Encor Series 1: A Bold Reawakening of the Lotus Esprit Legacy
For the discerning collector and performance aficionado who finds themselves adrift in a sea of meticulously restored Porsche 911s, a new horizon beckons. Enter the Encor Series 1, a breathtaking homage and a radical reimagining of the legendary Lotus Esprit, designed to captivate those with a taste for the extraordinary and a healthy budget to match. This isn’t merely a restomod; it’s a profound reinterpretation, a machine that honors its heritage while embracing the pinnacle of modern engineering and artistry. With a potent 400-horsepower quad-cam V-8 engine, a projected top speed of 175 mph, and a design that is nothing short of automotive sculpture, the Encor Series 1 offers a compelling alternative for those seeking exclusivity and unparalleled driving engagement.
This remarkable creation emerges from a vision to transcend the ordinary, offering a unique proposition in the high-end automotive market. For individuals possessing over half a million dollars and a desire to break free from the ubiquitous Porsche 911 restomod trend, the Encor Series 1 presents a compelling and decidedly distinct choice. Imagine a vehicle that tips the scales at only marginally more than a Mazda Miata, yet is propelled by a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged, quad-cam, flat-plane-crank V-8 engine. This powerhouse delivers a formidable 400 horsepower, channeled to the rear wheels through a precise five-speed manual transmission. The Encor Series 1 is a testament to the spirit of innovation, embodying a lighter, simpler, and demonstrably superior execution of the Esprit’s iconic form – a dream that Lotus founder Colin Chapman himself might have harbored.
The genesis of the Encor Series 1 lies in a sophisticated fusion of hardware derived from the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 with the unmistakable design DNA of the original four-cylinder 1976 Esprit, penned by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. At its core, Encor meticulously deconstructs an Esprit V8 donor vehicle. The original glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) body is carefully detached from its steel backbone chassis. This foundational structure is then revitalized and serves as the canvas for a stunningly rendered, bespoke carbon-fiber body, a striking tribute to Maestro Giugiaro’s visionary design.
The process, however, is far more intricate than a simple body swap. The engine, suspension, and all ancillary components are liberated from the steel backbone chassis. This chassis is then meticulously stripped back to its bare metal, and importantly, it undergoes galvanization. This crucial step, particularly significant for a car with British heritage, effectively eradicates the specter of rust. Following this foundational restoration, the chassis is prepared for its transformation. The suspension is meticulously upgraded to mirror the specifications of the lauded Sport 350 – the ultimate iteration of the Esprit V8 – and is then reassembled with brand-new bushings throughout. While the majority of components are genuine Lotus parts, including the hydraulic power steering system, Encor has engineered significantly stronger rear hub carriers. This enhancement addresses a persistent issue that has long plagued the Esprit V8, namely the tendency for the original hub carriers to develop cracks under stress.
Reimagined Power: Rebuilt, Reinforced, and Ready for the Road
The heart of the Encor Series 1 is the 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, originally designated Type 918. This celebrated powerplant undergoes a complete strip-down and meticulous rebuild. Forged pistons are installed, alongside upgraded fuel injectors and reconditioned turbocharger internals. A new electronic throttle body ensures precise control, while modern fuel and cooling systems are integrated, complemented by a new, performance-oriented stainless-steel exhaust system. The five-speed transaxle, originally a Renault acquisition for Lotus, has been expertly re-engineered in collaboration with the renowned transmission specialists at Quaife. This collaborative effort has yielded a stronger input shaft, revised gear ratios for enhanced performance, a helical limited-slip differential for superior traction, and a sophisticated twin-plate clutch assembly.
The reinforced input shaft is a critical upgrade, directly addressing a long-standing weakness in the original drivetrain. This inherent limitation necessitated Lotus engineers to de-tune the Type 918’s output from an intended 500 horsepower down to 350 horsepower at the Esprit V8’s launch in 1996. The inclusion of a twin-plate clutch not only enhances durability but also significantly lightens the pedal effort, contributing to a more refined and enjoyable driving experience. The synergy of these upgrades ensures that the Encor Series 1 delivers its power with both authority and finesse, a true testament to meticulous engineering.
