1995 Lotus S4S | Retro Review

[@mikeyfourbarrel8473]

Is it me or is the styling of this car still looking reasonably fresh and modern? Even the wheels could pass for something 15 years newer.

[@rovert94]

What is crazy, is this car first debuted in 1976.

[@luna454BB]

Maybe part of it is that the car finally ended production in the 2000s lol. I feel that way about the 355.

[@keithjackson4985]

It's not just you. I think it looks fantastic!

[@207522]

Maybe on a 2010 Nissan Altima or something.

[@LamborghiniBrotha1]

I literally just saw someone hauling one the other day and had no clue what It was; but knew It was a Lotus. Thank you guys for bringing back this classic.

[@rootsmanuva82]

I’ve always LOVED the look of the Esprit. All these decades later and I still do. Low, wide and boxy.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

That car still looks beautiful even today!👌🥰👍aging very well!

[@SubieandFriends]

This shows how good a car can be without needing to have 700hp

[@bmacster1985]

Everything needs 700 hp today because all our cars are 2 tons and up

[@tonychavez2083]

So true.. young people are so hung up on horsepower numbers, they see that as a measure of how good a car is. I’m sure those 285 horses are more than adequate for that light of a car.

[@bmacster1985]

The newest Elise weighs a little over 2000 lbs (900+ kg) and has 260 hp, less that my 2010 Mazda 6s but does 60 in 4 seconds and the quarter in like 12.3. It’s astounding what automakers can do if they shave off a few extra lbs. not that I’m really truly complaining I love the challenger wide bodies and the Shelby mustangs.

[@tonychavez2083]

@@bmacster1985 agreed.. me too, I'm a fan of V8's , none of my personal cars have less than 8 cylinders..

[@JDMHaze]

the MX5 miata said that years ago lol

[@ZIGZAG12345]

Those were some quick numbers for a 4-cylinder from back then!

[@StewartLucrative]

Seriously! I was surprised at the numbers

[@retrocompaq5212]

barely faster than a evo or sti from the same year...

[@ZIGZAG12345]

@@retrocompaq5212 They were also ballistically fast for 4-cyl cars back then too tho!

[@StewartLucrative]

@@retrocompaq5212 the Evo and STI are also seriously quick for 4 cylinders as well. You are trying to disagree with us while also agreeing with us and proving our point, LMAO. 😂🤣

[@Thejordanenthusiast]

@@retrocompaq5212 Barely faster is still faster

[@dodgeguyz]

This was my favorite “super car” looking car from the 90’s!

[@iainmackenzie3704]

It's been around since the 70's you know!

[@dodgeguyz]

@@iainmackenzie3704 Yes, but the first time I seen one on the street was around 92. And they were updated over the years. Probably why the later ones are my favorite.

[@iainmackenzie3704]

I agree, the later ones were more resolved. Good taste!

[@mediacritic]

Mine too. I love how quirky it was. Supercar performance. Supercar looks. Supercar price. Four cylinders. Nothing else was like it.

[@Bubblun1]

I love everything about this Esprit - color combo, wheels, subtle life cycle improvements. Might be the pick of the whole run!

[@VaughnJogVlog]

The gold standard of 4 bangers in the ‘70s ‘80s and ‘90s and it’s not even close.

[@ArabianOak]

Just bought a 2020 Evora GT with "only" 418hp...funnest car I have ever owned...Lotus knows how to build a car!

[@revelare_xvii6269]

*4.6 seconds for a 4 banger is unreal. Most hot hatches can barely get past 5 seconds.*

[@bradwilliams4921]

This is a cool car. I’m a big fan of cars from the early to mid nineties as this was my college years. Great memories.

[@MrTaxiRob]

people forget how affordable and livable Lotuses were compared to Ferraris and Lamborghinis, etc.

[@indianapwn3s]

People forget that Lotus is currently making their fastest and most livable car right now. The Evora GT. Pure analog sports car with a driving experience similar to a Ferrari F355 or 360, rock solid drivetrain and comfortable and roomy enough for a long weekend away.

