2004 Lotus Esprit

The Esprit is a mid-engine, two-seat high-performance sports car that debuted as a concept in 1974 and went into production two years later with a 160-horsepower 2-liter engine. In 1981 a turbocharged 210-hp 2.2-liter engine was added. The Esprit was updated for 1988 with softer body lines and 228 hp; then bumped to 280 hp in 1990. After 20 years of tweaking the 4-cylinder engine, Lotus chose to breathe new fire into the Esprit with a twin-turbocharged V8its first new motor in nearly 25 years. The 1997 Esprit V8 elevated the Esprit to true supercar status, delivering a top speed of 178 mph.This is the final year for the Esprit and 2004 models include Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, and adjustable spring platforms. Updates include stainless steel grilles in front spoiler, restyled rear valance, engine builders signature on intake plenum, diamond pattern seat stitching, shortened gear lever with brushed aluminum knob, and dash plaque with owners name.