CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Lotus Esprit

Lotus Esprit — 2-door coupé, 1973 cc ''type 907'' I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine1973 cc ''type 907'' I4

Transmission5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual

About the Lotus Esprit

Lotus Esprit is a 2-door coupé in the sports car (s) class. The available vehicle data lists 1973 cc ''type 907'' I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual and a Longitudinal, Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Lotus Esprit guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 1973 cc ''type 907'' I4 and 5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Lotus Esprit specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Lotus
Model	Esprit
Model years	Not specified
Body style	2-door coupé
Vehicle class	Sports car (S)
Manufacturer	Lotus Cars
Production	1976–200410,675 produced
Market / country	FI, GB, NL, NZ, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Lotus Esprit includes 1973 cc ''type 907'' I4.. Transmission information includes 5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Longitudinal, Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.

Engine	1973 cc ''type 907'' I4
Transmission	5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual
Drivetrain / layout	Longitudinal, Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2438 mm (96.0 in)
Length	4260 mm (168 in)
Width	1861 mm (73.3 in)
Height	1111 mm (43.7 in)
Kerb / curb weight	900 kg (1,984 lb)

Lotus Esprit other specifications

Name	Lotus Esprit
Image	1999 Lotus Esprit V8 type 918.jpg
Caption	1999 Lotus Esprit V8
Sp	uk
Aka	Lotus Esprit V8

Lotus Esprit generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Lotus Esprit	1976–200410,675 produced	Not specified	Not specified	Longitudinal, Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Lotus Esprit S1	June 1976–1978718 produced	1973 cc ''type 907'' I4	5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual	Not specified
Esprit Series 2	1978–19821,149 produced	1973 cc ''type 907'' I4; 2174 cc ''type 912'' I4	5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual	Not specified
Series 3 and Turbo	1982–19883,041 produced	2174 cc ''Type 912'' I4; 2174 cc ''type 910/910S'' turbo I4	5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual	Not specified
X180	1988–19941,672 produced	1994 cc ''type 920'' turbo I4 (Italy only); 2174 cc ''Type 912'' I4; 2174 cc ''Types 910 and 910S'' turbo I4	5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual; 5-speed ''Renault UN-1'' manual	Not specified
Series 4	1994–20043,630 produced	1994 cc ''Type 920'' turbo I4; 2174 cc ''Types 910 and 910S'' turbo I4; 3506 cc ''type 918'' twin-turbo V8	5-speed manual; 6-speed manual	Not specified

Lotus Esprit features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓In 1980 the '''Essex Turbo Esprit''' was launched

✓While Lotus dealer Bell and Colvill had been offering turbo conversions for the S2 Esprit from as early as 1978, the Essex Turbo Esprit was the first factory turbocharged Esprit

✓The Essex Turbo Esprit received the dry sump type 910 engine which has a power output of 213 PS at 6,250 rpm and 200 lbft of torque at 4,500 rpm

✓Inside scarlet leather combined with a roof-mounted Panasonic stereo for a dramatic environment

✓45 Essex Turbo Esprit cars were built, interspersed and followed by a number of non-Essex-liveried but otherwise identical specification dry sump turbo cars

✓By the end of 1980, Lotus was building three different models of Esprit with distinct chassis designs and body moulds – the domestic (i.e

✓UK) S2.2, the export S2.2, and the dry sump-engined Turbo Esprit

✓File:Lotus Esprit S2 JPS.jpg

✓Esprit S2 Commemorative edition

✓File:Lotus Esprit 04.jpg

✓The interim Lotus Esprit S2.2

✓File:Lotus Esprit 1980 at Beaumanor Hall – Flickr – mick – Lumix.jpg

✓1980 Lotus Essex Turbo Esprit

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Lotus Esprit

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear

Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	34 PSI	32 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	36 PSI	35 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Lotus Esprit

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Lotus Esprit have?

The available source data lists the Lotus Esprit engine as 1973 cc ''type 907'' I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Lotus Esprit?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Lotus Esprit?

There is no single best engine oil for every Lotus Esprit configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Lotus Esprit?

The Lotus Esprit is classified as a 2-door coupé.

What are the dimensions of the Lotus Esprit?

The available source data lists length 4260 mm (168 in), width 1861 mm (73.3 in), height 1111 mm (43.7 in), and wheelbase 2438 mm (96.0 in).

What transmission does the Lotus Esprit have?

The available source data lists 5-speed ''Citroën C35'' manual transmission options for the Lotus Esprit.

Is the Lotus Esprit FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Lotus Esprit is Longitudinal, Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.

Who makes the Lotus Esprit?

The manufacturer listed for the Lotus Esprit is Lotus Cars.

When was the Lotus Esprit produced?

The available source data describes production as 1976–200410,675 produced.

How much does the Lotus Esprit weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 900 kg (1,984 lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Lotus Esprit built?

The available source record lists assembly information as United Kingdom: Hethel, Norfolk, England.

What class of car is the Lotus Esprit?

The Lotus Esprit is listed in the Sports car (S) class.

Which markets or countries sold the Lotus Esprit?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Lotus Esprit with FI, GB, NL, NZ, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What replaced the Lotus Esprit?

The available vehicle data lists a later model or generation as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Lotus Esprit?

The available source data identifies related models as DMC DeLorean. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Lotus Esprit?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Lotus Esprit?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Lotus Esprit is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Lotus Esprit have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Lotus Esprit?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Lotus Esprit images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.