Encor Series 1 brings Lotus's iconic car back to life
What's the story
Encor is a new English automotive brand. The company is led by a team of seasoned automotive professionals with over 30 years of experience each. Their backgrounds include working on projects at Pagani, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Lotus. Now, they are collaborating to develop the Encor Series 1. It is a modern interpretation of the iconic 1970s Lotus Esprit S1.
Design evolution
A look at the design
The Encor Series 1 is built on a stock Lotus Esprit V8, keeping its signature "backbone" chassis in tribute to Colin Chapman's original design. The body has been completely modernized with new bumpers, wheels (17-inch front and 18-inch rear), and LED light fixtures while still retaining pop-up headlights for that classic touch.
Performance features
Advanced suspension and steering
The Encor Series 1 comes with a new Sport 350 suspension system with new uprights and Bilstein shocks, promising excellent handling. It also features a new hydraulically-assisted steering system that promises the same feel as the iconic Lotus steering. The Series 1 has an estimated curb weight of just 1,202kg.
Engine upgrade
Enhanced power and torque for a thrilling drive
The original 3.5-liter V8 engine of the S1 has been completely rebuilt and modernized with forged pistons, bigger injectors, upgraded turbos, and a stainless exhaust. This results in an impressive output of 400hp and 475Nm of torque. The Series 1 can go from zero to 100km/h in just about four seconds and reach a top speed of 282km/h. Plus, it comes with a manual transmission for an authentic driving experience.
Interior
Luxurious interior and modern tech
The Encor Series 1's wraparound cockpit is enhanced with premium materials such as leather, Alcantara, and machined aluminum. It also gets modern tech features such as Apple CarPlay, 360-degree cameras, and digital climate control. The vehicle even has an electrical architecture that runs the same infotainment setup used by supercar makers GMA and Pagani.
Market strategy
Limited production run and pricing
Despite Lotus making 1,237 Esprit V8s in total, Encor plans to build 50 examples based on those original models. The firm is currently working on its first prototype, with customer car number one expected to be delivered in April. Pricing for this unique car starts at around $575,000 (roughly ₹5 crore).