[@MrTaxiRob]

@@indianapwn3s interesting, I didn't know it was a 2+2. A true grand tourer.

[@mcqueenfanman]

@@MrTaxiRob The Esprit isn't a 2+2.

[@MrTaxiRob]

@@mcqueenfanman I was responding to the comment about the Evora.

[@jebediahgentry7029]

@@indianapwn3s I thought the Evora production was over to make room for a new car

[@kristianhermann5971]

One of my all-time favorite exotics

[@TheBrowncoat2112]

This design still looks good today.

[@ojingaj30]

0-60 in 4.6 sec 🤭!!! That was 26yrs ago. Damn that car was a lil’ rocket. Still gorgeous as well too😍

[@SataniaMcDowel]

My go to car in Gran Turismo 3

[@Alexp37]

Yes :)

[@shamil808]

Best looking '90s wedge. Still can't get over that it has AE86 taillights. 😶

[@MrCarGuy]

Most reliable thing on the car

[@nate678]

@@MrCarGuy I love the car but I had to laugh at that 😅

[@dcanmore]

Lotus has had a long-running partnership with Toyota since the 1980s, which continues today, in providing parts (now also engines) for their cars

[@WhuDhat]

Damn, referring to a cars characteristics as agricultural is a good burn I haven't heard before.

[@heneri6024]

”Man, this baby must corner like it’s on rails!”

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Ahhh I see what you did there!👋😂👌 “pretty woman” movie! Lol 😂👍

[@borla4491]

There's a clutch left back there.

[@jamesstaggs4160]

I think these are some of the most beautiful cars ever produced. It's easy to screw up the "wedge" design and make it look tacky (sorry late 80s era Countach, you're one of the cars I'm thinking about). Lotus pulled it off perfectly. I think it's time for some automaker to bring that particular design language back, as I can't recall any newer car that's used it in a really long time.

[@accept_everything_]

It has the same steering wheel that my old '92 Firebird had 😁

[@jnr1989]

Arent the tail lights from the toyota ae86 too?

[@jareknowak8712]

@@jnr1989 yes.

[@ericvardin5304]

The 800hp hellcat widebody redeye they just tested only did 0-60 .6 seconds quicker! I'd take this lotus any day over that.

[@dad_jokes_4ever226]

Great looking car .. it had a starring role in Basic Instinct as well I believe

[@nightowl3582]

Still a great looking car.

[@alexjones3511]

This could have made a good James Bond car like the Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me.

[@82_KID]

I like the look of this car more than a Diablo to be honest (which has Nissan 300ZX headlights, which is cool lol)

[@YSN]

That reminds me, the Lotus uses AE86 tail lights

[@FLBoyCanScrap]

Love the Esprit since Richard Greico was driving it.

[@5jump]

Worked well for James Bond and Richard Gere

[@chesspiece81]

Still a good looking car

[@johnbehneman1546]

Thank you so much!!!!! I love it then, I love it now. Thanks for sharing.

[@PANTYEATR1]

I'm intrigued by this car...I'd like to try the V8 version💪

[@jareknowak8712]

Very shitty gearbox. Otherwise excellent car.

[@PANTYEATR1]

@@jareknowak8712 i would definitely do a powertrain swap. mainly for power, reliability and ease of getting parts

[@WhuDhat]

@@PANTYEATR1 transverse ls? Or maybe a standard config with a porsche gearbox. Although I feel this would be a good platform for a Honda K series, add a little forced induction to keep with the turbo 4 heritage, just with nearly double the power and reliability

[@PANTYEATR1]

@@WhuDhat a transverse GM LSA sounds good or Dodge 392 or Hellcat or even the Honda K24 turbo all sound like great options💪

[@dcanmore]

@@jareknowak8712 That's actually a myth perpetuated by lazy motoring 'journalists' because someone said something a long time ago and just gets repeated.

