Recent 2002 changes to the Lotus Esprit V8 continue the Lotus tradition of constantly improving this venerable supercar. They are:
- Redesigned rear body panel featuring round taillights
- Aerodynamic “lip” spoiler from the legendary Sport 350
- Twin outlet tailpipes, extending from redesigned silencer
- New high backed seats w/embossed Lotus logo
- Aluminum interior accents
- Crystal titanium finish multi-spoke OZ Racing one-piece alloy wheels
- Increased flexibility
The Lotus Esprit V8’s ECM does not alter the powerplant’s output of 350 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm. Instead it allows the engine to produce more torque in the lower gears. The idea was not to make the car quicker – it still runs from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds – but to give greater flexibility and driving ease in the real-world situations.
To harness this power, Lotus engineers specified front AP Racing competition four-piston fixed brake calipers and upgraded brake discs. The former 296 mm (11.6-in.) front and 300 mm (11.8-in.) rear brake discs have been replaced with AP Racing curved-vane 320 mm (12.6-in.) brake discs at all four wheels. The brake discs are both vented and cross-drilled for superior ventilation.
Inside, the designers at Lotus added body color accents to the interior. This year they added body color console and door trim panels to accentuate the interior.
Comfort and Convenience
- Hand-finished leather interior,
- air-conditioning,
- power windows,
- central locking,
- tinted glass,
- electronically operated fuel filler flap,
- power operated and heated remote outside mirrors,
- Premium Alpine AM/FM CD sound system.
Safety and Security
- Kevlar reinforced passenger safety cell,
- driver and passenger Supplemental Inflatable Restraints (airbags),
- four wheels anti-lock braking system (ABS),
- three-point retractable safety belts, delay interior safety lighting,
- anti-theft system with remote keyless entry,
- immobilizer and alarm.
Optional Equipment
- Glass roof panel
The Engine
Configuration: Aluminum-alloy twin-turbocharged V8, 90 degree cylinder bank angle, single-plane crankshaft.
- Bore: 83 mm
- Stroke: 81mm
- Capacity: 3506 cc
- Power: 350 HP @ 6500 rpm
- Torque: 295 lb ft @ 4250 rpm
- Head Chamber Aluminum alloy, four-valve pent-roof combustion
- Valvegear: Dual overhead camshafts with one toothed belt per bank, hydraulic tappets.
- Inlet valves: 33.5 mm
- Exhaust valves: 30.0 mm
- Block: LM25TF aluminum alloy with cast iron “wet” lines, spheroidal graphite cast iron cross-bolted main bearing caps.
- Turbochargers: Two Garrett T25 water-cooled, oil lubricated.
- Fueling: One primary injector per cylinder, one secondary injector per bank.
- Ignition: Four double-ended coils triggered from crankshaft sensor.
- Ancillaries: Water pump, alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor.
- Weight: 485 lb with ancillaries.
The Car
- Chassis/Body: Rigid steel zinc-coated backbone chassis, composite bodywork with seating for two.
- Front Suspension: Independent by upper and lower wishbones, with uprated coil springs, revised suspension geometry and damper settings.
- Rear Suspension: Indpendent by upper and lower transverse links with radius arms, coil springs and telescopic dampers. Aluminum hub carriers.
- Wheels: OZ Racing Wheels; Front: 17″x8.5″, Rear: 18″x10″ on Dunlop SP9000 Tires; Front: 235/40ZR 17, Rear: 285/35ZR 18
Performance:
- Maximum Speed: 180mph
- 0-60mph: 4.4 seconds
- 0-100mph: 10.5 Seconds
- Fuel Economy: EPA city driving: 15mpg, EPA highway driving: 23mpg
Colors
