The Lotus Esprit V8 Is an Underrated Exotic Sports Car

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Lotus Esprit V8 review! The Lotus Esprit V8 is a special exotic sports car -- and today I'm reviewing it! I'm going to show you all the quirks and features of the Esprit V8, and I'm going to show you all the cool stuff behind the Esprit. I'm also going to drive the Esprit V8 and show you what it's like behind the wheel.
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[@InterstateRaziTV]

Massive respect to Doug DeMuro for remembering his fanbase on reviewing retro cars.

[@tjmmckelvey]

this is a 21 minute add for cars and bids..

[@IRMacGuyver]

This really shouldn't have to be said but sadly youtubers chase views even if it hurts their credibility. Look at Donut Media these days but lately it does sound like they're getting the message and starting to find a better balance between quality videos and clickbait. Still the clickbait wont ever go away.

[@rickc303]

Nah, just promoting his side hustle

[@cigarjefe]

Doug is the best in the business for sure.

[@MrSonUMad]

Yes, he was clearly miserable reviewing this minty Espirit V8 but bravely toughed it out for the viewers and to put food on the table. Someone get him a purple heart!

[@ChrisMorrisMusic]

I have a 1989 turbo and it’s been in my family since 900 miles (1995). 2.2 4cyl with no power steering. It’s absolutely incredible! I once did 155 mph when I was 21 when my dad allowed me to take it to work. I was pulled over about a mile later doing 103 and he never found out. Phew. Anyway, I’m 43 now. Nothing like pulling up to a coffee shop for my shift as a 21 year old in Monterey, CA. What great memories I have with this car. So happy to see Doug finally review one. Anytime you want to review the OG just let me know, Doug! I’m in Phoenix now and we did an engine out restoration last year and she has been such a great car all these years! I may start doing more with my channel so anyone interested stay tuned.

[@bobolulu7615]

It's not a V4, it's a 2.2 litre inline 4.

[@ChrisMorrisMusic]

@@bobolulu7615 my bad… corrected!

[@baylinkdashyt]

I assume you're the most popular guy at Cars & Coffee... 🙂

[@djgoodot]

@@bobolulu7615 have to be a troll

[@karlisrubenis]

Where does he say v4? He said 4 cyl.

[@robchapman6567]

IMO it's one of the most beautiful cars designs of all time

[@Sleepy_spartan717]

I second this. I’ve loved this car since I was a kid.

[@lukew6725]

Also the only car that can also drive underwater. :D

[@TheCherwool]

It might be perfect

[@Kryojenix]

A lot of people like the Giugiaro original better than the updated bodystyles by Peter Stevens and this final one by Julian Thomson.

[@1214101]

To me it looks timeless. If it never came out before and it came now, it still looks modern. Love it

[@jamescinman1993]

I love this car but it looks like it came out in 1988. lmao

[@slideways8022]

@@jamescinman1993not bad considering it released in 1976

[@isaacreyes1937]

um no looks good tho

[@javiersilva1577]

The car looks great. But it does look like it’s from the 80s. A timeless car will look like it’s new. This car is gorgeous, it’s not timeless.

[@kopronko]

Amen, but No Turbo - No Funnn !!! ! !!!

[@r0b3rt_959]

Fun fact: The Esprit's V8 was able to easily put out 500 HP, but Lotus decided to de-tune it to 350 because they couldn't get a gearbox strong enough to handle that much power. Also, a correction: The Esprit V8 had a slight redesign in 2002, the main changes done at the rear, where it swapped the Corolla tail lights by the circular ones from the Elise S2.

[@arytonandretti3785]

I enjoyed these facts!

[@boosteroids]

And what type of Esprit they used on pretty woman movie?

[@og2716]

The gearbox was a Renault 25 one. 😅

[@realstory77]

Fo

[@coopermania74]

@@boosteroids The 2.2 liters 4 cylinders turbo "chargecooler"

[@LearningFast]

How did Doug make it through this ENTIRE video and not talk about the bright RED “EJECT” button?

[@DR61411]

Cigarette lighter I think

[@southpaw117]

@@DR61411 Yeah, it's just an aluminum fashion piece. I have the exact same one in my STi.

[@tommyt1971]

Hidden in the gear shifter.

[@toddmarks581]

If looks can kill.

[@fajareraim6136]

Ejecto Seato Cuz?

[@Rover200Power]

An Esprit V8 in yellow was a dream car for me back as a kid in the 90s.

[@claywilson6149]

This car impressed me when it survived the trio from 'Top Gear' through Argentina in the 'Patagonia Special' . The other two were constantly breaking down , yet this little Lotus kept on going . They were forced to abandon it in Argentina when the crew ran into a bunch of locals who were still pissed off about the Falklands war . I still wonder what became of it .

