2000LotusEspritLotus Esprit2000 Lotus Esprit V8CoupeCoupeRWDEnglandLotus Esprit V8 gains a recalibrated electronic control module for greater engine flexibility, more powerful AP Racing brakes and body-color trim between the taillights and inside the cabin.Sharp steering, blinding acceleration, people on the street think it's twice as expensive as it really is.Dated chassis, minimal outward visibility, cramped cockpit.Lotus Esprit. Most Americans know what it is, though this is probably due more to its brief appearance in "The Spy Who Loved Me" than any sort of advertising or automotive reviews. It's amazing what happens to a car's awareness factor when you equip it with rockets and a submarine periscope. One of the more evergreen cars around, its basic shape and chassis design have been around since the Esprit debuted in 1975. For the majority of its life, a four-cylinder engine took up residence amidships. Obviously, a four banger isn't exactly synonymous with supercar performance, so Lotus finally managed to replace it with a twin-turbo V8 in 1997. This all-aluminum 3.5-liter V8 generates 350 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 foot-pounds of torque. And while the engine doesn't sound nearly as exotic as a Ferrari's V8 (the turbos and flat-plane crankshaft conspire to keep the engine note rather dull), the V8 does provide ample forward thrust. Acceleration from zero-to-60 mph takes less than 5 seconds. For 2000, Lotus engineers recalibrated the engine's computer to improve torque delivery in the lower gears. This gives greater flexibility and response, especially when the car is being driven at slow urban speeds. Lotus also swapped out the '99 car's Brembo brakes for AP Racing competition four-piston fixed brake calipers and upgraded disc brakes. The new 320-mm diameter curved-vane discs are both vented and cross-drilled for improved ventilation. The Esprit V8 is one of the best-handling cars sold in America. Driven at eighth-tenths, the car is a lot of fun. But if you have to hustle it at ten-tenths, it becomes somewhat unsettled. The Esprit's aging chassis and suspension design are the culprits. Newer cars like the Acura NSX, Ferrari 360 Modena and Porsche 911 all offer similar or better levels of performance while still managing to provide a more refined ride on city streets. Another problem with the Esprit V8 is its interior. Tall drivers over 6-feet tall will feel claustrophobic once inside. The narrow seats can be comfortable for long durations, but the narrow footwells leave little room for the driver's left leg. Outward visibility is particularly bad, and the rearview and outside mirrors are virtually useless. Discriminating pedestrians will go berserk when they spot an Esprit V8, and they often guess at a sticker price twice reality. In fact, pricing is in line with other top performance cars such as the NSX and Dodge Viper. The only options available are a sunroof and custom paint. With so few Esprit V8s on the road, exclusivity is a guarantee. And it is unquestionably the fastest model in the car's 25-year history. If you are looking for speed and a Lotus badge, this is the car to get. But if practicality and reliability are important considerations for you, we would recommend the NSX or Porsche 911 Turbo. Acura NSXDodge ViperJaguar XKRPorsche 9112Unlimited2Unlimited8UnlimitedNANANA83.5 litersV8350 hp @ 6500 rpm295 ft-lbs. @ 4250 rpm172 in.73.5 in.45.3 in.3043 lbs.96 in.34.6 in.NANANANANA49.2 in.NANAStandardStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested19.3 gal.15 mpg / 23 mpg290 mi. / 444 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.N/A$85,2257.35%$995$1,300No HoldbackLotus Esprit V8 (5M): 3.5L V8 DOHC MPFI twin turbo 32-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission, self balancing dual fuel tanks; rear-wheel drive, 3.89 axle ratio; dual exhaust system with chrome tips; front independent suspension with unequal length control arms, front coil springs, anti-roll bar, rear independent suspension with one trailing arm, two lateral links per side, rear coil springs; power rack-and-pinion steering; 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with 3-channel anti-lock braking system; rear spoiler, side impact bars; removable roof panel with deflector; front and rear body-colored bumpers; solid or metallic paint; halogen headlamps; front halogen fog lights; driver's and passenger's body-colored heated power remote outside mirrors; 17" x 8.5" six spoke front alloy wheels; 18" x 11" six spoke rear alloy wheels; P235/40/ZR17 front tires; P285/40ZR18 rear tires; front interior mounted compact spare tire; air conditioning; AM/FM stereo, CD player; roof mounted antenna;power door locks; remote fuel release; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, and On-Board diagnostic system; delay entry light system; driver's and passenger's front airbags; anti-theft system; tinted windows with driver's and passenger's power windows; intermittent speed front windshield wipers; rear window defroster; seating capacity of 2; leather seats and toolkit.