Recent changes to the 2002 Lotus Esprit V8 continue the Lotus tradition of constantly improving this venerable supercar.

A recalibrated Electronic Control Module (ECM)
Upgraded AP Racing brakes discs and calipers
A body color rear license panel
Body color accents on the center console and door panels

Increased flexibility

The Lotus Esprit V8's ECM does not alter the powerplant's output of 350 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm. Instead it allows the engine to produce more torque in the lower gears. The idea was not to make the car quicker - it still runs from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds - but to give greater flexibility and driving ease in the real-world situations.

More stopping power

To harness this power, Lotus engineers specified front AP Racing competition four-piston fixed brake calipers and upgraded brake discs. The former 296 mm (11.6-in.) front and 300 mm (11.8-in.) rear brake discs have been replaced with AP Racing curved-vane 320 mm (12.6-in.) brake discs at all four wheels. The brake discs are both vented and cross-drilled for superior ventilation. Inside, the designers at Lotus added body color accents to the interior.
This year they added body color console and door trim panels to accentuate the interior.
Power Plant
  • Configuration: Aluminum-alloy twin-turbocharged V8, 90 degree cylinder bank angle, single-plane crankshaft.
  • Bore: 83 mm
  • Stroke: 81mm
  • Capacity: 3506 cc
  • Power: 350 HP @ 6500 rpm
  • Torque: 295 lb ft @ 4250 rpm
  • Head Chamber: Aluminum alloy, four-valve pent-roof combustion
  • Valvegear: Dual overhead camshafts with one toothed belt per bank, hydraulic tappets.
  • Inlet valves: 33.5 mm
  • Exhaust valves: 30.0 mm
  • Block: LM25TF aluminum alloy with cast iron "wet" lines, spheroidal graphite cast iron cross-bolted main bearing caps.
    Turbochargers: Two Garrett T25 water-cooled, oil lubricated. Fueling: One primary injector per cylinder, one secondary injector per bank.
  • Ignition: Four double-ended coils triggered from crankshaft sensor.
  • Ancillaries: Water pump, alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor.
  • Weight: 485 lb with ancillaries.
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Performance
  • 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds
  • 0 to 100 mph in 10.2 seconds
  • 0 to 150 mph in 29.7 seconds
  • 1/4-mile in 12.7 seconds @ 112 mph
  • Top speed @ 180 mph
  • 70-0 mph braking in 165 feet
  • 300 ft-dia skidpad .94g
    •
Description Chassis/Body: Rigid steel zinc-coated backbone chassis, composite bodywork with seating for two.

Front Suspension: Independent by upper and lower wishbones, with uprated coil springs, revised suspension geometry and damper settings.

Rear Suspension: Indpendent by upper and lower transverse links with radius arms, coil springs and telescopic dampers. Aluminum hub carriers.
  • Wheelbase 96.0 in
  • Length 172.0 in
  • Width 73.5 in
  • Height 45.3 in
  • Curb weight 3067 lb
  • Weight distribution 42.5/57.5%
Fuel Economey: EPA city driving: 15mpg, EPA highway driving: 23mpg
Comfort and Convenience: Hand-finished leather interior, air-conditioning, power windows, central locking, tinted glass, electronically operated fuel filler flap, power operated and heated remote outside mirrors, Premium Alpine AM/FM CD sound system.
Safety and Security: Kevlar reinforced passenger safety cell, driver and passenger Supplemental Inflatable Restraints (airbags), four wheels anti-lock braking system (ABS), three-point retractable safety belts, delay interior safety lighting, anti-theft system with remote keyless entry, immobilizer and alarm.
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