[@longtailgt]

Keep this low (funny considering I'm commenting on YT) but... it's apparently alive :)

[@claywilson6149]

@@longtailgtWatch Harry's Garage on YT . He takes one on a 1000 mile trip to the Italian Dolomites. Good video you might enjoy 👍

[@hristodochev]

I spoke to a person whose Esprit crashed, and he didn't let go of it so he opted for some big repairs. He had them done at a specialised garage. He told me this same garage reinforced James May's Esprit before it went to that Patagonia Special. So don't think you can go off-road in one. It sounded too good to be true anyway. Officially James May's Esprit was crushed along with the other two cars, in front of officials from both UK and Argentina. But unofficially, who knows.

[@claywilson6149]

@@hristodochev That's a sad ending . 🙁 Oh well ... thanks for the update .

[@volvo09]

You do know tv shows are scripted... Top gear is funny, but it's also scripted, just in their case it's car related scripting.

[@Bluefire397]

This is one of my favourite cars period. It looks amazing, has pop up headlights and goes like hell. My want for one only got stronger after the Top Gear Patagonia Special.

[@nafnaf0]

Yeah the Esprit is really cool. It is much better looking and more impressive in person too.

[@Bluefire397]

@MY OVARIES ARE A FELON FACTORY Well yeah obviouslty considering it's 20 years old

[@lex-xw6dv]

Beautiful piece I buy 1

[@lex-xw6dv]

D back looks,like a Toyota celica

[@bobhill3941]

And the Bond movie The spy who loved me. I loved that special in Patagonia.

[@burkuschgoldberg]

For me the Lotus Esprit has always been among the most beautiful cars ever built. It almost triggers me only looking at it. Maybe because I am born 82 and all my toy cars looked like it in that Era. Unfortunately I will never be able to drive one. Glad to see Doug also loves it ❤️

[@MatthewDoye]

This one is particularly beautiful, gorgeous paintwork.

[@Flopsaurus]

Never say never!!

[@nonbinaryproto]

not just esprit but every lotus ever🤧

[@automation7295]

How can just looking at a certain car trigger someone?

[@burkuschgoldberg]

@@automation7295 this is not my language. Might have come across differently than what I meant to say. What I meant is that it evokes strong feelings of admiration and nostalgia

[@bossbaby2112]

Massive nostalgia factor here! I remember when I was about 7 or 8 years old, my dad had a friend who came to visit us. He rolled up in a macaroni-and-cheese colored sports car I had never seen before. It was THIS model of Esprit. He took me for a ride, let me shift the gear shifter. It was the first time I had ever rode in a sports car, will never forget it.

[@volvo09]

Macaroni and cheese! 😆 I love that! Like red and yellow cars "ketchup and mustard"

[@ethanfinley4066]

Love hearing the stories of people’s first ride in a sports car. Mine was my sisters boyfriends uncle had a Porsche 991.2 911 gt3 and he took me for a drive on the highway. It’s what really made me fall in love with cars

[@user-iz3gv7th6z]

Mine was a 1998 red Toyota supra targa top. Aunts friend came over and had one. I couldn't believe the power. We went from 10-100 so fast

[@felipegacitua4451]

Recently saw one as I was coming out of a multi level carpark. I stopped the car, and left my wife waiting while I looked at it and took photos. ALWAYS a beautiful car I remember it from Hot Pursuit. seeing one in real life made me so happy! I wish I could buy one

[@sergio_-.]

Oh the Lotus Esprit! It’s perfect. One of my favourite cars EVER!

[@sergio_-.]

@@realstory77 Says what? Come on… try better at rickrolling me

[@MyKeeP81]

love it. love it!

[@TheRiverPirate13]

It was a rare sight to see a Lotus Esprit in the late 70's through the 1990's! When I saw one in person it just looked so cool! I was sort of disappointed Lotus Esprit couldn't actually turn into a submarine...Lol! They are still one of the coolest looking exotics ever made in my opinion.

[@davec5613]

HA! I got that submarine reference.

[@TheRiverPirate13]

@@davec5613 Lol!

[@darrenraphael]

James bond lol

[@Greippi10]

The design is just amazing, it has similarities to ferraris and lambos, but is very distinctly its own thing. Has a little bit of JDM in there too.

[@grimson]

This review warms my heart. For so long the Esprit has been derided by know-nothings who’ve never driven one. Great to see Doug has not only respect but genuine affection for it. I will own an Esprit one day 🤞

[@rars0n]

The Esprit V8 is definitely an undervalued car. Lotus engineering, good powertrain, great chassis, awesome wedge styling that manages to still be unique. I knew the tail lights were parts bin (they almost always are on cars like this), but I never realized they came from the Corolla. That actually makes me love it even more. Seems a lot more practical than a Countach or Diablo, too. Probably way more fun to drive, as well.

[@LevaniKa]

I love Schrodinger's handbrake.

[@nostrilnick]

I was an engineering intern in Dayton, Ohio with Delco Products (GM) in 1990. GM either partnered or owned (can't remember) Lotus at that time when they released the Lotus Elan. I got to drive a pre-production Elan since it was treated as a "competitor evaluation" car, and even engineering interns could drive these cars. The looks we got driving that car around the campus of the University of Dayton is a highlight of my time in college; what a hoot. That job was the closest I got to being Doug Demuro, a college kid driving cars like the Elan, Merc E300, Pontiac GTA, etc.

