Encor reveals the Series 1

It has been half a decade since the original Lotus Esprit concept turned heads at the 1975 Paris Motor Show. Now, Encor has unveiled its Series 1, a modern, carbon-fibre remastering of the fifty-year old concept.

In its design phase, the objective was not to change, but rather, perfect. This meant tighter highlights, cleaner transitions, greater precision, and material honesty. The result is a form that is unmistakably Esprit, yet reveals its quality instantly: Taut wheelarch surfaces, a crisp shoulder line, and a sharp front volume.

The Series 1 is described as a remastered Esprit S1, rebuilt with a carbon bodyshell, modern engineering, and a renewed design philosophy

But for all its changes, beneath the Series 1's full-carbon body lies the Lotus Esprit V8, intentionally retained for continuity of identity. The mid-mounted, 3.5-litre twin-turbo engine receives forged pistons, upgraded injectors, remanufactured turbochargers, a new electronic throttle body, modern fuel and cooling systems, and an all-new stainless exhaust. And it also coughs up an output of 400bhp and 475Nm of torque.

Inside, the Series 1 preserves the Esprit's most memorable elements: The sloped dashboard, the cockpit-like wraparound instrument binnacle, and the tartan accents. The carbon-fibre dashboard "T" houses every essential control, putting function exactly where the driver expects it. Seats are restored, re-foamed, and re-trimmed, maintaining their original ergonomics while elevating support and finish.

Production of the Encor Series 1 is limited to 50 individually commissioned cars worldwide. Commissioning takes place at either the brand's Chelmsford headquarters or via private consultation for international clients. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q2 2026 and continue through 2027.