The S2.2 was a stop-gap model introduced in May 1980 whose only major difference from the S2 was a 2.2 L type 912 engine. Engine power output was unchanged but torque rose from 140 lb/ft to 160 lb/ft. The S2.2 received a galvanised chassis. It was rare with only 88 units made.
The lowest production catalogue model, an S2.2 not only has a rarity value but also a historical one. It marks the introduction of the vastly improved 2.2-litre Lotus engine. Compared to the S1/S2, the biggest apparent gains should be at the wheel, where the extra flexibility makes the car a lot friendlier in urban and suburban conditions. There is also a significant gain in fuel consumption. Performance was better. More realistic Lotus claims indicate 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds and an 80-100 mph time in fifth gear that was effectively halved.
A distinct one-year-and-one-month production stopgap, the Lotus Esprit S2.2 brought some important changes to Esprit engineering; changes that have been kept in the nineties: 2.2-litre Lotus engines and chassis galvanization. Both these improvements were sold under the slogan ‘When you arrive in a Lotus — you’ve arrived!’ The launch cost during May 1980 was £14,951. The last recorded list price (in 1981) was £15,270. That was in line with the normal Lotus practice of pitching their Esprit wares in the price region of the classic Porsche 911.
Introduction as the ‘Lotus 2.2-litre series’ the larger engine was installed for the front-engine Eclat, and Elite, as well as the Esprit S2.2. Individually badged as ‘Esprit 2.2′, but dressed in pure S2 clothing — right down to the Dunlop-shod Speedlines — the interim Esprit carried Lotus between the seventies’ generation of Esprits and the new generation of Turbo and S3 models in the eighties.
Inherent changes in transforming a 2.0-litre type 907 found in the S1/S2 into a 2.2-litre type 912 included:
- Thin disc flywheel
- Replacement sump to suit Sunbeam hatchback saloon (for a consultancy for Chrysler UK)
- Uprating of main bearing support panels
- Replacement of camshafts
- Re-jetted Dell’Orto DHLA 45E twin-choke, downdraught carburettors
Esprit S2.2 production spanned only 1980 to 1981 with on 88 examples made.
| Model | 1980-1981 Lotus Esprit S2.2 |
| Engine | Lotus 912 2174 cc four-cylinder in-line, 16-valve DOHC, two Dellorto DHLA4SE sidedraught carburettors |
| Bore & Stroke | 95.29 x 76.2mm |
| Compression | 9.4:1 |
| Block & Head | Aluminum alloy |
| Power | 160 bhp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 160 lb/ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Body/Chassis | Glassfibre-reinforced plastic body with galvanised steel backbone chassis. Passenger compartment encapsulated in a ‘safety-cell structure’ |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual unit. Rear-wheel drive. |
| Clutch | 9.5in diaphragm spring, hydraulically operated. |
| Brakes | Front – 9.7 in discs, Rear – 10.6 in 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 | 1980 lb (898 kg) |
| Top Speed | 123 mph |
| 0-62 mph | 6.8 seconds |
