April 1981 to October 1986. Cheaper ‘production’ version, with reduced trim spec; except for earliest models, all have wet-sump lubrication, BBS wheels. Higher compression ratios for the engines was indicated by the ‘HC’ moniker. Turbo shared common chassis and body with S3.
Cheaper ‘production’ version, with reduced trim spec; except for earliest models, all have wet-sump lubrication, BBS wheels. Higher compression ratios for the engines was indicated by the ‘HC’ moniker. Turbo shared common chassis and body with S3.
Highlighting this Esprit is a Garrett T3 turbocharger. After 1986, when production of this car stopped, every Esprit thereafter had forced induction. Essentially, the Turbo Esprit was an entirely new car. The chassis of which was of S3 type, that followed the Turbo in 1981.
The Turbo Esprit retained the aerodynamic body kit of the Essex cars and featured prominent ‘turbo esprit’ decals on the nose and sides.
Though the car still carries the Esprit tag, the 1980 Turbo Esprit is effectively a new car, where the 16-valve engine has been punched out to 2174cc, using a bore of 95.25mm and a stroke of 76.20mm. The four-cylinder aluminium engine provides a manufacturer’s claimed 210bhp at 6250 rpm and 200 lb ft of torque at 4500rpm. A Garrett T3 turbocharger which is mounted downstream of the twin Dellorto carburettor supplies boost up to 8lb p.s.i. and the engine operates on a 7.5:1 compression ratio. The turbocharger lubrication is direct from the main oil gallery, with drain to the dry sump (which later changed to a wet sump).
The current Esprit 5-speed gearbox has been retained and is attached to the engine block by a new alloy bell housing, while power is transmitted via a new clutch with increased capacity to the wheels via plunging constant velocity joint driveshaft.
The Turbo Esprit’s backbone chassis is completely new — zinc galvanised and with a five year guarantee subject to normally use — incorporating a wider front box section and suspension mounting points. A new space frame engine and transmission section is included, giving a four point wide-based mounting system and increased torsional stiffness. The front of the chassis houses a new full-width radiator and oil cooler with increased capacity.
The new front suspension has been adopted from the Elite, with the track increased by an inch, while the rear suspension is also revised, with unequal length transverse links with radius arms.
Bodyshell changes include large wrap-around front and rear bumpers, a full-width front spoiler for better air flow to the larger radiator/oil cooler and improved aerodynamics and a redesigned tailgate area to provide direct cooling airflow. NACA ducts have been moulded into the sills to provide cooling air into the engine compartment.
Cockpit changes have been made, including an instrument panel which now boasts a turbo boost gauge and speedometer running up to 170mph. Air conditioning controls are now situated in a centre console panel and all switchgear is backlit when main and side lights are illuminated. The seats have revised foam foundations and with new head restraints.
| engine | Type 910 Inline-4 |
| position | Mid Longitudinal |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 2174 cc / 132.7 in³ |
| bore | 95.2 mm / 3.75 in |
| stroke | 76.2 mm / 3.0 in |
| compression | 7.5:1 |
| power | 156.6 kw / 210 bhp @ 6250 rpm |
| specific output | 96.6 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 182.93 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 271.16 nm / 200.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm |
| body / frame | Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic over Steel Backbone |
| front tires | 195/60 VR15 |
| rear tires | 235/60 VR15 |
| front brakes | Discs |
| f brake size | x 267 mm / x 10.5 in |
| rear brakes | Inboard Discs |
| r brake size | x 246 mm / x 9.7 in |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 20.3 cm / 15.0 x 8.0 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | Upper Wishbone w/Lower Transverse Link, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Double Transverse Links w/Radius Arms, Coil Springs, |
| curb weight | 1148 kg / 2531 lbs |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| top speed | ~241.4 kph / 150.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.6 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~14.6 second |