[@olikat8]

I went to Carroll High School over off Woodman on Linden Ave. So many of my classmates parents worked for GM, Harrison & Delco....saw some neat stuff, but ultimately glad to leave Ohio

[@sherlockrobin597]

In the U.K. Vauxhall (owned by GM at the time) launched their Corsa with advertising stating that the handling was tuned by Lotus. They were famous for their handling. The Corsa was not.

[@falalogo]

@@sherlockrobin597 😂😂😂

[@redbluesome2829]

GM owned Lotus in the early-90’s. One of my favorites products of that association is the 1990-1992 Opel Lotus Omega (Opel also being owned by GM). They took a mild mannered European sedan and made it a true Lotus. The right hand drive version was marketed as the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton. It was the fasted sedan in the world for a while.

[@MrDuncl]

Check out the Vauxhall/Opel VX220 to see another Lotus badged as a GM car. As for the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton the UK Police used a few for Motorway patrols. No use trying to catch speeding Supercars if you can't keep up with them.

[@TommyGun1979]

I owned a Asuna Sunfire/Isuzu Impulse '94 in the early 2000's. This car was made from about every companies' parts. Lotus provided the whole handling (direction and suspension). That thing was really fun to drive. Let's just say I made it see some serious action 😅

[@blackn]

From the 1980s to the early 2000s, my dad was an engineer and eventually managing director of Lotus Engineering. Worked on some great engines for lotus and quite a few other companies like GM and mercury marine. He has a lot of opinions on the v8 power train for the esprit. Mostly that the original 4 cylinder was categorically a better engine!

[@najssiness]

i love how much you can hear the leather seats squeaking when doug is just talking

[@gtv6chuck]

Funny - I came close to buying an early 80s Esprit Turbo from Ferrari of Denver in about 2010. I may have actually met or saw you back then. The previous body style Esprit had an exterior fuel filler cap. I knew a guy who had an Esprit Turbo, and his filler cap was looking shabby. He called the dealer and they said a new cap would be a couple hundred dollars. He thought that was way too high, so he wrote down the part number and went over to the local parts store. Turns out the filler cap was the same as a Yugo and he got it for about 40 bucks.

[@RichRotorhead]

😂😁😂

[@rickisgrate]

The keyless entry is an aftermarket device made by cobra alarms, I had the exact same one on a 96 astra (saturn). The other button is for the alarm ultrasonic sensors and if you push both buttons together at the same time it activates the alarm as a panic mode setting

[@CharlesHolding]

The fob had Lotus branding, but it is definitely a Cobra alarm.

[@waynewebster8074]

this is one of my top dream cars, i have always loved the way it's designed

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

First introduction to this car was the movie Pretty Woman. Julia Robert's mentioning how it handles like it's on rails, love it.

[@hassyg4083]

There was two of them in Basic Instinct

[@NORWAYORNOWAY]

Doug's the kind a guy to intentionally wiggle in his leather seat to make sure the sound editor gets to charge some OT and send his kids to college. Sweet car.

[@Melanie16040]

Was looking for a comment on this. That was driving me NUTS!!!

[@johnnymichael1804]

Thanks for Doug Demuro.

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Doug is a type of a guy to make monkey sounds when eating banana

[@hondafrk]

I barely made it through that. Shew.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Please stop with these type of Doug jokes. They're old and stale.

[@BadApe351]

Love your review of my all time favourite Exotic. I've loved this car from the first time I saw it whizzing around in "The Spy Who Loved Me" back in 1977. Of course over the years it morphed into a twin turbo V8 powerhouse - but it never lost it's giant-killer charm. One of your best Doug.

[@Siamese_cat_]

I love The Spy Who Loved Me .One of my favourite bond films ever. After seeing it in the spy who loved me it made me want one... 'No body does it better, Makes me feel sad for the rest'

[@shmac96]

This was a car that did not get enough praise when I was a kid. The only thing I remember that this car got dogged for was the insanely small foot well. As far as all the rest of the "weird" things I personally think they're the coolest I've seen on a car Doug has reviewed and definitely add to what I would imagine is the fun and feeling of involvement that comes with owning this car. AKA character. Great review Mr. DeMuro!

[@1080ike]

On the Esprit's reliability, while I can't speak for parts supply issues, it was apparently mechanically sound enough for James May to drive several hundred miles with zero breakdowns in the Patagonia special. In comparison, Hammond's Mustang and Clarkson's Porsche 928 both broke down at least once, the Mustang multiple times. The Lotus was even a surprisingly competent off-roader.

[@og2716]

Yes it’s true. But as they are British like the Lotus and as everything is planned and written for their show then maybe the Lotus wasn’t as reliable as they said. Or perhaps it was. No one knows except them.

[@TheAdatto]

'Several 100 miles without breakdown'.... that's the opposite of reliability

[@bagofchips8813]

@@TheAdatto ...? 🤔explain.

