Beyond the Familiar: The Encor Series 1 Reimagines the Lotus Esprit for the Modern Connoisseur
For those with a discerning taste for automotive excellence and a surplus of enthusiasm (and capital), the burgeoning world of car restoration and bespoke builds often presents a familiar landscape. While the venerated Porsche 911 has rightly earned its status as a canvas for countless exquisite restomod projects, a certain segment of the automotive cognoscenti finds themselves yearning for something beyond the ubiquity of air-cooled iconoclasm. Enter the Encor Series 1, a breathtaking reinterpretation of the legendary Lotus Esprit, poised to captivate those who appreciate engineering prowess married with audacious design. This isn’t merely a nod to the past; it’s a vibrant, forward-thinking creation that honors its lineage while embracing the pinnacle of contemporary automotive artistry and performance.
With an estimated price point well into the six-figure stratosphere, the Encor Series 1 is undeniably an exclusive proposition. Yet, for the individual who has perhaps already explored the intricate depths of a meticulously crafted 911 restomod and seeks an alternative to the well-trodden path, this Lotus Esprit-based marvel offers an irresistible allure. Weighing in with a chassis that is surprisingly feather-light—just a few hundred pounds more than a Mazda Miata—the Series 1 is propelled by a formidable, mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. This quad-cam powerhouse, featuring a flat-plane crank, unleashes a robust 400 horsepower, driving the rear wheels through a satisfyingly engaging five-speed manual transmission. In essence, the Encor Series 1 embodies a lighter, simpler, and demonstrably superior execution of the Esprit vision, one that likely resonates deeply with the pioneering spirit of Lotus founder, Colin Chapman himself.
The genesis of the Encor Series 1 is a masterful fusion of two distinct Esprit eras. It meticulously integrates the advanced hardware from the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 models with the iconic design language established by Giorgetto Giugiaro for the original four-cylinder 1976 Esprit. This ambitious undertaking is made feasible by the very principles of innovative engineering that defined Chapman’s legacy. At its core, Encor acquires a donor Esprit V8, carefully detaches its original glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) body from the robust steel backbone chassis, and then meticulously crafts and attaches a stunning, bespoke carbon-fiber shell that pays eloquent homage to Giugiaro’s seminal design.
The reality of this process is, of course, far more intricate than this simplified overview might suggest. The donor Esprit V8’s engine, suspension components, and auxiliary systems are removed from the steel backbone chassis. This chassis then undergoes a comprehensive bare-metal restoration, followed by galvanization. This crucial step, particularly noteworthy for a vehicle with British heritage, proactively eradicates potential rust concerns before the chassis is meticulously repainted. The suspension is then meticulously upgraded to mirror the performance specifications of the Sport 350, the ultimate iteration of the Esprit V8. New bushings are installed throughout, ensuring a renewed sense of precision and control. While the majority of components are original Lotus parts, including the sophisticated hydraulic power steering system, Encor has engineered significantly stronger rear hub carriers. This vital enhancement addresses a persistent structural weakness that has historically afflicted the Esprit V8, enhancing both durability and safety.
Rebuilt, Reinforced, and Ready for the Enthusiast
The heart of the Encor Series 1 is the 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, originally designated the Type 918. This powerplant undergoes a complete strip-down and a comprehensive rebuild. Forged pistons are introduced, alongside upgraded fuel injectors, revitalized turbocharger internals, a new electronic throttle body, and modern, efficient fuel and cooling systems. A bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system further enhances performance and sound. The five-speed transaxle, originally a Renault unit supplied to Lotus, has been meticulously reworked in collaboration with the transmission specialists at Quaife. This collaborative effort has yielded a stronger input shaft—addressing a known drivetrain vulnerability that previously necessitated a reduction in the Type 918’s output from an intended 500 hp to 350 hp at the Esprit V8’s 1996 launch—along with revised gear ratios, a sophisticated helical limited-slip differential, and a twin-plate clutch. The twin-plate clutch not only contributes to the enhanced drivetrain strength but also significantly lightens pedal effort, making the driving experience more refined.
Honoring Giugiaro’s Vision Without Being Bound by the Past
While the Encor Series 1 proudly retains a striking resemblance to Giugiaro’s original masterpiece, the Esprit’s design evolved considerably over its production run. Prior to the V8’s introduction, the bodywork was reshaped by Peter Stevens (whose illustrious career includes the McLaren F1) and subsequently by Julian Thomson (who later lent his talents to the Lotus Elise and significant Jaguar Land Rover projects like the first-generation Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar F-Type). The Series 1’s body, envisioned by Encor’s Design Director, Dan Durrant—a former Lotus designer himself—represents a refined distillation of Giugiaro’s sharp, wedge-shaped concept, first unveiled at the 1972 Turin Show. As Durrant aptly states, “We’re not handcuffed by the original, but we’re completely inspired by it.”
The adoption of a carbon-fiber body has empowered Durrant to achieve a cleaner and more simplified overall aesthetic compared to the production Esprit. This allows the design to draw closer to Giugiaro’s 1972 vision in both its fundamental form and intricate details. The prominent black line that encircled the original Esprit’s midsection, for instance, was a design concession necessitated by the external flanges used to join the upper and lower halves of the original GRP body. The Encor car’s seamless, one-piece carbon-fiber construction enables exceptionally smooth bodysides and a more elegant integration of the front and rear fascias.
