The vintage vibes of the 1980-1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo give all classic car fans a sense of satisfaction

The Lotus Esprit Turbo was a sports car produced by Lotus Cars in the early 1980s. It was an enhanced version of the Lotus Esprit, featuring a turbocharged engine and various performance upgrades. 

1. James Bond

The Lotus Esprit Turbo gained widespread recognition through its appearance in the 1981 James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only." In the movie, the Esprit Turbo was famously featured in a chase scene where it transformed into a submarine, captivating audiences worldwide. This Bond association further cemented the car's status as a symbol of sophistication and performance.

2. Iconic Design

The Lotus Esprit Turbo's distinctive design, with its sleek lines, pop-up headlights, and rear spoiler, has made it an icon of automotive styling. Its wedge-shaped profile and aggressive stance became synonymous with 1980s sports cars and continue to inspire enthusiasts and designers today.

3. Sports Car Heritage

The Lotus brand has a rich history in the world of motorsports and sports cars. The Esprit Turbo represents a significant chapter in Lotus' legacy, showcasing the company's commitment to engineering excellence, performance, and precision. It has become a symbol of the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.

4. Design

The design of the 1980-1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo retained the overall aesthetic of the regular Lotus Esprit but featured a few distinct elements that set it apart.

Exterior

The Esprit Turbo featured a low and wide stance with smooth lines and a wedge-shaped profile. The body was made of lightweight fiberglass, contributing to its performance.

Front End

The front end of the Esprit Turbo had a unique look. It featured pop-up headlights, which were a popular design feature in that era. When not in use, the headlights were concealed within the body, creating a smooth and streamlined appearance. The front also had a wide air intake below the bumper for improved cooling.

Rear End

At the rear, the Esprit Turbo had a distinctive design. It featured a raised rear spoiler that provided additional downforce at high speeds. The taillights were integrated into the rear fenders and had a rectangular shape. The rear also had air vents for better engine cooling.

Glasshouse

The Esprit Turbo had large side windows that extended to the rear, providing excellent visibility for the driver and passengers. The rear quarter windows were slightly curved and blended seamlessly into the overall design. The roofline sloped down towards the rear, enhancing the car's aerodynamic profile.

Wheels

The Esprit Turbo typically came with alloy wheels that were specific to this model. These wheels were lightweight and featured a distinctive design, complementing the overall aesthetics of the car.

Interior

Inside the Esprit Turbo, the focus was on creating a driver-centric and sporty environment. The cockpit had a low seating position, offering a connected and engaging driving experience. The dashboard design was minimalistic and featured a simple instrument cluster, emphasizing functionality.

Overall, the design of the 1980-1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo blended sleekness, aerodynamics, and sportiness. Its distinctive shape, pop-up headlights, rear spoiler, and overall wedge profile contributed to its iconic appearance and made it instantly recognizable as a Lotus Esprit.

5. Engine

Engine Type: The Esprit Turbo was powered by a 2.2-liter, inline-four engine. This engine was based on the Lotus Type 912 engine, which was also used in other Lotus models.

Turbocharging

To boost power and performance, the Esprit Turbo featured a turbocharger. The turbocharger forced more air into the combustion chambers, allowing for increased power output. Initially, the turbocharged engine produced around 210 horsepower.

Engine Upgrades

In 1981, Lotus introduced some upgrades to the engine, resulting in a slight increase in power. The horsepower was raised to 215, providing improved acceleration and performance.

Mid-Engine Layout

The engine was positioned in a mid-engine layout, which means it was located behind the seats but ahead of the rear axle. This configuration helped to achieve better weight distribution and handling characteristics.

Transmission

The Esprit Turbo was typically offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. The manual gearbox allowed drivers to fully engage with the car's performance and provided precise control over gear changes.

Exhaust System

The Esprit Turbo featured a sports exhaust system specifically designed for this model. It provided a more aggressive and distinctive engine sound, enhancing the overall driving experience.

6. Performance

The 1980-1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo offered impressive performance for its time, thanks to its turbocharged engine and lightweight construction. 

Acceleration

The Esprit Turbo could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in approximately 6 seconds. This acceleration time showcased the car's quick and responsive nature, allowing for rapid acceleration off the line.

Top Speed

The Esprit Turbo had a top speed of around 150 mph (241 km/h), making it one of the fastest production cars of its time. The combination of the turbocharged engine and the car's aerodynamic design contributed to its high top speed.

Handling

Lotus cars are renowned for their exceptional handling, and the Esprit Turbo was no exception. The mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and well-tuned suspension provided excellent balance, agility, and responsiveness on the road. The car was known for its nimble and precise handling characteristics, allowing drivers to enjoy a thrilling driving experience.

Power Output

Initially, the Esprit Turbo's turbocharged engine produced around 210 horsepower. However, in 1981, Lotus made some upgrades to the engine, resulting in a power increase to 215 horsepower. The turbocharged engine provided strong mid-range torque, delivering a surge of power when the turbo boost kicked in.

Braking

The Esprit Turbo was equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, providing strong and reliable stopping power. The car's lightweight construction and responsive braking system ensured confident and controlled braking performance.