[@TexasTabla]

scripted?

[@weeyum99]

@@og2716 Why would they be insincere about something like that though? Not like they're not impartial to other british cars... Jeremy hates Hammond's Morgans lol

[@skilgour44]

I’ve been waiting for an Esprit review from Doug for so long. I’m glad he finally did it.

[@enorelbot]

Sameeeeee hereeeer...

[@theorigin1891]

I discovered Doug's channel a while back and me being a big car enthusiast, I've really enjoy his detailed reviews on classic rare, strange cars like this

[@Sclayto2]

General comments: The other button on the keyfob, is for ferry mode. It activates the alarm, but disables the motion sensor. Otherwise the alarm is sounding for the duration of the car's trip, resulting in a flat battery. Typically, however, it is used when the car gets loaded onto a flat bed during recovery.... It is from a UK compnay called Cobra. Lamborghini Diablo has the same handbrake system, and quite a few switches too. No doubt more part sharing during the GM ownership.

[@QWKDTSN]

My all time dream sports car! So glad to see Doug doing this one!

[@CoryAtRandom]

Same

[@thelethalgladiator01]

This to join my e46 😍

[@isaacnicholson9735]

mine too!

[@chrisfairnot6522]

Same here

[@jackthehatphoto]

Also remember that most other exotic supercars from the same era were also parts bin cars. None of them could afford to produce unique switchgear and components for such small production runs, Lamborghini included.

[@davidqbs]

My friend has a notebook full of where the parts originated from on his lotus esprit. I makes it easy to find the parts cheaply. It is a long list of borrowed parts.

[@carmadme]

I forget which one but one lambo uses the same indicator/wiper switch gear as you find in a reliant robin/kitten/fox

[@Journey_Awaits]

It’s not where it’s from but how well it works

[@philipp9481]

Great review! Really cool that you keep up reviewing these older cars. Love it! Pretty interesting retro-car! ❤😎

[@pedroantoniodacruzferreira1487]

Since it appeared in the Bond movies it became my all time favourite car. Would buy this over any Lamborghini or Ferrari. It is just a timeless classic!

[@ChristianHiroseRomeoGraham]

The Esprit has always been a sports car for hardcore enthusiasts, not for socialites, rappers, etc. This is why it's "underrated".

[@StreetPreacherr]

And how many other cars can function so well UNDERWATER?!?!?

[@cwg73160]

Lesser known? Maybe. Underrated? Not even close. “Underrated” is one of the most misused words in the English language. Good job.

[@bigduphusaj162]

It handled not bad and if you modded them to the usual 430-450bhp and rebuilt the gearbox properly then sorted the bad wheel bearings out and got rid of the wheel wobble then yeah they could stay with the 500bhp cossies and all the mad tuned stuff back in the day. Mine warped discs all over the place till I got the bearings replaced with Japanese ones and done every bush on the thing. Only then would it not warp the most expensive discs and pads you could get back then that would fit on it. I done caliper mods the lot before realising the thing just liked to wave its unweighted wheels about so that was causing the grabby feeling if braking into bends and just generally warping the F-ck out of everything, the stock bushing was so soft it caused half the wheel shaking and judder as well as hide it from the driver. Mine blew up in the snow it got snow in the intake overheated

[@Johnny2Feathers]

@@cwg73160 it literally is 😂

[@monzarace]

so true. Once you're done paying for belt change on your Ferrari and done doing engines on 911's. Let's just keep it underrated, undervalued etc. It only makes mine cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain and to insure. So Doug, just delete this video, and forget about the brand ;) Kind regards.

[@Cincy32]

I've never been a Lotus fan but the Esprit is an exception.

[@kevincollins8620]

This car made me a fan. Lotus Carlron Is 2nd place for me on ones I want.

[@automation7295]

@@kevincollins8620 Maybe Esprit is his exception because Carlton was never sold in North America. So Americans never heard of the Carlton or seen it in person. Lotus Carlton was just a souped up Opel/Vauxhall Omega.

[@jimmy_b_wp]

Same here

[@kevincollins8620]

@@automation7295 To us Carlton is on M3 status. Don't shatter our dreams.

[@hassyg4083]

@@automation7295 Bugatti is just souped up VW golf

[@adityasanthanam1945]

I adore the Lotus Esprit. It is one of my favorite cars. It is wonderful that Doug has reviewed one.

[@DANA-lx8cv]

What a beauty. The exterior still look stunning and modern, even today. I wish pop up headlights would return.

[@obsessedwithguitars3157]

Been waiting for an Esprit to show up and it happens to be the most amazing version!

[@obsessedwithguitars3157]

@@realstory77 please don't spam. We came here for cool cars and you're redirecting to something unrelated. I know you're a bot, but I hope some human reads this and understands how ineffective and infuriating this tactic is.

[@bwofficial1776]

@@obsessedwithguitars3157 If you ever go to the videos, they either have a ton of dislikes or the dislikes disabled because the spammer is scared and knows what they're doing. If they made good videos they wouldn't need to spam.