A Design Ethos: Honoring Giugiaro Without Being Constrained by the Past
While the Encor Series 1 proudly displays a profound resemblance to Giugiaro’s original vision, the evolutionary path of the Esprit’s design prior to the V8 introduction is also acknowledged. The bodywork underwent refinements by Peter Stevens, the acclaimed designer of the McLaren F1, followed by Julian Thomson, who later contributed to the Lotus Elise before joining Jaguar Land Rover, where he played a pivotal role in the development of vehicles such as the first-generation Range Rover Evoque and the Jaguar F-Type. The Encor Series 1’s body, meticulously sculpted by Encor’s Design Director, Dan Durrant – a former Lotus designer himself – represents a masterful distillation of Giugiaro’s sharp, wedge-shaped concept first unveiled at the 1972 Turin Motor Show. Durrant articulates this philosophy with clarity: “We’re not handcuffed by the original, but we’re completely inspired by it.”
The judicious use of carbon fiber has empowered Durrant to refine and simplify the vehicle’s overall aesthetic, bringing it into closer harmony with Giugiaro’s seminal 1972 concept, both in its overarching form and its intricate details. The prominent black stripe that encircled the original Esprit’s midsection, for instance, served a practical purpose: it concealed the external flanges used to join the upper and lower sections of the original two-piece GRP body. In contrast, the Encor’s single-piece carbon-fiber body allows for exceptionally clean bodysides and a more streamlined integration of the front and rear fascias. This deliberate simplification enhances the car’s visual purity and performance aerodynamics.
Durrant’s design thoughtfully retains the characteristic flat roofline and the trapezoidal windshield of the original Giugiaro design, a departure from the subtle crown introduced in Peter Stevens’ redesign. The subtle Kamm tail and a discreet front spoiler element, elegantly integrated beneath the tapered nose, further echo the Esprit’s iconic silhouette. The front and rear fascias are notably cleaner and more resolved than those of the original Esprit, incorporating modern LED lighting elements for both daytime running lights and rear illumination. Where the Esprit V8 concealed its engine beneath a modest cover nestled between buttressed C-pillars, the Encor Series 1 proudly displays its V-8 heart beneath a striking glass backlight, a direct nod to the visual presentation of the four-cylinder engine in the 1976 model.
The vehicle is adorned with distinctive five-spoke, forged billet wheels, sized 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, fitted with generously proportioned Bridgestone Potenza tires – a configuration reminiscent of the final Esprit V8 models. Durrant elaborates on the 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 artful wheels, within apertures that are essentially scaled-up interpretations of the original Esprit’s five-slot Wolfrace alloys, reside potent AP Racing brakes, ensuring formidable stopping power to match the car’s performance capabilities.
Two subtle yet instantly recognizable design cues, deeply embedded in the Esprit lexicon, seamlessly link the Encor Series 1 to its progenitor: the six diminutive vents positioned at the base of the windshield and the distinctive, inset fuel filler cap on the left C-pillar. Durrant emphasizes the design’s fidelity: “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 precision manufacturing, enabled by advanced materials, elevates the Encor Series 1 to an exceptional standard of fit and finish.
The adoption of the carbon-fiber body ushers in significant enhancements in structural rigidity and safety. It’s a striking contrast to the original Esprit V8, which until its production ceased in 2004, featured a plywood firewall – a surprising material choice for a performance car. The Encor’s robust, double-layer carbon-fiber firewall is seamlessly integrated with the cant rails of the roof. These structural elements incorporate tubular carbon-fiber components that extend down either side of the windshield, connecting to the underlying structure supporting the dashboard and doors. Furthermore, they are linked across the top of the windshield, effectively forming an integrated passenger safety cell, offering a superior level of occupant protection.
