Beyond the 911 Resurgence: The Encor Series 1 Reimagines the Lotus Esprit for the Modern Connoisseur
For the discerning automotive enthusiast with a significant budget, the proliferation of Porsche 911 restomods, while impressive in engineering, can begin to feel… familiar. If your desire for automotive excellence leans towards the elegantly exotic, the distinctively British, and the unapologetically retro-futuristic, then the Encor Series 1, a breathtaking contemporary interpretation of the iconic Lotus Esprit, presents a compelling and unique proposition. This isn’t merely a restoration; it’s a meticulous rebirth, a sophisticated fusion of classic design ethos and cutting-edge engineering, designed to ignite passion and command admiration on the road.
With a projected output of 400 horsepower from its formidable quad-cam, flat-plane-crank V-8 engine, capable of propelling the vehicle to a spirited 175 mph, the Encor Series 1 offers performance that belies its striking, timeless aesthetics. This remarkable machine, weighing in at a mere 300 pounds more than a lithe Mazda Miata, embodies the spirit of pure driving pleasure. It represents the kind of idealized vision that Lotus founder, the legendary Colin Chapman, might have only dared to dream of when crafting the original Esprit.
The Encor Series 1 masterfully integrates the robust hardware of the post-1998 Lotus Esprit V8 with the captivating design language of the original four-cylinder 1976 Esprit, famously penned by the visionary Giorgetto Giugiaro. This ambitious undertaking is fundamentally enabled by the very principles of innovative engineering that defined Chapman’s legacy. In essence, Encor commences with a donor Esprit V8, carefully detaching its glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) body from the foundational steel backbone chassis. This chassis then becomes the meticulously prepared canvas for a stunning, bespoke carbon-fiber homage, conceived by Encor’s design team to echo Giugiaro’s iconic lines.
The process, while seemingly straightforward in its core concept, is in reality a testament to intricate craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. The original engine, suspension, and ancillary components are expertly removed from the steel backbone chassis, which is then meticulously stripped to its bare metal. Unlike the rust vulnerabilities often associated with classic British automobiles, this chassis undergoes a galvanization process, ensuring its structural integrity and longevity, long before being prepared for its vibrant new finish. The suspension system is thoughtfully upgraded to mirror the performance-oriented specifications of the Sport 350 – the zenith of the Esprit V8 lineage – and is reassembled with entirely new bushings, promising enhanced precision and responsiveness. While largely retaining original Lotus components, including the hydraulically assisted power steering, Encor has engineered a significant enhancement: stronger rear hub carriers meticulously crafted to address a well-documented chronic cracking issue that has historically plagued Esprit V8 models.
Reimagined Powertrain and Chassis: Built for Endurance and Exhilaration
At the heart of the Encor Series 1 beats a thoroughly revitalized 3.5-liter Lotus V-8 engine, originally designated Type 918. This powerplant undergoes a complete disassembly and rebuild, incorporating forged pistons, uprated fuel injectors, new turbocharger internals, a modern electronic throttle body, and contemporary fuel and cooling systems, all complemented by a new, performance-tuned stainless-steel exhaust. The five-speed transaxle, originally sourced by Lotus from Renault, has been subjected to a comprehensive refurbishment in collaboration with transmission specialists Quaife. This collaboration has yielded a strengthened input shaft, revised gear ratios for optimized performance, a precise helical limited-slip differential, and a dual-plate clutch, collectively enhancing durability and driver engagement.
The upgraded input shaft is a critical improvement, directly addressing a long-standing weakness in the drivetrain that necessitated Lotus engineers to de-tune the Type 918’s output from a potential 500 hp to a more conservative 350 hp upon the Esprit V8’s 1996 debut. The dual-plate clutch configuration not only contributes to the overall robustness but also significantly lightens the clutch pedal effort, making the driving experience more accessible and enjoyable.
An Artistic Homage: Respecting Giugiaro’s Vision with Contemporary Flair
While maintaining a profound visual connection to Giugiaro’s original masterpiece, the Encor Series 1 transcends mere replication. The Esprit’s bodywork had evolved significantly by the time the V8 variant was introduced, undergoing styling revisions by Peter Stevens (renowned for his work on the McLaren F1) and subsequently by Julian Thomson (whose design portfolio includes the Lotus Elise and later work on notable Jaguar Land Rover models like the first-generation Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar F-Type). The Encor Series 1’s body, envisioned by Encor’s Design Director Dan Durrant – a former Lotus designer himself – represents a refined distillation of Giugiaro’s foundational sharp-edged, wedge-shaped concept first unveiled at the 1972 Turin Motor Show. Durrant articulates this philosophy clearly: “We’re not handcuffed by the original,” he states, “but we’re completely inspired by it.”
The utilization of a one-piece carbon-fiber body has empowered Durrant to refine and simplify the vehicle’s overall aesthetic, drawing it even closer to Giugiaro’s original 1972 vision in both form and intricate detail. The prominent black character line that encircled the original Esprit’s midsection, for instance, was a functional necessity, designed to conceal the external flanges used to join the two-piece GRP body sections. In contrast, the Encor car’s seamless carbon-fiber construction allows for elegantly smooth bodysides and a cleaner, more integrated treatment of the front and rear fascias.