Durrant’s design thoughtfully retains the flat roofline and the distinctive trapezoidal windshield of the original Esprit, a stark contrast to the slight curvature introduced in Peter Stevens’ redesign. It also incorporates a subtle Kamm tail and a discreet front spoiler element that seamlessly integrates beneath the tapered nose. The front and rear fascias are characterized by a refined simplicity, featuring modern LED running lights at the front and corresponding LED taillights at the rear. In the production Esprit V8, the engine was concealed beneath a straightforward cover nestled between the buttressed C-pillars. The Encor Series 1, however, reveals its V8 heart through a transparent rear backlight, a direct and evocative nod to the original four-cylinder car.
The vehicle is adorned with striking 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 that echoes 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 handsome wheels, housed within apertures that are essentially scaled-up versions of the original Esprit’s five-slot Wolfrace alloys, are high-performance AP Racing brakes, ensuring formidable stopping power.
Two subtle yet significant design elements immediately connect the Encor Series 1 to its ancestor for any seasoned Lotus aficionado: the six small vents discreetly positioned at the base of the windshield and the characterful fuel filler cap inset into 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 explains. “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.”
The advantages bestowed by the new carbon-fiber body extend beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing significant enhancements in structural rigidity and occupant safety. Until its discontinuation in 2004, the Esprit V8 employed a plywood firewall—a somewhat surprising material choice—between the engine bay and the passenger compartment. The Encor body, in contrast, features a robust, double-layer carbon-fiber firewall that seamlessly integrates with the cant rails in the roof. These cant rails incorporate tubular carbon-fiber elements that run down each side of the windshield, connecting to the underlying structure supporting the dashboard and doors. They are further linked across the top of the windshield, forming a cohesive and highly protective passenger safety cell.
A Retro Cabin Embracing Modern Technology
The interior of the Encor Series 1 masterfully echoes the original Esprit’s aesthetic, most notably in its twin-spoke steering wheel and the elegant architecture of the center console. However, it judiciously incorporates contemporary materials and advanced technologies to provide a decidedly modern edge. The instrument panel serves as a prime example. The original Esprit’s free-standing, wraparound instrument binnacle is reimagined as a minimalist light metal structure, centrally featuring a state-of-the-art digital display flanked by smaller touchscreens positioned on angled wings that are intuitively oriented towards the driver. The center console is further enhanced by a striking portrait-format touchscreen, offering seamless control over various vehicle functions.
From the driver’s perspective, the Encor Series 1 prioritizes tactile familiarity. All critical touchpoints—the ergonomic relationship between the steering wheel, the shifter, and the pedals—are meticulously calibrated to be identical to those of the original Esprit. This commitment to authentic driver engagement is commendable. However, it’s important to acknowledge the inherent spatial constraints of the Esprit’s design. Despite a wheelbase that is 6.6 inches longer than a contemporary Porsche 911, the original Esprit was notably lower, standing 8 inches less in height. Consequently, headroom can be a challenge for individuals exceeding six feet in stature. The decision by Encor to utilize original Lotus seat frames in the Series 1 was not solely driven by their inherent lightness; it was also a pragmatic necessity, as most modern seats are simply too tall to accommodate the available space.
Despite these spatial considerations, Encor Managing Director William Ives assures that the Encor Series 1 is designed for practical usability. Beyond the inclusion of air conditioning, the vehicle will be equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring premium audio. This entire system has been designed and engineered by Ives’ primary enterprise, Skyships Automotive, a company renowned for supplying similar bespoke equipment to elite, low-volume automakers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. Furthermore, the apprehension associated with antiquated electrical systems, often associated with brands like Lucas, is entirely unfounded. The Encor Series 1 boasts a completely redesigned electrical architecture, meticulously developed by Skyships, extending right down to the new electronic throttle body, representing the zenith of modern automotive electrical engineering.
The vehicle presented is the inaugural prototype, slated to commence rigorous testing to fine-tune the suspension setup. Given its reduced weight compared to a production-spec Esprit V8, the spring and shock rates will require careful calibration, alongside comprehensive final system checks and adjustments. The production Esprit V8 achieved the 0–60 mph sprint in a brisk 4.1 seconds and reached 0–100 mph in 10.2 seconds, culminating in a quarter-mile pass of 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. With the Encor Series 1 projected to be approximately 400 pounds lighter and boasting an additional 50 horsepower, it is expected to surpass these performance benchmarks, comfortably achieving its quoted top speed of 175 mph.
Encor’s ambitious production plan calls for a limited run of just 50 vehicles over a two-year period, with production anticipated to commence in 2026. Crucially, the Encor Series 1 will be available in a left-hand-drive configuration, catering to the significant American market. Of the approximately 1,400 Esprit V8 models produced, nearly half were exported to the United States, ensuring a healthy supply of suitable donor cars for American enthusiasts. The base price, calculated at current exchange rates, hovers around $570,000, exclusive of shipping, taxes, and the acquisition cost of a donor Esprit V8. While undeniably a substantial investment, it is important to contextualize this figure. The cost is commensurate with the extraordinary level of engineering, craftsmanship, and exclusivity offered, positioning it as a compelling alternative to similarly priced, high-end sports car builds or meticulously restored classics.
This exceptional reimagining of the Lotus Esprit transcends the realm of mere automotive restoration; it represents a profound statement of engineering passion and design artistry. For those seeking an unparalleled driving experience, a unique piece of automotive history reborn, and a vehicle that stands apart from the crowd, the Encor Series 1 beckons.
Ready to explore a new dimension of automotive passion? Connect with us today to discover how you can secure your place in the limited production of the Encor Series 1 and experience the ultimate fusion of heritage and innovation.