A Fusion of Eras: A Retro Cabin with Discreetly Integrated Modern Technology
Mirroring the exterior’s elegant homage, the interior of the Encor Series 1 pays deep respect to the original Esprit. This is most evident in the characteristic two-spoke steering wheel and the architectural layout of the center console. However, this classic foundation is elegantly juxtaposed with meticulously selected materials and cutting-edge technologies that imbue the cabin with a distinctly contemporary feel. The instrument panel serves as a prime example of this duality. The free-standing, wraparound pod of the original Esprit is reimagined as a sleek, lightweight metallic structure. At its heart resides a state-of-the-art digital display, flanked by smaller, driver-angled touchscreens on elegant wing extensions. The center console further integrates a striking portrait-format touchscreen, providing intuitive access to a wealth of features.
From the driver’s perspective, a critical element of the Encor Series 1’s design is the preservation of an authentic tactile connection to the original. All primary touchpoints – the relationship between the steering wheel, gear shifter, and pedals – are meticulously calibrated to mirror those of the original Esprit. This adherence to the driver-centric ethos is a significant achievement. However, the reality of the original Esprit’s compact dimensions remains. Despite boasting a wheelbase that is 6.6 inches longer than a contemporary Porsche 911, the original Esprit was a full 8 inches lower. Consequently, headroom can be a consideration for individuals exceeding six feet in height. One of the key reasons Encor opted to retain the original Lotus seat frames in their Series 1 builds was not only their inherent lightness but also the practical consideration that most modern, taller aftermarket seats simply would not fit.
Despite these inherent dimensional constraints, William Ives, Encor’s Managing Director, expresses confidence in the Encor Series 1’s usability, promising a vehicle that is surprisingly easy to live with. Beyond standard air conditioning, the car will be equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a high-fidelity audio setup. This entire system, along with the vehicle’s advanced electrical architecture, has been meticulously designed and engineered by Skyships Automotive, Ives’ primary enterprise. Skyships is renowned for supplying similar bespoke equipment to ultra-luxury, low-volume manufacturers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. Furthermore, any lingering anxieties associated with historical Lotus electrical systems, often colloquially referred to as “Lucas, Prince of Darkness,” can be confidently dismissed. The Encor Series 1’s entire electrical architecture, right down to its state-of-the-art electronic throttle body, has been developed by Skyships, representing the zenith of modern automotive electrical engineering.
The vehicle presented is the inaugural prototype, poised to embark on an extensive testing regimen aimed at fine-tuning its suspension dynamics. Given its reduced weight compared to a production Esprit V8, the spring and shock rates will require precise calibration. This phase will also encompass comprehensive final systems checks and calibrations to ensure optimal performance and reliability. The production Esprit V8 achieved an impressive 0–60 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds and reached 100 mph in 10.2 seconds, completing the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph. The Encor Series 1, however, is anticipated to weigh approximately 400 pounds less and benefits from an additional 50 horsepower. These factors strongly suggest that the Encor Series 1 will be considerably quicker in its acceleration to its conservatively claimed top speed of 175 mph.
Encor has charted an ambitious yet exclusive production plan, targeting a mere 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 North American market. Considering that approximately 1,400 Esprit V8s were originally produced, with a significant proportion – just under half – exported to the United States, a healthy pool of suitable donor cars exists for American enthusiasts. The base price, at current exchange rates, is projected to be around $570,000, excluding shipping, taxes, and the cost of the donor Esprit V8. While undeniably a significant investment, it’s crucial to recognize that this figure aligns with the considerable engineering and uncompromising quality found in similarly exclusive, bespoke automotive endeavors.
For those seeking an automotive masterpiece that transcends the ordinary, a vehicle that blends iconic design with unparalleled performance and exquisite craftsmanship, the Encor Series 1 represents an irresistible invitation to redefine automotive passion. If you are captivated by this vision and ready to explore the next steps in acquiring your piece of automotive history, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated team for a personalized consultation and to secure your place in the exclusive lineage of the Encor Series 1.
