By 1978, the Esprit was upgraded Series Two specification including a new front spoiler and rear valance. There were also new alloy wheels, wider seats and new instrument cluster. A Commemorative Edition was made to commemorate Lotus’ 1978 F1 World Championship.
On 27 July 1978, just two days before the annual factory holiday shutdown, Lotus decided to issue a press release detailing S2 modifications. That press release, however, was embargoed until ‘001 hours 16 August 1978’ — a cunning move, as it meant that journalists could not get through to ask awkward questions, unless they called an unlisted direct line. Externally, the sharp-edged lines were much the same as before, but some useful modifications had taken place.
The front spoiler dropped the blade principle and wrapped around the under-bumper area instead. That was the reason why the company quoted the best original Esprit aerodynamic Cd factor on record: 0.335. The top speed claim remained at 138mph , but the most noticeable driving change was cross-wind stability — enhanced by the integrated front spoiler.
More ‘air management’ had been applied to the engine bay. A set of ‘ears’ sprouted around the side rear windows. They collected the air-stream for diversion to the engine induction. The battery was moved from its S1 cabin location into ‘the floor of the boot’.
Aside from the aerodynamic changes, the most striking external alterations came from the fitment of Speedline alloy wheels. The new wheels were designed by Lotus at the personal behest of Colin Chapman. Other external changes included the use of black chip-resistant paint treatment to the spoiler, sills and rear valance. Remote control door mirrors where also introduced.
From the rear, a most notable alteration was the incorporation of ridged Rover 3500 tail lamps, which encompassed high-intensity fog warning lamps.Major Interior updates included, new black & white dials, oil pressure, battery volt, water temperature and fuel tank gauges. Switchgear was updated to include individual graphics, illuminated via fibre optics.
Electric windows switches moved and a digital clock appeared. The seats became 2in wider, access to the engine bay was considerably improved. The engine cover was re-designed, with a Britool tool kit, wheel brace and jack on top, and there was also an access hatch for oil and water checks towards the rear of the cover.
The S2 also had a incorporate the air-intake system for the carburettors, whilst hot air from the engine bay was extracted thermally to exit via the right-hand external ‘ear’.The S2 was primarily a machine of greater creature comfort, rather than of improved performance. Made between 1978 and 1981, 1,061 S2s rolled of the production line (only 33 during 1980-81).
| Model | 1978 – 1981 Lotus Esprit S2 |
| Engine | Lotus 907 1973 cc four-cylinder in-line, 16-valve DOHC, two Dell’Orto carburettors. |
| Bore & Stroke | 95.2mm x 69.2mm |
| Compression | 9.5:1 |
| Power | 160 bhp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb/ft @ 4,900 rpm |
| Body/Chassis | Glassfibre-reinforced plastic body with steel backbone chassis. Passenger compartment encapsulated in a ‘safety-cell structure’. |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual unit. Synchromesh on all forward gears; fifth gear is overdrive, Clutch: 8.5in diaphragm spring, hydraulically operated. Rear-wheel drive |
| Brakes | Front – 9.7 in discs, Rear – 10.6in inboard discs |
| Steering | Rack-and-pinion, Castor: 3 to 3.5 degrees, Kingpin: 9 degrees. |
| Suspension (Front) | Independent unequal length wishbones and coil springs. Telescopic shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar. |
| Suspension (Rear) | Independent diagonal trailing arms and lateral link with fixed-length driveshaft, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers |
| Wheels & Tyres | Front: 7J x 14, 195/60 HR14. Rear: 7.5J x 14, 205/70 HR14 |
| Weight | 2248 lb (1022 kg) |
| Height | 111 cm |
| Width | 186 cm |
| Length | 419 cm |
| Wheelbase | 244 cm |
| Cost new | £12,000 |
| Top speed | 124 mph |
| 0-62mph | 6.8 sec |