[@obsessedwithguitars3157]

@@bwofficial1776 I did, the comments were universal hate!

[@bicyclist2]

It's about time you reviewed one of these Esprit's. These are constantly overlooked by so many sports car buyers. Which is exactly why Lotus has had its fair share of financial struggles. This one is absolutely gorgeous. These don't rust as the body is made of fiberglass, and the chassis out of aluminum. I know James May is a fan, as he drove one to Argentina. You forgot to mention that Roger Moore playing James Bond drove one in "The Spy Who Loved Me", and "For Your Eyes Only". The Lotus Esprit also appeared in "Pretty Woman". I hope to be able to afford one some day. Thank you.

[@realstory77]

Hmm

[@Neo5GT]

And basic instinct

[@bjrgjohannessen5184]

The backbone chassis is of galvanized steel.

[@DTD110865]

Looking at this now, I can't imagine how Roger Moore was able to fit in one of those. I'm not as tall as Moore OR Doug, and I have a hard time fitting in them. The I realized it was customized to go underwater and do all kinds of things that most Esprits can't.

[@espritmike]

And "Taking Care of Business" and "If Looks could Kill"- Richard Grieco is laying on the hood of a red one on the poster

[@longtailgt]

The Esprit V8 used to be one of my absolute favourite cars in my childhood thanks to NFS II SE (back when the game was still new) and I'm thrilled to see it getting Doug's love. Although I still get miffed when people brush it off.

[@BostonFenian]

Thanks for doing a video on this very slept-on beauty, it was one of my first-ever dream cars when I was a teenager, and it still is today! I see the auction ended yesterday and it sold for $71k... I'd never be able to afford that anyway but I can still dream lol

[@essenlame]

What an absolute legend. When I was a little kid, I remember first seeing this car and instantly falling in love with Lotus. It was my first exotic car in Gran Turismo, and to this day, it's one of my favorite quirky sports cars ever. Big respect!

[@kevmagill5163]

This is my somewhat affordable dream car...back when the V8 came out I would go to The Collection in Miami and drool over the Esprit and other 90's sports and supercars...After seeing it in PrettyWoman I fell in love... I was and still am an exotic car obsessed little boy..but the Esprit was my jam...I was way too excited to see you were reviewing the Esprit and I wasn't disappointed. Excellent video, thanks Doug!....😁

[@TucsonDude]

Maybe, you need to live your dream and buy it?? Too many guys grow of their dreams and never live them...even if you are still a "little boy". Be a MAN and bid on it!!

[@kathleen9960]

Hi

[@maryhenderson3453]

Bro

[@Jimmygoodmann]

Nah

[@gabbtaylor8942]

Hey

[@Canttouchthis04]

Had the great pleasure of having one of these come into the shop used to work at. It was a beautiful blue color, and one of the coolest cars I've been lucky to explore in person.

[@Johnnyjingles87]

Thanks for this one Doug. I've been wanting to see you review this car for years now!

[@JradsEdits]

My FAVORITE car of all time! So glad you finally reviewed it Doug! Now let’s hope your review doesn’t rise values too far lol. And this deserves a 10 in styling!

[@danbrittain9530]

With regards to parts sharing, in addition to the bits you've already mentioned, for the late model one you drove there's also the Citroen CX side mirrors (same as what the XJ220 used), Rover 200 exterior door handles, MK3 Rover 200 heater vents, etc. 🙂

[@imnotamechanic3491]

I was in a Morris Marina at the weekend - those ash trays look familiar!

[@LMacNeill]

Wow -- I honestly had no idea they'd made the Esprit until 2004! I figured they'd quit in the mid '90s. Shows how rare this car actually is. If I were going to buy one, it'd be in this color -- that paint is beautiful! And those wheels are perfect for it. Really good-looking car, this.

[@Henry-fx4yk]

I’ve always loved it as well. Happy to learn more about it, thanks Doug!

[@DarthZainer]

My dad used to have a 2000 Esprit from 2001 to 2018 and put 13k miles on it. I learned how to drive manual on it and I miss it so much. It was such a blast to drive and it sounded amazing. I’m going to find it again one day.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

6:33 That's actually an aftermarket keyfob by Cobra. Well, sort of aftermarket. It seems Lotus couldn't be bothered to develop their own so they just used what was readily available.

[@vizmuvesjanos1045]

Volkswagen cars from the same era had that fob. I remember my parents had to change the housing of the fob for their 2000 VW Polo because the buttons weren't working anymore. Also, on that car, the small button was to unlock the car and the bigger one was to lock it, I don't think the car was equipped with an alarm.

[@DougDeMuro]

This was the factory OEM keyfob in the Elise (I owned one and they all had it), so I suspect it's also factory for the Esprit.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

@@DougDeMuro It was "factory" in many other cars as well. Nothing unusual for different manufacturers to use outsourced keyfobs back in the 90's. I remember ie. Jaguar and Saab having the same keyfobs (though not this one).