[@boss12]

Still cool and still reasonably quick.

[@jayjablunov4697]

A beautiful car that holds up well to today's standards. Still I always think of Jeremy Clarkson's admonition that Lotus stands for "Lots of Trouble, Usually Serious." I still want one :)

[@shanet7511]

It's a miracle the car didn't break down during their video

[@daveh9335]

I have regrettably never driven a Lotus, but I sat in driver seat of a Europa when I was a kid.

[@thewiseguy3529]

These were my favorite

[@IROCMAN666]

This is one of best cars from Europe !

[@tonyoliver5537]

In 1995 a stock brand new chevrolet corvette LT1 ran the quarter mile in 13.7,compared to the 1995 Lotus S4S 1/4 of 13.6.

[@nperry106]

Sure, but the Lotus has half the cylinders and less than half the displacement of the Corvette. I'm a firm believer in "There's no replacement for displacement" but those are respectable numbers even today.

[@klasseact6663]

The ET was on par with the same year ZR1 and only about 4 mph off the trap speed w/ 3.5 less liters and 4 less pistons👍👍

[@MrCarGuy]

And it only needs to be rebuilt 4 times more than the ZR1's engine, haha

[@googleaccount2637]

Now add some boost to the zr1

[@MrCarGuy]

@@bondedstars Sorry, no, the 910 series of engines was a completely in-house engine. The cars were always parts bin specials, though.

[@doabarrellroll69]

@@bondedstars ironically, the V8 from the ZR1 was designed by Lotus, and I imagine they took a lot of inspiration from it when they made their own V8.

[@PhillyDee215]

Quick for its time🔥

[@devinbiz]

Fast even by today’s standards, incredible by the standards of the day

[@pnsmexico]

Thats crazy! From 2.2l 4cyl turbo? What year was this again? Wow, 1995, the year of the Supra/RX-7, etc.

[@Suchayoutuber]

I still want to know what the mpg was on their test loop

[@GalenlevyPhoto]

Great handling car in the 90s.

[@fijitears]

Underrated 86 tails lol.

[@82_KID]

0:54 "Track ready Sports 3000" - What? Never heard of that in my life.

[@AaronSmart.online]

Sport 300 maybe

[@82_KID]

@@AaronSmart.online Never heard of a trim level that wasn't either the V8 or the S4S. I've seen Lotuses for sale

[@doabarrellroll69]

@@82_KID there was a limited Sport 300 version, it had some decals and a gt style wing

[@thomasempacher9337]

The Sport 300 was a model derived from their SCCA race program. Very rare and desirable.

[@jstorey6226]

I love my S4

[@buickboy92]

Do a Countryman next!

[@eddieg6436]

Newer Lotus Esprit model in the movies, Pretty Woman, For your eyes only, Basic Instinct.

[@marcelloribeiro2750]

In 1995 a 2.2 4 cilinder with 285 hp is very impressive, in spite of the turbocharcher.

[@dcanmore]

the engine debuted 1989 with 268hp.

[@WidowedAudiophile]

Love moterweek

[@zillsburyy1]

impressive

[@RCrider185]

I'd like to see a time attack battle between a JDM 2nd gen. MR2 GT-S and the Esprit S4S, just to see if it's worth the extra $50k over a MR2... I have my doubts it's more than 5% better at Brake/ Acceleration/ Cornering

[@keithjackson4985]

It was a real shame the build quality of these was so poor. They had an emissions lab or something in Ann Arbor? One evening I complimented one of the engineers filling one with gas on how nice it looked. When he opened the drivers side door, it sagged at least an inch an a half. If they would have had the quality of a Civic, they'd still be building them.

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

Sport 300 - not 3000, John!

[@chicagoui9299]

Great car!!

[@GS-zc4sk]

This would have been a much better BTTF time machine.

[@kgthegreatone943]

I love lotuses

[@ash27slick74]

Lotus.......Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious.

