2002 Lotus Esprit V8 Pictures, Specifications, Information

In 2002, the Lotus Esprit reached a milestone in its illustrious history. Unveiled in 1972 as a styling concept at the Turin Motorshow, the Esprit entered production in the mid 1970�s and today is accepted as being one of the world's finest supercars.

To celebrate 30 years of this performance car, Lotus gave the Esprit a facelift as Russell Carr, Chief of Design at Lotus, explains:

"The Lotus Esprit is an iconic design, a classic blend of traditional supercar razor sharp edges combined with design elements that have evolved over three decades. Therefore decided not to change the car dramatically for 2002 as this would be changing the true spirit of the Esprit, a classic supercar."

The redesigned rear panel and light cluster, which features round rear lights set in pairs, carry over some of the Elise design elements. The front of the Esprit has inherited the lip spoiler from the legendary Sport 350 ensuring greater stability at very high speeds.

Many subtle changes can also be seen in the interior too. The new high backed seats featuring an embossed Lotus logo are available in two tone leather and are a no cost option. A distinct aluminium theme features throughout the interior providing an elegant, technological, lightweight finish to the gear lever, handbrake sleeve, inner door panel and new inner door sill which also features the Lotus logo. The new "crystal titanium" finish multi spoke OZ Racing alloy wheels hide powerful 4-pot calipers with an advanced Kelsey Hayes ABS system. Large 320mm diameter AP Racing two piece brake discs are vented and cross-drilled, front and rear, for maximum cooling and heat dissipation when the car is subjected to sustained heavy braking. The race specification calipers, pads and discs ensure that the Esprit stops as well as it goes.