge engineering. Imagine a vehicle that weighs a mere fraction more than a nimble Mazda Miata yet wields the might of a 400-horsepower, quad-cam, flat-plane-crank V8, capable of exhilarating speeds and possessing an aesthetic that is nothing short of captivating. This isn’t just a car; it’s a meticulously crafted homage, a testament to what Lotus founder Colin Chapman might have envisioned had he possessed the materials and technologies of today.
At its heart, the Encor Series 1 masterfully synthesizes the robust hardware of the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 with the timeless design sensibilities of the original four-cylinder model, penned by the visionary Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1976. The genesis of this remarkable creation lies in the application of Colin Chapman’s foundational principles of lightweight construction and innovative engineering. Encor’s approach is elegantly straightforward in concept, yet sophisticated in execution: they procure an Esprit V8 donor car, carefully detach its original glass-reinforced plastic body from the robust steel backbone chassis, and artfully replace it with a stunning, bespoke carbon-fiber shell that pays profound tribute to Giugiaro’s seminal design.
While the concept is clear, the reality of its realization is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The donor car’s engine, suspension, and ancillary components are painstakingly removed, leaving the steel backbone chassis bare. This foundation then undergoes a comprehensive restoration process. Unusually for a classic British automobile, the threat of rust is comprehensively mitigated through a galvanization process, ensuring long-term structural integrity. Subsequently, the chassis is meticulously repainted. The suspension system is meticulously upgraded to mirror the performance specifications of the Sport 350 – the ultimate iteration of the Esprit V8 – and is reassembled with an array of fresh bushings. While the majority of components are sourced directly from Lotus, including the highly regarded hydraulic power steering system, Encor has ingeniously engineered stronger rear hub carriers. This critical enhancement addresses a persistent weakness that has historically plagued the Esprit V8, rectifying a chronic cracking issue that has long been a concern for owners.
Rebuilding and Reinforcing for Unrivaled Performance
The formidable 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, internally designated as Type 918, undergoes a complete strip-down and meticulous rebuild. This intensive process involves the integration of forged pistons, upgraded fuel injectors, reconditioned turbocharger internals, a new electronic throttle body, and the implementation of contemporary fuel and cooling systems. A bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system is fitted, promising both enhanced performance and an evocative auditory experience. The five-speed transaxle, originally supplied to Lotus by Renault, has been subjected to a significant enhancement program in collaboration with the renowned transmission specialists at Quaife. This collaborative effort has resulted in a strengthened input shaft, revised gear ratios, a precisely engineered helical limited-slip differential, and a dual-plate clutch.
The strengthening of the input shaft is particularly noteworthy, as it directly addresses a long-standing vulnerability within the drivetrain. This inherent limitation had necessitated a reduction in the Type 918’s potential output from an ambitious 500 horsepower to a more conservative 350 horsepower at the Esprit V8’s debut in 1996. The incorporation of the dual-plate clutch not only enhances durability but also significantly lightens the pedal effort, contributing to a more refined and user-friendly driving experience. This comprehensive approach to powertrain revitalization ensures that the Encor Series 1 delivers power with both authority and finesse, a true testament to modern engineering applied to a revered powerplant.
Honoring a Design Icon, Unbound by the Past
While the Encor Series 1 proudly maintains a strong visual lineage to the original Giugiaro-styled Esprit, the intervening years saw the Esprit’s design evolve significantly. Initially restyled by Peter Stevens, the designer of the iconic McLaren F1, and subsequently by Julian Thomson, whose portfolio includes the seminal Lotus Elise and later work on Jaguar Land Rover vehicles such as the first-generation Range Rover Evoque and the Jaguar F-Type, the car had taken on a more sculpted form. The Encor Series 1’s bodywork, conceived by Encor’s Design Director, Dan Durrant – a former Lotus designer himself – represents a masterful distillation of Giugiaro’s original sharp-edged, wedge-shaped concept, first unveiled at the 1972 Turin Motor Show. As Durrant articulates, “We’re not handcuffed by the original, but we’re completely inspired by it.”
The strategic adoption of a carbon-fiber body has empowered Durrant to refine and simplify the car’s overall aesthetic, drawing it closer to Giugiaro’s 1972 vision in both form and detail. The prominent black line that encircled the midsection of the original Esprit, for instance, was a functional necessity, designed to conceal the external flanges used to join the upper and lower sections of its two-piece glass-reinforced plastic body. The Encor car’s seamless, one-piece carbon-fiber construction affords elegantly smooth bodysides and a more restrained, purposeful detailing across the front and rear fascias.
Durrant’s design deftly incorporates the characteristic flat roofline and the distinctive trapezoidal windshield of the original Esprit, a deliberate departure from the slight curvature introduced in Peter Stevens’ redesign. The subtle Kamm tail and the discreet front spoiler integrated beneath the tapered nose further enhance the car’s purposeful stance. The front and rear fascias are notably cleaner and more minimalist than those of the production Esprit V8. Modern LED lighting elements are seamlessly integrated at the front, with complementary LED taillights at the rear. In the original Esprit V8, the engine was concealed beneath a utilitarian cover nestled between the pronounced C-pillar buttresses. The Encor Series 1, however, pays homage to the four-cylinder model by exposing its V8 powerplant beneath a sophisticated glass backlight, a visual echo of the 1976 car that adds a dramatic focal point.
