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Summary
- British engineering firm Encor has unveiled its Series 1 restomod, a carbon-fiber reimagining of the iconic Lotus Esprit limited to just 50 units worldwide
- The project utilizes a Series 4 Esprit V8 chassis and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine upgraded to produce 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque
- Priced from £430,000 excluding the donor vehicle, the Series 1 features analog-focused driving dynamics including hydraulic steering and a manual transmission
Revealed as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the original 1975 Giugiaro-designed wedge, the Encor Series 1 replaces the classic fiberglass shell with a single-piece autoclaved carbon-fiber body. This material swap helps keep the vehicle’s wet weight to approximately 2,645 lbs, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 333 hp per tonne. Performance targets include a 0-60 mph sprint in 4 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.
The upgraded Type 918 V8 engine has been fitted with forged pistons, new injectors, and remanufactured turbochargers, managed by a modern ECU with electronic throttle-body control. Despite its forced induction, the engine is tuned to deliver a sound profile reminiscent of a naturally aspirated V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox that has been extensively re-engineered in partnership with Quaife to include a helical limited-slip differential and a bespoke twin-plate clutch.
Inside, the cabin retains the signature sloped dashboard and tartan accents of the original while adding modern refinements. A digital instrument display is housed within a one-piece billet aluminum binnacle, and modern conveniences such as Apple CarPlay and 360-degree cameras are integrated discreetly to maintain an analog feel. Deliveries for the hand-built commissions are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
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A post shared by Encor Design (@encor.design)
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1 of 8
2 of 8
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5 of 8
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7 of 8
8 of 8
Summary
- British engineering firm Encor has unveiled its Series 1 restomod, a carbon-fiber reimagining of the iconic Lotus Esprit limited to just 50 units worldwide
- The project utilizes a Series 4 Esprit V8 chassis and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine upgraded to produce 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque
- Priced from £430,000 excluding the donor vehicle, the Series 1 features analog-focused driving dynamics including hydraulic steering and a manual transmission
Revealed as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the original 1975 Giugiaro-designed wedge, the Encor Series 1 replaces the classic fiberglass shell with a single-piece autoclaved carbon-fiber body. This material swap helps keep the vehicle’s wet weight to approximately 2,645 lbs, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 333 hp per tonne. Performance targets include a 0-60 mph sprint in 4 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.
The upgraded Type 918 V8 engine has been fitted with forged pistons, new injectors, and remanufactured turbochargers, managed by a modern ECU with electronic throttle-body control. Despite its forced induction, the engine is tuned to deliver a sound profile reminiscent of a naturally aspirated V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox that has been extensively re-engineered in partnership with Quaife to include a helical limited-slip differential and a bespoke twin-plate clutch.
Inside, the cabin retains the signature sloped dashboard and tartan accents of the original while adding modern refinements. A digital instrument display is housed within a one-piece billet aluminum binnacle, and modern conveniences such as Apple CarPlay and 360-degree cameras are integrated discreetly to maintain an analog feel. Deliveries for the hand-built commissions are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Encor Design (@encor.design)
Read Full Article
1 of 8
2 of 8
3 of 8
4 of 8
5 of 8
6 of 8
7 of 8
8 of 8
Summary
- British engineering firm Encor has unveiled its Series 1 restomod, a carbon-fiber reimagining of the iconic Lotus Esprit limited to just 50 units worldwide
- The project utilizes a Series 4 Esprit V8 chassis and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine upgraded to produce 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque
- Priced from £430,000 excluding the donor vehicle, the Series 1 features analog-focused driving dynamics including hydraulic steering and a manual transmission
Revealed as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the original 1975 Giugiaro-designed wedge, the Encor Series 1 replaces the classic fiberglass shell with a single-piece autoclaved carbon-fiber body. This material swap helps keep the vehicle’s wet weight to approximately 2,645 lbs, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 333 hp per tonne. Performance targets include a 0-60 mph sprint in 4 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.
The upgraded Type 918 V8 engine has been fitted with forged pistons, new injectors, and remanufactured turbochargers, managed by a modern ECU with electronic throttle-body control. Despite its forced induction, the engine is tuned to deliver a sound profile reminiscent of a naturally aspirated V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox that has been extensively re-engineered in partnership with Quaife to include a helical limited-slip differential and a bespoke twin-plate clutch.
Inside, the cabin retains the signature sloped dashboard and tartan accents of the original while adding modern refinements. A digital instrument display is housed within a one-piece billet aluminum binnacle, and modern conveniences such as Apple CarPlay and 360-degree cameras are integrated discreetly to maintain an analog feel. Deliveries for the hand-built commissions are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Encor Design (@encor.design)
Read Full Article
Summary
- British engineering firm Encor has unveiled its Series 1 restomod, a carbon-fiber reimagining of the iconic Lotus Esprit limited to just 50 units worldwide
- The project utilizes a Series 4 Esprit V8 chassis and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine upgraded to produce 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque
- Priced from £430,000 excluding the donor vehicle, the Series 1 features analog-focused driving dynamics including hydraulic steering and a manual transmission
Revealed as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the original 1975 Giugiaro-designed wedge, the Encor Series 1 replaces the classic fiberglass shell with a single-piece autoclaved carbon-fiber body. This material swap helps keep the vehicle’s wet weight to approximately 2,645 lbs, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 333 hp per tonne. Performance targets include a 0-60 mph sprint in 4 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.
The upgraded Type 918 V8 engine has been fitted with forged pistons, new injectors, and remanufactured turbochargers, managed by a modern ECU with electronic throttle-body control. Despite its forced induction, the engine is tuned to deliver a sound profile reminiscent of a naturally aspirated V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox that has been extensively re-engineered in partnership with Quaife to include a helical limited-slip differential and a bespoke twin-plate clutch.
Inside, the cabin retains the signature sloped dashboard and tartan accents of the original while adding modern refinements. A digital instrument display is housed within a one-piece billet aluminum binnacle, and modern conveniences such as Apple CarPlay and 360-degree cameras are integrated discreetly to maintain an analog feel. Deliveries for the hand-built commissions are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Encor Design (@encor.design)
Read Full Article
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Encor Series 1 – Remastering the Lotus Esprit
For Encor, remastering is the word because our job is to preserve the soul of the original, while elevating performance, comfort, and craftsmanship. We begin with Lotus, because its DNA is rooted in ideals that have never been more relevant than they are today.
Encor Design – YouTube
Official YouTube channel for Encor Design, creators of the Series 1 restomod.
Encor Design Official Instagram
Official social channel featuring detailed looks at the Series 1 build and carbon-fiber integration.
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