[@edwardvalivonis23]

@@vibingwithvinyl Jaguar had Ford keys too

[@vibingwithvinyl]

@@edwardvalivonis23 True but that's slightly different, as they were owned by Ford.

[@Malapropify]

My dad owned one, but 4 cylinder back in the early 90's. It was a sight to behold back then - especially in Poland. He used to be stopped by the police without a reason, just to look at the car and ask for a ride. I know tens of stories...

[@damiresq]

Omg I love this car since need for speed 2," pretty woman"with the aluminium clucth scene , and the movie "if looks could kill". I love it because of the design. Giorgetto Giugiaro allways reached the centre of my heart and imagination when I was a kid

[@nicomotor]

As said by Jeremy Clarkson: LOTUS stands for "lots of trouble, usually serious"

[@quarthar]

Funny how the lotus ended up being the most reliable of the 3 in that special tho

[@bobolulu7615]

I have one of these and had it for 17 years and it's never failed once.

[@ventocz6476]

@@quarthar i think it was scripted tbh. same with the Bolivia special when the Range Rover was the most reliable car (more than a Suzuki Jimny and a fu*king Land Cruiser?) but who knows

[@LOTPOR0402]

Clarkson did not come up with that ,been around years before him .But being a kid you would never know

[@kiwijonowilson]

Lotus is focused on keeping weight down which helps every aspect of performance except reliability. Even so they can be reliable if well maintained, as usually its a minor issue that leads to much bigger trouble (for example poorly maintained cooling system can lead to major issues).

[@williamlhou]

2001 Esprit here. There is also an available removable wind buffer when the top is off which I guess this car doesn't have. I have the glass, body panel and the wind buffer. It's nice to have the glass when it's not hot out, the AC doesn't really keep up when the body panel is on even. I guess SoCal would be better for it, but I've rarely use it because here at home it's so hot unless the dead of winter. Glad to see Doug finally getting to one!

[@kuudereplus]

you're a car?

[@Charlesb88]

@@kuudereplus yes, he’s KITTs long lost British cousin.

[@kevinmiller1023]

Coolest car ever made. So much fun to drive. I’ve owned two high mileage V8s and never had a mechanical issue.

[@jimmydiamond75]

High mileage V8s in general, or high mileage Lotus V8s? I think there might be a slight bit of difference between your average 4.5-6.0L American V8s built to last at least 75-100k miles, the bulletproof Japanese V8s that regularly far exceed the 250k mile mark, and the small production, small displacement European V8s of this era….

[@kevinmiller1023]

@@jimmydiamond75 I’ve had two esprit v8’s. Both in the 60k mileage range. Hard to find them in that high. One of which was not well maintained at all. Never had a major issue. These engines seem solid. It’s the electrical bits that seem pesky on these.

[@timomomomo969]

@@jimmydiamond75 and 60k is barely broken in for a Japanese v8

[@jimmydiamond75]

@@timomomomo969 my point exactly!

[@timothyouellette2815]

Love Doug’s videos. However, I’m surprised he didn’t mention the round brake lights in the later models. They make a huge difference in the stance of those latter gen cars in my opinion. Keep up the awesome videos Doug!

[@FatalGecko58]

The only reason I know about the Esprit V8 was from Top Gear’s Patagonia Special, with it being used during the special by James. Also just want to point out just how beautiful the car is.

[@Fe_lix]

This Esprit still has Citroen CX mirrors, they are very easy to recognize. Those mirrors were used on a lot of small production supercars of the era, seems like all the manufacturers liked the sportiness and quirkiness of these mirrors from a luxury sedan (which was the replacement of the DS).

[@thomastabaka2682]

I love that car, it looks so cool, loved when James May picked it in the Patagonia special. It suited him so well.

[@dismalswamp72]

Loved that, and clearly so did you! My all time favorite car, just pipping the R34 GTR which you reviewed a few years back. Watched with a big smile and one day I'll own that Sport 350 Esprit V8! Quick fact check - the MY2002 Esprit did update the tail lights though, using the Elise ones, I think went to LED too :)

[@AllCarswithJon]

This is almost the definition of my 'dream car'. Thanks for the review, I've loved the Lotus since the early 80's at the dawn of my awareness of cars and it's been my most-desired "exotic". I missed my chance in the 90s when early Esprits were selling for about $15k because I didn't have a garage, and I still desire one to this day!

[@TucsonDude]

Then, buy it and live your dream. Trade in that boring SUV or Camry.

[@AllCarswithJon]

@@TucsonDude Well, it doesn't really fit with my life and day-job needs. They're becoming more expensive, so I'm waiting on my YT channel to blow up and throw off the cash for it. Also, I would never drive a Camry... I drive an ACCORD! :) :) :)

[@YungEagle3k]

might as well just get a c5 corvette

[@andrew20195]

Unfortunately, the Esprits that were selling for $15k in the 90s were horribly unreliable. The V8 is really the only engine approaching what we'd call reliable by today's standards. But, if you use it as a weekend car and do all the work yourself, it's relatively affordable.

