Fifty Years On, The Lotus Esprit Prepares For A Comeback With Encor

British startup Encor is preparing to bring back one of the most recognisable names in sports car history — the Lotus Esprit. It's a new project, called the Encor Series 1, that reimagines the wedge-shaped icon with modern materials, updated tech, and fresh performance upgrades. The car will make its debut in November 2025, marking 50 years since the original Esprit first appeared.

At the core of the project is a late-1990s Lotus Esprit V8, which forms the base for every Series 1 build. Encor completely rebuilds the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8, aiming to deliver more power and sharper drivability than the factory car ever offered. Co-founder Simon Lane says the goal is not to overwrite the Esprit’s character but to refine it: “Progress should

enhance, not replace.”

A major departure comes in construction. Where the original relied on fibreglass, the Series 1 uses carbon fibre panels. This switch promises weight savings, more precise aerodynamics, and a sleeker finish. Even the signature pop-up headlights make a return, though now redesigned as slim LED projectors.

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The Series 1's cabin will be trimmed in leather and Alcantara, with machined aluminium details adding contrast. Technology that the original Esprit could never dream of; Apple CarPlay, advanced climate control, and a 360-degree camera, will be fitted as standard to make the car usable day to day.

Encor has recruited engineers from Pagani, Koenigsegg, and Aston Martin to ensure the build meets supercar standards. Only 50 examples will be produced, each priced from £430,000, excluding the donor car and any bespoke options.

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The timing is deliberate. The Esprit became a cultural touchstone in the 1970s, most famously through its role in James Bond films, and its sharp styling has earned it a lasting place in design history. By reviving the model on its 50th anniversary, Encor aims to celebrate both its past and its potential future.