Encor reveals 'remastered' Lotus Esprit S1

It's exactly half a century since the world first saw a Lotus Esprit - now it's making a V8-powered comeback

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 2 October 2025 / Loading comments

Just when it seemed like every sports car on the planet, from MX-5 to Diablo, had enjoyed its restomod time in the sun, so there’s a newcomer in our midst. This, or at least the car hiding in the pics somewhere, is the Encor Series 1, otherwise known as a reimagination of the original Lotus Esprit. Today marks exactly 50 years since the wraps were taken off at Paris, so no better time to reveal a 50-unit remastered take.

Interestingly, Encor will build the Series 1 from the later Esprit V8 fundamentals, albeit with even more power from the twin-turbo 3.5-litre as well as ‘improved drivability and greater everyday usability’. Let’s hope the gearbox, always an Achilles heel of the Esprit, can benefit from some improvement as well. While there’s no word yet on what will change for the suspension, brakes and tyres to make an Esprit V8 into an Encor Series 1, they are committed to a new carbon body in place of the fibreglass original, which, of course, will be to the benefit of kerbweight and rigidity. The original pop-up lights are redone as LED projectors.

The interior will be overhauled in the usual restomod fashion: keep occupants cool, comfortable and entertained, basically. So the Series 1 will have CarPlay, climate control that actually works and lots of lovely materials. Perhaps even some tartan, too, if you’re lucky. Encor suggests it’ll be a ‘space that balances timeless form with contemporary comfort.’

All sounds pretty good for now, especially with some former Lotus people in the Encor team. Daniel Durrant was lead designer on the Emira, so is well qualified to evolve the Esprit; Simon Lane was head of the Advanced Performance subdivision for a period as well. The latter said: “Our mission is to elevate the Esprit for a new era without sacrificing its soul.” Full details and pics will be coming next month, but there is a price already: it's £430,000, excluding donor vehicle. Best get hunting an Esprit V8. Obviously, we have you covered there...