|
1988 PEARL WHITE LOTUS 2.2L MID ENGINE TURBO ESPRIT SE
ONLY 14,899 ORIGINAL MILES
MOONROOF WITH TILT FEATURE
15 INCH LOTUS WHITE PAINTED ALLOY WHEELS
BABY BLUE AND GRAY LEATHER AND SUEDE UPHOLSTERY
REAR SPOILER
In 1987, a new version of the Esprit was unveiled, incorporating rounder styling cues given by designer Peter Stevens (who later designed the McLaren F1). A new Lotus patented process was introduced to create the new body, called the VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection) process, which offered more advantages than the previous hand laid process. Kevlar reinforcement was added to the roof and sides for roll-over protection, resulting in an increase of the Esprit's torsional rigidity by 22 percent. Giugiaro is said to have liked the restyling, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The Stevens styled cars retained the mechanical components of the previous High Compression Esprit and Turbo Esprit, but introduced a stronger Renault transaxle, which necessitated a move to outboard rear brakes. However, the MY 1988 North American Esprit Turbo kept its Citroën SM type transaxle and the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system used in the previous model year.
The car's Type 910 engine retained 215 bhp (160 kW; 218 PS) and 220 lb·ft (298 N·m), but decreased its zero to sixty from 5.6 seconds to a varied time between 5.4 - 5.1 seconds and a top speed of over 150 mph (240 km/h). The exterior style changes were accompanied by a redesign of the interior, allowing a little more space for the occupants. The Stevens styled Esprit is often known by its project code of X180.
The Lotus Esprit Turbo X180
The new-style Lotus Esprit Turbo was designed by Peter Stevens. Code named X180. Lotus spent £2 million on the development and design of the car. Worked started in October 1985, with sketches and colour renderings. A full-size fibreglass mock-up was created in February 1986 and the final design was approved in July of that year. The new Lotus Esprit Turbo was launched in October 1987, with deliveries beginning almost at once. The finished car was mechanically the same as the previous Giugiaro styled Turbo Esprit HC, other than the transaxle and gearbox. In place of the previous Citroen unit, Lotus fitted the Renault GTA transmission. The new gearbox also meant a change in the rear brakes. These became outboard, mounted on the cast alloy hub carriers. Inside the car there was more legroom, an updated instrument display, revised door panels and seats and better ventilation.
The Lotus Esprit Turbo Technical Specification
ENGINE
Transverse, mid, rear-wheel drive
Head/ block al. alloy/al alloy. 4 cylinders in line.
Bore 95.3mm, stroke 76.2mm,
capacity 2174cc.
Valve gear 2ohc. 4 valves per cylinder.
Compression ratio 80 to 1.
Electronic breakerless ignition.
Twin Dellorto DHLA 45 carburetors
Garrett T3 turbocharger.
boost pressure 9.5psi (0.67bar).
Max power 215bhp (PS-DIN) (160kW ISO) at 6000rpm.
Max torque 2201b ft (298 Nm) at 4250rpm.
TRANSMISSION
5-speed manual
Gear Ratio
Top 0.82
4th 1.03
3rd 1.38
2nd 2.05
1st 3.36
Final drive ratio 3.88:1.
Transaxle: Renault UN1-16 all - Syncromesh
SUSPENSION
Front, independent, double wishbone. co-axial coil springs, telescopic dampers, and-roll bar. Rear, independent, upper and lower transverse link with radius arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar.
STEERING
Rack and pinion.
Steering wheel diameter l4ins,
2.9 turns lock to lock.
BRAKES
Front l0.1ins(258mm) dia ventilated discs.
Rear l0.8ins (275.9mm) dia discs.
Vacuum servo.
WHEELS
Al alloy,7ins rims front. 8ins rear.
Goodyear Eagle NCT tyres
size 195/60VR15 F,
235/60VR15 R.
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4330 mm
Width: 1860 mm
Height: 1150 mm
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Speed: 153.5 mph (247 kpm)
Acceleration: 0 - 60 mph, 5.4 Seconds
Standing mile: 13.7secs, 103mph
standing KM: 25.0secs, 129mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Overall mpg: 19.6 (14.4 litres/100km)
Fuel tank: 18.0 Imp galls (82 litres)
Mileage recorder 4 per cent long
CLUTCH
Pedal 15lb; Travel: 6.O ins
Single Dry Plate 235 mm diameter, diaphragm spring cover assembly, hydraulic operation
WEIGHT
kerb 3052lb/1386kg
distribution % F/R 51/49
Test 3434lb/l559kg
Max payload 501lb/227kg
|