[@TucsonDude]

@@AllCarswithJon If buying an exotic was easy, then everyone would have one. :)

[@JP1397cc]

If never done here, the turbo 4 cylinders deserves love too because of still being light on these versions. Like Colin Chapman's vision of sportscars was.

[@jefferycampbell9182]

Yes. 300HP from a 4 cyl engine back then was a lot. There wasn't too many cares with 4 bangers over 200 hp so 300 hp was a lot. Love this car

[@JP1397cc]

Perfectly true and their reliabilty wasn't that awfully bad. And at least not worse than Jaguars, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other heavy sportcars of the same era. Alpine was OK but a heart from Renault could never compete with the brilliant and prestigious Cosworth mills. We are lucky to know this secret! Take care

[@bwofficial1776]

@@jefferycampbell9182 300hp from a 4cyl is still good today.

[@Esprits4s]

Nice review! Wish my '03 had been your review, but this looks to be a beautiful example as well. Thank you Doug!

[@ponyboycurtis007]

I have always been a massive fan of this car. Somewhere in my parents basement there is my stack of Road & Track magazine the month this car dropped and I fell in love with it.

[@aeiouxs]

My 2c about Esprits - and I hoped Doug was going to mention it - is that they actually look TWICE as good in real life than on film/photos. Beautiful cars!

[@monzarace]

True. When I was looking to buy one, I looked at a few examples, but every time, I felt to buy it, because it's so persuading standing next to it. Kind regards.

[@DeputyBurbank]

This was my ultimate car growing up. Even then I knew it wasn’t the fastest or the best handling but the looks were the best. Even today it looks good. When Roger Moore got a white one handed to him by Q, I was floored.

[@realstory77]

Here is the recommended clip that say it:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5OrcpSNrqt2sJY !!

[@hassyg4083]

basic instinct you mean

[@df-ln8sn]

This vid gives you no idea how awsome this car is in person going down the road! Good review Doug!

[@slimchaed]

One of the coolest cars ever! Popup headlights are awesome! Great video Doug! 👍🏾

[@sovereign3351]

One of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion

[@JohnnyZenith]

Agreed.

[@greedsmack]

I feel like these look like baby Diablos. I absolutely love these cars and I’m very happy to see a Doug video on it!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Yeah I've always thought the same. It does come from the Lamborghini Diablo family.

[@Greippi10]

The styling of this car is so special. It really looks like a hybrid between an Italian supercar and a JDM! The sort of exiting video game mish mash! Best of both worlds, with British reliability... Would definitely get one if I was a billionaire.

[@raptorstorm3353]

Thank you Doug! My dream car has always been a 1995 Lotus Esprite S4S, but hard to find anything new for reviews on these.

[@AtrociousNightmare]

To me this is a legendary car, and it's mainly because of the fantastic Lotus games on the Amiga. Born playing it.

[@jtanabodee]

I have own '92 Lotus Esprit SE TURBO for 3 years. I found the this car is reliable. The engine if the problems have already sorted out correctly, it is just a normal car. It is fast and fun. The downside of sharing other cars equipments is the strongest point for restoration. You can find parts easily and cheaper that any other exotic cars in the market. You will love it a lot when you own one.

[@sauronthegreat5799]

Why did you sell it?

[@jtanabodee]

@@sauronthegreat5799 I still own it. I drive it once a week regularly.

[@jondorsey1715]

@@jtanabodee love the esprit. One of my all time fav cars.

[@OmegaAbyss]

Had the luck of getting to drive one when I was 17. My uncle had a 2004 anniversary edition in bright yellow; brand new at the time. The thing went like a bat outta hell, and ate gas like a mother while doing it. One of my all time favorite cars!

[@krallopian]

I was behind a beautiful teal-coloured one the other day here on the 427 in Toronto, it's so much more exotic looking in person than any pictures of vids I've ever seen. Great car, I was super excited to see it!

[@MAR0DEUR]

// I once had exactly such an ESPRIT V8 (in Nautilus Blue with beige leather). I loved this car. Unfortunately, I had to sell it then (because I needed an SUV). I miss this car 😔.. My LOTUS also had exactly these wheels and a tinted glass roof. That was really a dream car. For me, this is still the most beautiful LOTUS ever. (I also never had any problems with this car. Everything worked)

[@johnfortuna4190]

His enthusiasm made me smash the subscribe button . I was 20 in the early 90’s so a lot of cars I’ve seen are my favorite dream cars 💯🙌🏻🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@egil-andrenessmortensen3037]

Ive always loved the vedge design. I remember working at a Toyota dealer washing cars at age 15. In came a red mk1 MR2. I was like wtf is that? 3 years later i ended up buying my own. The v8 Esprit is one of my favourite cars , would love to have one 👍

[@DragzMR2]

Besides the MR2(I own an sw20), this has got to be my favourite car of all time, absolutely beautiful

[@LearningFast]

Every Tuesday and Thursday I think “Doug must have run out of cool cars to review by now”. Yet, every time he posts something I want to watch.