The vehicle is adorned with distinctive five-spoke, forged billet wheels – 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear – shod with generously proportioned Bridgestone Potenza tires, a configuration reminiscent of the final iterations of the Esprit V8. Durrant elaborates on the wheel design process: “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.” Behind these visually harmonious wheels, the apertures of which are elegantly scaled-up versions of the original Esprit’s five-slot Wolfrace alloys, reside potent AP Racing brakes, ensuring exceptional stopping power to match the car’s formidable performance.
Two subtle design cues, instantly recognizable to Lotus aficionados, forge an indelible link between the Encor Series 1 and its progenitor: the cluster of six small vents situated at the base of the windshield and the distinctive, inset fuel filler cap on the left C-pillar. “The silhouette and the key shapes on the car are very, very close to the Giugiaro original, but refined and honed in every way,” Durrant states. “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.”
Beyond its aesthetic advantages, the new carbon-fiber body confers significant enhancements in structural rigidity and safety. Astonishingly, up until its discontinuation in 2004, the Esprit V8 featured a plywood firewall separating the engine bay from the passenger compartment. The Encor body, conversely, boasts a double-layer carbon-fiber firewall that integrates directly with the cant rails of the roof. These cant rails house tubular carbon-fiber elements that extend downwards along the sides of the windshield, connecting to the underlying structure that supports the dashboard and doors. Furthermore, they are joined across the top of the windshield, forming a robust passenger safety cell, offering a level of protection unprecedented in the original design.
A Retro-Futuristic Cabin with Essential Modern Amenities
Mirroring the exterior’s thoughtful blend of past and present, the interior of the Encor Series 1 pays respectful homage to the original Esprit. This is most evident in the adoption of a classic two-spoke steering wheel and the fundamental architectural layout of the center console. However, this vintage inspiration is seamlessly integrated with contemporary materials and technologies, imbuing the cabin with a decidedly modern edge. The instrument panel serves as a prime example of this sophisticated fusion. The free-standing, wraparound pod characteristic of the original Esprit is reimagined as a lightweight metallic structure, featuring a state-of-the-art digital display at its core. This central screen is flanked by smaller touchscreens positioned on angled “wings” that are precisely oriented towards the driver. A portrait-format touchscreen dominates the center console, providing intuitive access to various vehicle functions.
From the driver’s vantage point, the critical touchpoints of the Encor Series 1 – the ergonomic relationship between the steering wheel, the shifter, and the pedals – remain remarkably faithful to the original Esprit experience. This fidelity is undoubtedly a significant draw for purists. However, the inherent intimacy of the original Esprit’s cabin persists, meaning that for individuals exceeding six feet in height, headroom can be a considerable consideration. One of the key decisions Encor made in selecting original Lotus seat frames for the Series 1 was not only their inherent lightness but also the fact that most contemporary seats were simply too tall to accommodate the confined space.
Despite the compact dimensions, Encor Managing Director William Ives assures that the Encor Series 1 is engineered for day-to-day usability. The vehicle will come equipped with a comprehensive suite of modern amenities, including climate control and a full infotainment system. This advanced system, featuring high-fidelity audio, has been meticulously designed and engineered by Ives’ primary enterprise, Skyships Automotive. Skyships is renowned for supplying similar sophisticated equipment to other exclusive, low-volume manufacturers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. Furthermore, any lingering concerns about antiquated electrical systems, perhaps recalling the infamous Lucas “Prince of Darkness” reputation, can be definitively put to rest. The Encor Series 1’s entire electrical architecture, right down to the newly implemented electronic throttle body, has been developed by Skyships to the highest contemporary standards.
The vehicle showcased is the inaugural prototype, poised to commence rigorous testing to meticulously calibrate the suspension settings. Given its reduced weight compared to a production Esprit V8, fine-tuning of the spring and shock rates will be essential, alongside comprehensive final checks and calibrations of all vehicle systems. The production Esprit V8 achieved a remarkable 0–60 mph sprint in 4.1 seconds and 0–100 mph in 10.2 seconds, culminating in a quarter-mile time of 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. With an anticipated weight reduction of approximately 400 pounds over the original Esprit V8 and an increase of 50 horsepower, the Encor Series 1 is projected to surpass these figures, accelerating with even greater alacrity towards its projected top speed of 175 mph.
Encor intends to produce a limited run of just 50 vehicles 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 the significant U.S. market. Of the approximately 1,400 Esprit V8 models produced, nearly half were exported to the United States, ensuring a healthy pool of potential donor cars for American enthusiasts. The projected base price, at current exchange rates, stands at approximately $570,000, exclusive of shipping, taxes, and the cost of the donor Esprit V8. It is undeniably an exclusive proposition. However, when one considers the unparalleled level of engineering, meticulous craftsmanship, and bespoke design inherent in each Encor Series 1, it presents a compelling alternative to the often similarly priced, yet less unique, 911 restomod offerings.
This extraordinary creation represents more than just a car; it is an investment in automotive history, reimagined for the modern era. If you seek an automotive masterpiece that transcends the ordinary, one that embodies the spirit of innovation and timeless design, the Encor Series 1 beckons.
To discover the full potential and reserve your place in this exclusive automotive renaissance, we invite you to connect with Encor directly and begin your journey into the extraordinary.
