Lotus Esprit
S1
[edit]The Esprit S1 entered production in 1976.
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Esprit S1
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As used by James Bond
S2
[edit]The Esprit S2 replaced the S1 in 1978, and features taillights from the Rover SD1. There was also the rare 2.2 litre "S2.2" and the limited production Essex Turbo (45 examples built).
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Esprit S2.2
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Esprit Essex Turbo
S3 and Turbo Esprit
[edit]The Esprit S3 (and Turbo) entered production in 1981 and was a more aerodynamic version, incorporating most of the Essex Turbo version improvements.
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Esprit S3
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Esprit Turbo
X180
[edit]In 1986 the X180 Esprit appeared, with a thoroughly modernized body. Later, the more powerful Turbo SE and Sport 300 versions appeared. The X180 was also the last Esprit available with a naturally aspirated engine.
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1991 Jim Clark Limited Edition Esprit
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Lotus Esprit with big rear spoiler
S4
[edit]The Esprit was again redesigned by Julian Thompson in 1993. Now called the S4, it was meant to be the last Esprit iteration. Instead, the V8 version appeared and the S4 continued in production, spawning the more focussed GT3 version as well.
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1995 Lotus Esprit S4s
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1998 Lotus Esprit GT3
V8
[edit]The Esprit V8 appeared in 1996, and underwent a series of facelifts until the final end of production in 2004. Taillights were switched to round units for 2002.
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1997 Lotus Esprit V8 (Thomson)
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2002 Esprit V8 (Carr)