[@bsfunk44]

Faster than a '95 zr1. That's nutty.

[@moejr1974]

A 95 ZR1 with a good driver does hi 12's

[@MWBenDavis]

These were the same driver tho

[@MWBenDavis]

@@moejr1974 both tests had the same driver tho :/

[@bttawfiq]

How is it possible MotorWeek clocked the 1989 Esprit with less power at 12.9 in the quarter and this one a 13.6?

[@pederfallbom]

The SE from 1989 is lighter and has smaller wheels. Better weather? All factors that could affect. Only 20 hp difference

[@bttawfiq]

@@pederfallbom Yes, it could be the weather indeed, and yes smaller wheels does make a difference. Also probably the S4S had lower Octane fuel in the tank, 91 instead of 95 or 98, the older one maybe properly broken-in

[@pederfallbom]

@@bttawfiq Yes fuel is a factor but the SE had 280hp on overboost and the S4S 285 hp. Dont know it the later car had the overboost funktion so not much in it between the 2. I think they are pretty much even on straightline performance. The S4S is definetely a faster car around a track but I would guess the SE is more involving and rawer. Personally I like the order cars styling better.

[@bttawfiq]

@@pederfallbom I would love to own any of them! One of my first ever cars that I loved while growing up (I'm a 70s boy) Along with the Countach, Testarossa and the 911 All were raw and all about the driving, which is very rare in today's cars.

[@albear972]

2:26 "agricultural 5 speed shifter?" What the heck does that mean?

[@OpiceSF]

It means it shifts like a tractor.

[@AdamG1983]

The Esprit looked good in the 70s and it looks good even to this day

[@Michael_Lorenson]

IMO, the Esprit was not a supercar -- it was a supercar killer, like a C4 Corvette. Each took a unique functional approach, but had much in common technically; backbone chassis, composite bodywork, double A-arm front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and emphasis on world-class performance over luxury. Hardcore sports car guys don't really care about that stuff anyway. Finally, today neither gets the credit it deserves.

[@roddydykes7053]

Lotus should team up with Toyota to make a new MR2

[@christheimprezive2866]

I had never noticed that those tail lights are off of an AE86 Levin before, that's an interesting car to use the tail lights from! At least it's not as bad as the Mazda 767B's tail lights, those suckers are ripped straight out of a Mazda Scrum kei truck.

[@Crazy_Borg]

A way to make this car even cooler? Put a Magnetic Fields bumper sticker on it.

[@brendonhedrick3219]

I have a tuned 230i that also does 4.6 and 13.6, back in 95, those would have been extremely strong numbers in the real world. Basically on par with a ZR1, good stuff. Bet the Lotus got about 15 mpg though :D

[@jrms60r]

Yea this was really fast for a 4cyl turbo back in the day. Low weight goes a long way.

[@moejr1974]

ZR1 was a hi 12 second car with a good driver

[@MWBenDavis]

@@moejr1974 the same driver tested the 95 -ZR1 in last weeks retro tho :/

[@moejr1974]

@@MWBenDavis motorweeks drivers aren’t the best and the launch was crap on the Zr1. Check other road tests and you’ll see.

[@mcqueenfanman]

More like 25-30mpg.

[@andersonfirmino8925]

Uau que sensacional esse carros importados são muito da hora 👍😁😁

[@chrisinutahpagano6774]

This guy can put an h in any word around

[@daryno4267]

sick

[@jareknowak8712]

👍 ❤

[@dh1474]

Drop in an LS3 and Audi box and you've got 525bhp to match the looks 😃

[@netowork3d]

👌🏽

[@betterbeavailable]

It's sad Lotus nowadays doesn't do any proper sports cars like this.

[@MandusahRamirez]

Ppl wonder why Toyota doesn’t build The MR-2 anymore.. It’s because Lotus does & It’s An Elise(3rd Gen) & Evora(4th Gen)🥱

[@moeschizlac]

The 2.2L 4 cylinder comes from the base Camry back in the 90's. They just added the turbo.

