CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Lotus Esprit S3

Lotus Esprit S3 — 2-door 2+2 coupe, 2.2 L ''Lotus 912'' I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Lotus Esprit S3
Engine2.2 L ''Lotus 912'' I4
Transmission5-speed ''Toyota W58'' manual; 4-speed ZF automatic

About the Lotus Esprit S3

Lotus Esprit S3 is a 2-door 2+2 coupe in the sports car (s) class. The available vehicle data lists 2.2 L ''Lotus 912'' I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 5-speed ''Toyota W58'' manual; 4-speed ZF automatic and a Front-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 S3 guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 2.2 L ''Lotus 912'' I4 and 5-speed ''Toyota W58'' manual; 4-speed ZF automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Lotus Esprit S3 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 S3
Model years Not specified
Body style 2-door 2+2 coupe
Vehicle class Sports car (S)
Manufacturer Lotus Cars
Production 1982–1992; 2,075 built
Market / country ES, NL

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Lotus Esprit S3 includes 2.2 L ''Lotus 912'' I4.. Transmission information includes 5-speed ''Toyota W58'' manual; 4-speed ZF automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Engine 2.2 L ''Lotus 912'' I4
Transmission 5-speed ''Toyota W58'' manual; 4-speed ZF automatic
Drivetrain / layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

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

Wheelbase 2483 mm (97.8 in)
Length 4398 mm (173 in)
Width 1816 mm (71.5 in)
Height 1207 mm (47.5 in)
Kerb / curb weight 1168 kg (2,575 lb); 1135 kg (2,502 lb) (S.E)

Lotus Esprit S3 other specifications

Image 1986 Lotus Excel S.E., front right.jpg
Name Lotus Excel
Aka Lotus Éclat Excel (1982–1983)
Caption 1986 Lotus Excel S.E.
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Lotus Esprit S3

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 S3

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 S3 have?
The available source data lists the Lotus Esprit S3 engine as 2.2 L ''Lotus 912'' I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Lotus Esprit S3?
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 S3?
There is no single best engine oil for every Lotus Esprit S3 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 S3?
The Lotus Esprit S3 is classified as a 2-door 2+2 coupe.
What are the dimensions of the Lotus Esprit S3?
The available source data lists length 4398 mm (173 in), width 1816 mm (71.5 in), height 1207 mm (47.5 in), and wheelbase 2483 mm (97.8 in).
What transmission does the Lotus Esprit S3 have?
The available source data lists 5-speed ''Toyota W58'' manual; 4-speed ZF automatic transmission options for the Lotus Esprit S3.
Is the Lotus Esprit S3 FWD, RWD or AWD?
The listed drivetrain/layout for the Lotus Esprit S3 is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive.
Who makes the Lotus Esprit S3?
The manufacturer listed for the Lotus Esprit S3 is Lotus Cars.
When was the Lotus Esprit S3 produced?
The available source data describes production as 1982–1992; 2,075 built.
How much does the Lotus Esprit S3 weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 1168 kg (2,575 lb); 1135 kg (2,502 lb) (S.E). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the Lotus Esprit S3 built?
The available source record lists assembly information as United Kingdom: Hethel, Norfolk.
What class of car is the Lotus Esprit S3?
The Lotus Esprit S3 is listed in the Sports car (S) class.
Which markets or countries sold the Lotus Esprit S3?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Lotus Esprit S3 with ES, NL. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What replaced the Lotus Esprit S3?
The available vehicle data lists a later model or generation as the successor where applicable.
What cars are related to the Lotus Esprit S3?
The available source data identifies related models as Lotus Éclat. Relationships can vary by market and generation.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Lotus Esprit S3?
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 S3?
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 S3 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 S3 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 S3?
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 S3 images

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

Lotus Esprit S3 photo
Lotus Esprit S3 photo