Encor Series 1: A Bespoke Automotive Masterpiece for the Discerning Enthusiast
For the collector who has admired the enduring allure of classic sports cars but found contemporary offerings, particularly the ubiquity of Porsche 911 restomods, a touch too predictable, a new beacon of automotive artistry has emerged. The Encor Series 1, a meticulously crafted homage to the legendary Lotus Esprit, transcends mere revival; it’s a profound reinterpretation, blending iconic design with cutting-edge engineering for a driving experience that is both exhilaratingly familiar and startlingly modern. This isn’t just a car; it’s a statement piece for those who appreciate the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and performance, demanding an Esprit V8 successor that honors its lineage while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
With a significant investment in mind—think north of half a million dollars—the allure of a bespoke sports car like the Encor Series 1 becomes acutely apparent. It skillfully sidesteps the crowded market of heavily modified air-cooled Porsches, offering something truly distinct. Imagine a machine that weighs marginally more than a nimble Mazda Miata, yet is propelled by a formidable, mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged quad-cam V-8 engine featuring a flat-plane crank. This powerhouse delivers a potent 400 horsepower, channeled through a five-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. The result is a vehicle that embodies the minimalist, lightweight ethos championed by Lotus founder Colin Chapman, realized with a level of refinement and build quality that perhaps even he could only envision.
At its core, the Encor Series 1 ingeniously marries the robust hardware of the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 with the captivating design language of the original four-cylinder 1976 Esprit, a masterpiece penned by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. This ambitious undertaking is made possible by a deep understanding and application of Chapman’s foundational engineering principles. In essence, Encor procures an Esprit V8 donor vehicle, carefully unbolts its original glass-reinforced plastic body, and then meticulously crafts a new, breathtaking carbon-fiber shell that pays a sophisticated tribute to Giugiaro’s timeless wedge-shaped aesthetic.
The process, however, is far more intricate than a simple body swap. The donor car’s steel backbone chassis is stripped bare, with the engine, suspension, and all ancillary components removed. This chassis is then meticulously restored, even undergoing galvanization—a crucial step for an older British sports car, effectively eradicating the specter of rust before it’s treated to a fresh, premium paint finish. The suspension is comprehensively upgraded to mirror the performance-oriented specification of the Sport 350, the ultimate iteration of the Esprit V8. It’s then painstakingly reassembled with all-new bushings. While a significant portion of the components are original Lotus parts, including the precise hydraulic power steering system, Encor has engineered stronger rear hub carriers. This vital enhancement addresses a known chronic vulnerability in the original Esprit V8, a flaw that often led to premature cracking. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate Lotus Esprit upgrade, this attention to detail is paramount.
Reimagined Powertrain: Unleashing the Heart of the Beast
The heart of the Encor Series 1 is the 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, originally designated Type 918. This already exceptional powerplant undergoes a complete strip-down and meticulous rebuild. Forged pistons, upgraded fuel injectors, reconditioned turbocharger internals, a new electronic throttle body, and modern, integrated fuel and cooling systems are all part of the comprehensive overhaul. A new, bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system ensures a symphony of sound that befits its performance. The original five-speed transaxle, a Renault-sourced unit that graced the production Esprit V8s, has been collaboratively refined with input from transmission specialists Quaife. This collaboration has resulted in a strengthened input shaft—addressing a long-standing drivetrain limitation that necessitated a reduction in the Type 918’s original factory-intended output—revised gear ratios for optimized performance, a helical limited-slip differential for superior traction, and a sophisticated twin-plate clutch for improved engagement and feel. The enhanced input shaft is particularly significant, as it mitigates the very issue that forced Lotus engineers to detune the engine from an anticipated 500 horsepower to the production launch figure of 350 hp in 1996. The twin-plate clutch, meanwhile, renders the operation significantly lighter and more precise for the driver. This dedication to Esprit V8 engine rebuilding sets a new benchmark for restoration and enhancement projects.
Giugiaro’s Vision, Encor’s Refinement: A Design Masterclass
While retaining a profound visual connection to Giugiaro’s groundbreaking original, the Encor Series 1’s exterior design represents a sophisticated evolution, not a slavish imitation. By the time the V8 model arrived, the Esprit’s bodywork had already seen significant redesigns by Peter Stevens (renowned for the McLaren F1) and later Julian Thomson (whose work graced the Lotus Elise before his impactful tenure at Jaguar Land Rover, contributing to vehicles like the first-generation Range Rover Evoque and the Jaguar F-Type). Encor’s design director, Dan Durrant, a former Lotus designer himself, has orchestrated the Series 1’s bodywork as a masterful distillation of Giugiaro’s sharp, 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 adoption of a one-piece carbon-fiber body has empowered Durrant to significantly refine and simplify the car’s overall aesthetic, bringing it even closer to the purity of Giugiaro’s 1972 vision in both form and detail. The prominent black band encircling 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 halves of the original two-piece glass-reinforced plastic body. The Encor’s seamless carbon-fiber construction allows for dramatically cleaner, smoother bodysides and a more integrated appearance in the front and rear fascias. Enthusiasts seeking a new Lotus Esprit that captures the spirit of the original will find this design compelling.
Durrant’s design thoughtfully preserves the original Esprit’s distinctive flat roofline and trapezoidal windshield—a feature subtly altered by Peter Stevens’ redesign, which introduced a slight crown. The subtle Kamm tail at the rear and the discreet front spoiler beneath the tapering nose are also faithfully rendered. The front and rear fascias are cleaner and more minimalist than those of the original Esprit, incorporating modern LED lighting elements for both illumination and signature. A particularly evocative touch is the exposed engine bay: unlike the production Esprit V8, which featured a simple cover, the Encor Series 1 proudly displays its V-8 engine beneath a striking glass backlight, directly mirroring the presentation of the four-cylinder engine in the 1976 model.
