Encor Series 1: Modern Remaster of the Lotus Esprit V8

The Encor Series 1 is a masterclass in modern restomods, transforming the classic Lotus Esprit V8 into a lightweight, carbon fibre supercar.

By blending iconic Seventies design with contemporary engineering, it offers enthusiasts an exhilarating driving experience. Explore how Encor revives automotive heritage without compromise.

A Tribute to Iconic Design

The Encor Series 1 “remasters” the original Lotus Esprit, a Seventies supercar that combined Colin Chapman’s engineering genius with Giorgetto Giugiaro’s timeless styling.

Its pop culture legacy was cemented when James Bond went submersible in The Spy Who Loved Me, making the Esprit a cinematic icon.

Encor leverages donor Esprits to navigate modern safety and emissions rules, preserving lightweight agility and performance.

Engineering Excellence Under the Hood

The Series 1’s Type 918 V8 is a fully in-house, all-aluminium engine featuring a flat-plane crank, 32 valves, and twin turbos.

With upgrades including forged pistons, a bespoke throttle body, and a modern ECU, it eradicates the original’s rough idle.

The gearbox, now featuring new gears, rings, bushes, and a twin-plate clutch, pairs with a Quaife limited-slip differential for precision handling.

Precision Carbon Fibre and Exterior Fidelity

Carbon fibre body panels, crafted by KS Composites, deliver both strength and design flexibility.

Dan Durrant, lead designer, explains: “Carbon fibre is a design cheat code in a sense. You can generate shapes that would be difficult in steel using conventional processes. It also gives us a very high level of accuracy.”

Pop-up headlights are now low-profile LEDs, rear lights are modernised, keyless entry replaces old handles, and all glazing is precision-fitted.

Suspension, Brakes, and Wheels

Upgrades include Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, AP Racing brakes with six-piston front and four-piston rear callipers, and machined aluminium billet wheels (17in front, 18in rear) with Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Additional radiators, intakes, and ducts address the original’s overheating issues, ensuring the Series 1 remains reliable under spirited driving.

Interior and Driving Experience

The cockpit honours the Esprit’s minimalist ethos while modernising ergonomics and switchgear.

Lightweight construction and the remastered V8 create a raw, engaging driving experience.

Traction control is optional, preserving the car’s driver-focused philosophy and delivering a connection rare in modern hypercars.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic Reborn

The Encor Series 1 transcends a typical restomod.

By combining carbon fibre engineering, a reworked V8, and meticulous design fidelity, Encor has crafted a car that respects the Lotus Esprit legacy while offering modern performance and reliability.

For purists and enthusiasts alike, it is a lightweight supercar dream realised.