Editing Lotus Esprit (section)

===Essex Turbo Esprit (1980)===
In 1980 the '''Essex Turbo Esprit''' was launched. This special edition model wore the blue, red and chrome livery of the [[David Thieme|Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation]], the sponsor of [[Team Lotus]] from 1979 to 1981. While Lotus dealer Bell and Colvill had been offering turbo conversions for the S2 Esprit from as early as 1978, the Essex Turbo Esprit was the first factory [[turbocharged]] Esprit.<ref name="bandc">{{cite web|url=https://www.lotusespritturbo.com/Octane_Magazine_Lotus_Esprit.htm|title=On the Edge|work=www.lotusespritturbo.com}}</ref> The Essex Turbo Esprit received the [[dry sump]] [[Lotus 900 series#Type 910 and 910S|type 910]] engine which has a power output of {{convert|213|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,250 rpm and {{convert|200|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 4,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0-{{convert|60|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} could be achieved in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of {{convert|150|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}.

The chassis and rear suspension were redesigned, with an upper link added at the rear to alleviate strain on the half-shafts. The brakes were also improved.<ref name="LotusTurboEsprit">{{cite web | url = http://lotusespritturbo.com/Lotus_Turbo_Esprit.htm | title = Lotus Turbo Esprit | last = Robson | first = Graham | access-date = 2 February 2008 | work = lotusespritturbo.com }}</ref> Giugiaro designed an aerodynamic body kit for the car, with a rear lip spoiler, prominent louvered rear hatch, more substantial bumpers, a deeper front airdam, and air ducts in the sills just ahead of the new three-piece 15-inch Compomotive rear wheels. Inside scarlet leather combined with a roof-mounted [[Panasonic]] stereo for a dramatic environment. 45 Essex Turbo Esprit cars were built, interspersed and followed by a number of non-Essex-liveried but otherwise identical specification dry sump turbo cars.

By the end of 1980, Lotus was building three different models of Esprit with distinct chassis designs and body moulds - the domestic (i.e. UK) S2.2, the export S2.2, and the dry sump-engined Turbo Esprit.

<gallery widths=200 heights=130>
File:Lotus Esprit S2 JPS.jpg|Esprit S2 Commemorative edition
File:Lotus Esprit 04.jpg|The interim Lotus Esprit S2.2
File:Lotus Esprit 1980 at Beaumanor Hall - Flickr - mick - Lumix.jpg|1980 Lotus Essex Turbo Esprit
</gallery>
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