Esprit gearing options

[///MrGeeza]

I'm desperate to get a lotus Esprit but have a primary motoring requisite of having Automatic transmission.

My question - to you undoubtedly expert fellows - is, can I get an Esprit with auto/semi-auto/tiptronic transmission?

Thanks!

///MrGeeza

[Esprit2]

Not in an original Esprit as it came from Lotus.

Early Esprits used a gearbox "based upon" the Citroen SM 5-speed. Not identical to, but based upon. Later Esprits used the Renault UN1 5-speed. Each of those had automatic counterparts in their parent product lines.

"IF" Citroen or Renault had companion automatic transaxles available with an appropriate torque capacity, making one fit would take some serious engineering and fabrication. It would be, by no means, a drop-in.

The short answer... "No".

Tim

[wedg1e]

The Renault 25 was available as an auto (my father has one) so perhaps yes, if you had a later Esprit (post-87?) with the Renault box it would be possible.

Ian

[GKP]

I know of a chap that lost the full use of his legs in a helicopter accident and used to drive an S4S. He p/xed it for a V8 a few years later.
Both of his cars ran a modded clutch system that was operated by a small (electric) switch on the side of the gear lever.
The car(s) could be driven in the normal way or by using the semi auto clutch.
I don't know much more about the system but the car used to be serviced at Haydons in Salisbury (in the olden days!) even though they didn't actually install the system. The guys that now operate on that site are ex Haydon employees and have taken over the workshop side of things. So, they'd be the ones to ask.
They call themselves Sportomotive and their phone no. is:01722 410893

Worth a try?

[Esprit2]

wedg1e said:

The Renault 25 was available as an auto (my father has one) so perhaps yes, if you had a later Esprit (post-87?) with the Renault box it would be possible.

The bell housing for the Renault 25's automatic transmission would not fit the Lotus 910 engine. The bell housing for the Esprit-Renault UN1 5-speed would not fit the automatic transmission. Something creative would be required. At a minimum, an adapter plate would be necessary to mate the auto-tranny to the engine.

I don't know automatics well and can't speak to details, but controls for basic older automatics at least take a vacuum signal from the intake manifold (as well as throttle kick-down). The autobox chosen would have to be compatible with a turbo boosted engine. I'm not sure of the issues there... maybe none.

Modern automatics are controlled more and more by integrated engine management systems. The Esprit's ECU has no such provision. Perhaps that's an easy matter for a qualified technician to sort out... I just throw it out there for consideration.

Not to rain on anyone's parade. I'm just pointing out that going shiftless is more of a project than swapping in a Quaife sequential manual.

Regards,
Tim

[madmike]

If you have a medical condition that requires you to use an auto-tranny, then completely disregard this.

But if not, then why on earth ruin a perfectly good car by putting an auto in it?

Simply dumping the comparable Renault auto in isn't really an option eaither, if you intend to drive it. The software would have to be re-mapped so you didn't shift out at very wierd RPMs in the new application.

If you just want an around town cruiser, and are just in love with the look of an Esprit, you will be disappointed by ownership eventually.

My two cents.

Mike