The Lotus Esprit launched in 1976 as a sharp-edged, mid-engine sports car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It replaced the Lotus Europa and set out to compete with European rivals using lightweight construction and handling rather than outright power. Early models were powered by four-cylinder engines, which kept weight down but limited performance compared with larger-engined competitors.
In the 1980s the Lotus Esprit gained more power and refinement. The Turbo Esprit arrived in 1980, giving the car the pace to match its styling. Later updates included a redesigned body by Peter Stevens in 1987 and the addition of a V8 engine in 1996. Across its lifetime the Esprit saw constant revisions to chassis tuning, aerodynamics and interior quality, helping it stay relevant against newer sports cars.
Production of the Lotus Esprit ended in 2004 without a direct replacement. While concept cars hinted at a revival, no modern version reached production. Today the Esprit is remembered as one of Lotus’s longest-running nameplates, valued by collectors and enthusiasts for its design and role in shaping the brand’s identity.