The wheels are a significant design element in themselves. Forged billet, five-spoke units measuring 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, are shod with generously sidewalled Bridgestone Potenza tires, a configuration reminiscent of the final Esprit V8 models. 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 elegant wheels, housed within apertures that are essentially scaled-up interpretations of the original Esprit’s five-slot Wolfrace alloys, reside high-performance AP Racing brakes, ensuring formidable stopping power. For those searching for Lotus Esprit performance parts, the Encor Series 1 exemplifies superior engineering.
Two subtle yet instantly recognizable design cues immediately connect the Encor Series 1 to its iconic predecessor for Lotus aficionados: the cluster of six small vents positioned at the base of the windshield and the distinctive, inset fuel filler cap on the left C-pillar. Durrant emphasizes the continuity: “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.” These details are crucial for anyone considering a vintage Lotus Esprit restoration or seeking modern interpretations.
Beyond aesthetics, the carbon-fiber construction offers substantial improvements in both structural rigidity and occupant safety. The original Esprit V8, remarkably, utilized a plywood firewall between the engine bay and the passenger compartment right up until its production ceased in 2004. The Encor Series 1 features a robust, double-layer carbon-fiber firewall. This firewall is integrated with the cant rails in the roof, which themselves contain tubular carbon-fiber elements. These elements extend down either side of the windshield to the supporting structure for the dashboard and doors, and also connect across the top of the windshield, effectively forming a cohesive and incredibly strong passenger safety cell. This elevates the safety standards for high-performance sports cars significantly.
A Cabin of Retro Elegance Meets Modern Innovation
The interior of the Encor Series 1 masterfully echoes the original Esprit’s charm, most notably in its iconic two-spoke steering wheel and the flowing architecture of the center console. However, this classic aesthetic is elevated with contemporary materials and cutting-edge technology, imbuing the cabin with a distinct modern edge. The instrument panel is a prime example of this duality. The free-standing, wraparound pod of the original is reimagined as a sleek, lightweight metal structure, featuring a state-of-the-art digital screen at its heart. This central display is flanked by smaller touchscreens integrated into wings that angle gracefully towards the driver. The center console itself is dominated by a striking portrait-format touchscreen, providing intuitive access to various vehicle functions.
From the driver’s perspective, the critical tactile points—the ergonomics of the steering wheel, the shifter, and the pedals—remain intentionally identical to those of the original Esprit. This commitment to retaining the authentic driving feel is a significant part of the Encor’s appeal. However, the compact dimensions of the original Esprit present a challenge. Despite having a wheelbase 6.6 inches longer than a contemporary Porsche 911, the original Esprit was a full 8 inches lower. Consequently, headroom can be at a premium for individuals exceeding six feet in height. Encor’s decision to retain the original Lotus seat frames in the Series 1 was not solely for their lightweight properties; it was also a pragmatic necessity, as most modern aftermarket seats are simply too tall to fit within the Esprit’s confines. This thoughtful approach to classic car interior design ensures both authenticity and functionality.
Despite its compact dimensions, Encor Managing Director William Ives assures that the Series 1 will be remarkably user-friendly. Beyond its standard inclusion of air conditioning, the vehicle will be equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system. This system, designed and engineered by Ives’ primary venture, Skyships Automotive—a company renowned for supplying high-end audio and electronic solutions to prestigious low-volume manufacturers like Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani—promises an unparalleled auditory and technological experience. Furthermore, the notorious reputation of Lucas electrical components, once dubbed “The Prince of Darkness,” is a relic of the past. The entire electrical architecture of the Encor Series 1, right down to its new electronic throttle body, has been meticulously designed by Skyships, representing the pinnacle of contemporary automotive electrical engineering. This focus on modern automotive technology ensures reliability and advanced functionality.
The vehicle showcased is the initial prototype, poised to commence rigorous testing to fine-tune its suspension settings. Given its reduced weight compared to a production-spec Esprit V8, careful calibration of spring and shock rates will be essential, alongside exhaustive final system checks and calibrations. The production Esprit V8 achieved an impressive 0–60 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds and 0–100 mph in 10.2 seconds, completing a quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. With an anticipated weight reduction of approximately 400 pounds and an increase of 50 horsepower, the Encor Series 1 is projected to surpass these performance figures en route to its claimed top speed of 175 mph. For those seeking performance car upgrades, this represents a significant leap forward.
Encor has ambitious but exclusive plans: to produce a limited run of just 50 units 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. Given that approximately half of the 1,400 or so Esprit V8s produced were exported to the United States, a healthy pool of donor cars is available for American enthusiasts seeking to embark on this exceptional ownership journey. The base price, at current exchange rates, hovers around $570,000, exclusive of shipping, taxes, and the cost of the donor Esprit V8. This is undoubtedly a significant investment, but one that reflects the unparalleled engineering, bespoke craftsmanship, and exclusivity of a vehicle that stands apart from even the most meticulously executed luxury car modifications.
If you are a discerning automotive enthusiast yearning for a driving experience that transcends the ordinary, a vehicle that combines the evocative spirit of a legend with the uncompromised execution of modern engineering, then the Encor Series 1 demands your attention. Discover how this extraordinary reimagining of the Lotus Esprit can elevate your passion for motoring.