Durrant’s design thoughtfully incorporates the original Esprit’s distinctive flat roofline and trapezoidal windshield (a departure from the slight curvature introduced in Peter Stevens’ redesign), alongside a subtle Kamm tail and a discreet front spoiler integrated beneath the tapered nose. The front and rear fascias are notably cleaner and more minimalist than those of the original Esprit, now featuring contemporary LED running lights at the front and similarly modern taillights at the rear. In the original Esprit V8, the engine was concealed beneath a utilitarian cover nestled between the buttressed C-pillars. The Encor Series 1, however, pays a direct homage to the four-cylinder 1976 model by making the engine visible beneath a clear rear glass backlight – a truly captivating visual element.
The vehicle is equipped with striking five-spoke, forged billet alloy wheels, measuring 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. These are clad in generously sidewalled Bridgestone Potenza tires, a specification that echoes the setup found on the final iterations of the Esprit V8. Durrant elaborates on the design process for the wheels: “Wheels were a real topic of discussion,” he reveals. “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 exquisite wheels, housed 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.
Two subtle yet distinctive design cues serve as immediate visual anchors, connecting the Encor Series 1 unmistakably to its progenitor for astute Lotus aficionados. These are the cluster of six small vents positioned at the base of the windshield and the iconic, inset fuel filler cap located 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 emphasizes. “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.”
Further advantages conferred by the advanced carbon-fiber construction include substantial enhancements in both structural rigidity and passive safety. Astonishingly, up until its discontinuation in 2004, the Esprit V8 employed a plywood firewall separating the engine bay from the passenger compartment. The Encor Series 1 radically redefines this with a double-layer carbon-fiber firewall that seamlessly integrates with the roof’s cant rails. These rails contain tubular carbon-fiber elements that extend down either side of the windshield, connecting to the structural framework supporting the dashboard and doors. This sophisticated structure also links across the top of the windshield, effectively forming a highly protective passenger safety cell.
An Interior Sanctuary: Classic Form Meets Contemporary Functionality
The interior of the Encor Series 1, much like its exterior, offers a heartfelt tribute to the original Esprit. This is most evident in the adoption of the iconic two-spoke steering wheel and the deliberate architecture of the center console. However, this classic foundation is elevated by the judicious incorporation of modern materials and technologies, bestowing a distinctly contemporary edge. The instrument panel serves as a prime example. The original Esprit’s free-standing, wraparound binnacle is reinterpreted as a sleek, lightweight metal structure housing a state-of-the-art digital display at its core. Flanking this central screen are smaller, driver-angled touchscreens, creating an intuitive and immersive interface. The center console itself features a prominent portrait-format touchscreen, further enhancing the user experience.
From the driver’s perspective, all tactile interactions within the Encor Series 1 – the spatial relationship between the steering wheel, gear shifter, and pedals – remain faithful to the original Esprit’s ergonomic principles. This is undoubtedly a positive aspect for enthusiasts seeking authentic feedback. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the original Esprit’s intimate cabin dimensions persist. While the Encor Series 1 boasts a 6.6-inch longer wheelbase than a contemporary Porsche 911, the original Esprit was a full 8 inches lower. Consequently, headroom remains a premium consideration for individuals exceeding approximately six feet in height. One of the strategic decisions behind Encor’s choice to utilize original Lotus seat frames for the Series 1 was not only their inherent lightness but also the practical reality that most modern seats are simply too tall to accommodate the Esprit’s limited vertical space.
Despite these inherent ergonomic constraints, Encor Managing Director William Ives assures that the Encor Series 1 is engineered for everyday usability. Beyond the inclusion of air conditioning, the vehicle will feature a comprehensive infotainment system, complete with high-fidelity audio. This system is entirely designed and engineered by Ives’ primary enterprise, Skyships Automotive, a company renowned for supplying similar advanced equipment to exclusive, low-volume automakers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani. Furthermore, any lingering concerns about the notorious “Lucas, Prince of Darkness” electrical systems of vintage British cars can be definitively set aside. The Encor Series 1’s entire electrical architecture, right down to the recalibrated electronic throttle body, has been meticulously engineered by Skyships, representing the pinnacle of modern automotive electrical design.
The vehicle showcased here represents the inaugural prototype, poised to embark on an extensive testing regimen aimed at optimizing suspension tuning. Given its reduced weight compared to a production-spec Esprit V8, meticulous calibration of spring and shock rates will be paramount, alongside comprehensive final system checks and calibrations. The production Esprit V8 achieved a commendable 0–60 mph sprint in 4.1 seconds and 0–100 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 compared to its predecessor and a power increase of 50 horsepower, the Encor Series 1 is projected to deliver significantly more exhilarating acceleration figures en route to its claimed top speed of 175 mph.
Encor has announced plans to produce a limited run of just 50 vehicles over a two-year period, with production slated to commence in 2026. Crucially, the Encor Series 1 will be available in left-hand-drive configurations, 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 availability of suitable donor cars for enthusiasts in the U.S. The base price is estimated at approximately $570,000, exclusive of shipping, taxes, and the cost of acquiring a donor Esprit V8. While this represents a substantial investment, it is crucial to consider the unparalleled level of engineering, bespoke craftsmanship, and exclusive appeal that this unique automotive creation offers, placing it in a distinct category from even the most meticulously prepared Porsche 911 restomods.
If you are captivated by the prospect of owning a truly unique automotive masterpiece that blends iconic design with cutting-edge performance and uncompromising quality, the Encor Series 1 beckons. Discover more about this extraordinary reimagining of the Lotus Esprit and explore how you can become part of its exclusive lineage.
