Lotus Esprit X180: Full review and History

[@markc2761]

Fabulous video of my favourite Esprit, naturally aspirated. Interesting and very informative, thank you from a new subscriber.

[@zk9058]

This was featured in the Richard Grieco movie “if looks could kill” - i have been a huge fan ever since!

[@markonmotoring]

The PS car was just the refresh that was needed to cement the Esprits future and the smoother body styling and more upmarket interior really added a touch of class to the Esprit. Today I think it's the original GG cars that look the most striking as the pure 70's wedge. Whichever version though I expect they are a fantastic drive. I remember a test with the V8 in period against a Ferrari 355 found that the Lori's could actually out grip the Ferrari and of course had a lower purchase cost. The Esprit is a car that I've always aspired to.

[@JohnsGarageIreland]

It's a smashing car to drive, more so when you consider how much you'll pay for it compared to competitors. Not without its flaws but they're well documented at this stage so shouldn't be any surprises. You'll also have something more exclusive at car meets. The appeal is huge in my eyes.

[@markonmotoring]

@@JohnsGarageIreland I think the loris always attached a different sort of buyer too. Yes a Ferrari did appeal to professional drivers but also to those who simply had the financial means. Lotus on the other hand were probably bought by the type of person who really enjoyed driving and in some cases probably enjoy taking them to pieces to see how it all works.

[@JohnsGarageIreland]

@Mark On Motoring thats probably true actually, and I'd imagine they're good buys now as owners know what they're getting into and understand it has to be maintained. A purchase is a commitment not just for an image

[@Rupertddog]

We are waiting with baited breath John! Tuesday today !

[@03422011]

Sorry I've been ill and a few works bits going on.

[@Rupertddog]

@@03422011 get well soon

[@JohnsGarageIreland]

Thank you, all sick again today but I'll get this weeks episode out for Sunday

[@enigmatwist6548]

210 bhp from a normally aspirated 2.2 engine is pretty good. Wonder if these same engine modifications could be applied to the 2.2 in the Lotus Excel, can’t imagine the engines being that different.

[@malcolmwarner2213]

It is the same engine as in the excel se. I had a stage one engine from lotus bits and then added mapped ignition to it. Was only a tiny bit slower than a turbo by the time I sold it.

[@malcolmwarner2213]

My old car, I did the rebuild😊

[@03422011]

It's currently for sale if you'd like it again!

[@malcolmwarner2213]

Never go back they say😂. I enjoyed the build as much as driving it. Might be worth listing on the lotus forums. It originally belonged to Andy who runs the site and was his first esprit. They shouldn't bin the exhaust. It cost me a fortune. The 2nd hole in the rear valence was from the exhaust Andy retro fitted. Regards Malcolm

[@gustavoflorio5383]

Notice: S2 (wich doesn't differ much from the S3) has a drag coefficient of 0.360, and the X180 has 0.335.

[@aussieausbourne1]

It's funny what a little stylish fiberglass will do for a car. I had a little tercel that just by the meer fact that it had nearly identical power to weight and with the 5 speed the same performance as the 80's esprit yet a conservative steel body with passenger room made it mass market kids car and the espirt a super sports car I should make a replica espirt kit for it like the trans am Testarossa kits.

[@JohnsGarageIreland]

Haha 😄 It's an interesting thought alright 👍

[@pauli5506]

Lotus should came back to formula 1!

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

A beautiful car, except for that extra tacked on rear wing.

[@rcfanaticdublin]

How does it not Have Euro Plates???...Launched in 1987.

[@JohnsGarageIreland]

Choice of whoever registered it first, not sure if that was Deane Motors or current owner

[@Rupertddog]

ZV always nicer

[@paulcronin551]

If you register any car that's older than 30 years you have the choice so even a 93 car can be registered on a zv plate now. It looks odd but those are the rules although on some cars it looks awful but I do think it fits the esprit nicely.