[@doabarrellroll69]

@@moeschizlac no it doesn't, where'd you get that ? It was designed in-house by Lotus in 1972, known as the Type 900. The 2.2 in the S4S was a enlarged and updated version of the original 2.0 naturally aspirated engine (Type 907).

[@moeschizlac]

@@doabarrellroll69 It is a 5sfe

[@moeschizlac]

Lotus used Toyota motors for the Evora gt and the Lotus Elise. The Elise had a Tuned motor from the Celica(2zzge). The Evora had a Camry V6(2gr).

[@doabarrellroll69]

@@moeschizlac I know that but THIS ONE is not a Toyota engine, and I have never seen anyone else say that it was.

[@user-fu4jl1es1b]

gta 3 infernus.

[@europana7]

Almost like an Elantra N …

[@borla4491]

Pretty Woman.

[@EddyJean-claude]

Does it come with Sharon stone?😂😂

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

💯 0th 👍🏼

[@PabloPerez-ed9gp]

😮😮😮😇

[@daveblock4061]

Never liked the Stevens Esprits. Ruined the crisp lines of the original Giugiaro design. Also bastardized Colin Chapman's ethos of "simplify, then add lightness".

[@chrisdooley6468]

A bargain at that price back then. Nowadays that $75k will buy you some very serious machinery however lol

[@henryovalles1163]

Like what ,,,

[@zarbon700]

@@henryovalles1163 That $75K in '95 is about $136,500 in today's money.

[@mcqueenfanman]

@@henryovalles1163 A pick-up truck.

[@larryfernand5436]

a copy of lamborghini, no wonder lotus failed

[@alfamonk]

🤡alert

[@207522]

2:55 Did he just refer to the Lotus Esprit as a "supercar"?? Lol Anyone who believes this car is in the same league as a Testarossa or Diablo SV doesn't know much about European exotics and probably should stick to reviewing Dodge Darts. The Esprit wasn't even limited production like a supercar. The Esprit was just a "normal" exotic like a Ferrari 355 or Porsche 911. It was nothing special, limited production or "super" in the exotic car world.

[@RomanJockMCO]

There was nothing super or limited with the Esprit?! Really? Let's look at the numbers. Your claimed super car: Testarossa. 0-60 in 5.0. 1/4 in 13.3 @ 107. (C/D Sept 1986) Roughly 10,000 made in 13 years Your claimed "normal exotic": 355 0-60 in 4.5, 1/4 in 13.0 @ 110. $128,800 (C/D July 1995) Production: 11,273 Your claimed "normal exotic" Esprit: 0-60 in 4.4, 1/4 in 13.0 @ 108, $87,900 (C/D July 1995) 10,675 made in 28 years Esprit V8: $85,000, 0-60 in 4.1, 1/4 in 12.7 @ 112 (C/D Nov 1997) Your claimed super car: Diablo 5.7 0-60 in 4.4, 1/4 in 12.6 @ 119, $272,000 (C/D April 1992) About 2900 made in 11 years Diablo 6.0 VT 0-60 in 4.3, 1/4 in 12.2 @ 122. $300,000 (C/D July 2000) Your claimed "normal exotic": 911 0-60 in 3.7, 1/4 in 12.3 @ 114, $106,500. (C/D July 1995) The Esprit (and 355) is quicker and cheaper than a Testarossa yet you called it a normal exotic and the other a super car. Why? The 911 is quicker, yet slower trap speed, than the Diablo 5.7 (slower than the 6.0 VT) at almost a third the price. I will grant you that the Diablo is the most exclusive, has the highest top speed and will turn the most heads. It seems to me that price (snobbery) and perceived exclusivity are your criteria for a super car. Performance wise, I'd say that they are all super cars.

[@RobertRedford77]

The Esprit V8 raced and beat McLaren F1 and F40 LM in 1996/97 BPR Championship races. On YT.