[@realstory77]

Here is the recommended clip that say it:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5OrcpSNrqt2sJY !!

[@MrWangoboy]

Doug I love your videos been waatching from the early years but you are giving away the secret cars us car enthusiast love.

[@kalledeejay]

I can't be the only one who gets the Amiga 500 game "Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge" intro in my head at 9:41

[@nickloh912]

I remember this car in Need for Speed II SE. It was slower than the other cars in the game (Ferrari F50, McLaren F1, etc.) in a straight line (which was all a 7-year-old really cared about) but even with that game's debatable physics you could tell the handling was something special. Great video as always. BTW, does 15:15 mean we'll be getting a review of a Saturn SL?!

[@KDT5661]

Hope so. I am sitting in my manual 1st gen SL2 as I watch this lol I was like oh crap that’s my car!

[@Flopsaurus]

First racing game I ever played! Such a good game

[@sammik3959]

Maaan i just remembered its handling. Time travel :)

[@hassyg4083]

non of the games drive like actual cars

[@weeyum99]

NFS2SE was so good, back when they had a showcase for each car with a little movie and some SICK 90's techno music omgggg they really put effort into the history of each car back then

[@KAlpha09]

Learnt about the Esprit while paying NFS2SE. Although it was one of the slowest, I loved it for its design and often played with it.

[@Aaphree]

I remember using this car a lot in Test Drive 6 on my PS1 as a kid. There's a guy in my area who brings his out to CnC events which is always cool to see

[@acemcjack]

This has been my favorite sports car ever since I first played Test Drive on my old PC back in the 1980s. It has remained my dream car since.

[@Flopsaurus]

Really exciting to see you reviewing the Esprit! As an Elise owner, I can definitely corroborate the parts availability aspect. I doubt you can buy almost any parts for this car direct from Lotus anymore. Even the Elise is going that way, and it's hard without solid aftermarket support.

[@alternativeharvey7]

But if most af the parts are from other car manufacturers you would think that they can be sourced like that?

[@monzarace]

you can get what ever you want for the Espits. And a extremely solid aftermarket situation through a line of parts dealers. Lotus does not sell to private any more. But it used to be so, that if you visited the factory with your Esprit, they would take a look at it, and eventually service it (fairly cheap) and you could even get it recarpeted or change all leather or repairs if you wanted. In near 10 years onwards, I have not had any part that I cannot get. Nor does my friends. I think it's a bit harder with the Elise. But over time, things are remanufactured. Kind regards.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

I like parts sharing- makes it much easier and cheaper to find replacement parts.

[@luisurena8308]

Doug always come out with something good to watch while i eat

[@gringostarr69]

Dude! My dad had an hi-fi store back at the 80's and 90's. I got to get a ride with one of their impoters car as youngster and it was one of the coolest sports car memories from those days. Finland was in bad economic crisis back then and those cars were rare! Really rare. Fell in love with the car immidiately. He did something like 150km/h on city center :D Edit: it was the 4 cylinder turbo since it was early 90's.

[@ms3ben]

My father used to own an 89' Lotus Esprit (like the one from Pretty Woman) and it was very nice when it ran good! It unfortunately was plagued with costly issues and a money pit. I remember when the V8 Esprit came out and I though it was so cool at the time. I agree the Esprit still looks great, even today!

[@fredburley9512]

Great review. Beautiful car. Just like to say thanks for your wide range of reviews, Doug. Especially the Aston Martin Lagonda that you did some while back as this is one of my favourite car designs and no-one ever seems to review it or even take notice of such a cool vehicle any more. Cheers.

[@MrJoker42369]

i love this car in the intro scenes of 'pretty woman'. the way the main character grinds every gear was hard to watch but it looked so damn cool

[@rtrThanos]

Wow, I forgot about this car! Every time my friends and I argued about the best cars back in the 90s, Lambos, Ferraris, Porsches, McLaren F1s, Vettes and Vipers, someone would bring up the Esprit and completely mess up all logic. It had hardly any power, yet was so light that it had a great power to weight ratio. Seeing all the nitty-gritty quirks is really interesting since usually people focus on lap times. Great video, this really takes me back to the days of being a teenager with posters of cars like this on my bedroom walls 😊

[@metlica17]

I remember back when Motor Trend was testing that against the 355 and Vette back in the 90s! I always loved the styling and look of the Lotus!!😍😍

[@jimmydiamond75]

Bro I still have that issue in a box at Ma’s house, aka my storage vault!

[@hitchedtohorsepower]

I loved this car ever since I used it in Need for Speed II back in 97 on Play Station. That started me looking into it and reading everything thing I could as a 14 or 15 year old. I almost bought one when they were even cheaper in the mid 2000s. Really wish I had 😕

[@brian5o]

I drove my first one a little earlier in the original Test Drive for my Commodore 64. Definitely one of my favorites in the game.

[@AbbStar1989]

@@brian5o Same here! Showing our age a little. :)