The Lotus Esprit V8 Is an Underrated Exotic Sports Car

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Doug DeMuro

Doug DeMuro

Күн бұрын

CHECK OUT THIS ESPRIT ON CARS & BIDS!
carsandbids.com/auctions/rNG2...
Lotus Esprit V8 review! The Lotus Esprit V8 is a special exotic sports car -- and today I'm reviewing it! I'm going to show you all the quirks and features of the Esprit V8, and I'm going to show you all the cool stuff behind the Esprit. I'm also going to drive the Esprit V8 and show you what it's like behind the wheel.
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Пікірлер: 3 200
@InterstateRaziTV
@InterstateRaziTV Жыл бұрын
Massive respect to Doug DeMuro for remembering his fanbase on reviewing retro cars.
@tjmmckelvey
@tjmmckelvey Жыл бұрын
this is a 21 minute add for cars and bids..
@IRMacGuyver
@IRMacGuyver Жыл бұрын
This really shouldn't have to be said but sadly youtubers chase views even if it hurts their credibility. Look at Donut Media these days but lately it does sound like they're getting the message and starting to find a better balance between quality videos and clickbait. Still the clickbait wont ever go away.
@rickc303
@rickc303 Жыл бұрын
Nah, just promoting his side hustle
@cigarjefe
@cigarjefe Жыл бұрын
Doug is the best in the business for sure.
@MrSonUMad
@MrSonUMad Жыл бұрын
Yes, he was clearly miserable reviewing this minty Espirit V8 but bravely toughed it out for the viewers and to put food on the table. Someone get him a purple heart!
@ChrisMorrisMusic
@ChrisMorrisMusic Жыл бұрын
I have a 1989 turbo and it’s been in my family since 900 miles (1995). 2.2 4cyl with no power steering. It’s absolutely incredible! I once did 155 mph when I was 21 when my dad allowed me to take it to work. I was pulled over about a mile later doing 103 and he never found out. Phew. Anyway, I’m 43 now. Nothing like pulling up to a coffee shop for my shift as a 21 year old in Monterey, CA. What great memories I have with this car. So happy to see Doug finally review one. Anytime you want to review the OG just let me know, Doug! I’m in Phoenix now and we did an engine out restoration last year and she has been such a great car all these years! I may start doing more with my channel so anyone interested stay tuned.
@bobolulu7615
@bobolulu7615 Жыл бұрын
It's not a V4, it's a 2.2 litre inline 4.
@ChrisMorrisMusic
@ChrisMorrisMusic Жыл бұрын
@@bobolulu7615 my bad… corrected!
@baylinkdashyt
@baylinkdashyt Жыл бұрын
I assume you're the most popular guy at Cars & Coffee... 🙂
@djgoodot
@djgoodot Жыл бұрын
@@bobolulu7615 have to be a troll
@karlisrubenis
@karlisrubenis Жыл бұрын
Where does he say v4? He said 4 cyl.
@robchapman6567
@robchapman6567 Жыл бұрын
IMO it's one of the most beautiful cars designs of all time
@Sleepy_spartan717
@Sleepy_spartan717 Жыл бұрын
I second this. I’ve loved this car since I was a kid.
@lukew6725
@lukew6725 Жыл бұрын
Also the only car that can also drive underwater. :D
@TheCherwool
@TheCherwool 3 ай бұрын
It might be perfect
@Kryojenix
@Kryojenix 2 ай бұрын
A lot of people like the Giugiaro original better than the updated bodystyles by Peter Stevens and this final one by Julian Thomson.
@cbotten106
@cbotten106 16 күн бұрын
@@Kryojenix They kind of botched it. Sanded off the edges and took out some of the high style. It was looking "dated" supposedly.
@1214101
@1214101 Жыл бұрын
To me it looks timeless. If it never came out before and it came now, it still looks modern. Love it
@jamescinman1993
@jamescinman1993 Жыл бұрын
I love this car but it looks like it came out in 1988. lmao
@slideways8022
@slideways8022 11 ай бұрын
@@jamescinman1993not bad considering it released in 1976
@isaacreyes1937
@isaacreyes1937 10 ай бұрын
um no looks good tho
@javiersilva1577
@javiersilva1577 6 ай бұрын
The car looks great. But it does look like it’s from the 80s. A timeless car will look like it’s new. This car is gorgeous, it’s not timeless.
@kopronko
@kopronko 5 ай бұрын
Amen, but No Turbo - No Funnn !!! ! !!!
@burkuschgoldberg
@burkuschgoldberg Жыл бұрын
For me the Lotus Esprit has always been among the most beautiful cars ever built. It almost triggers me only looking at it. Maybe because I am born 82 and all my toy cars looked like it in that Era. Unfortunately I will never be able to drive one. Glad to see Doug also loves it ❤️
@MatthewDoye
@MatthewDoye Жыл бұрын
This one is particularly beautiful, gorgeous paintwork.
@Flopsaurus
@Flopsaurus Жыл бұрын
Never say never!!
@nonbinaryproto
@nonbinaryproto Жыл бұрын
not just esprit but every lotus ever🤧
@automation7295
@automation7295 Жыл бұрын
How can just looking at a certain car trigger someone?
@burkuschgoldberg
@burkuschgoldberg Жыл бұрын
@@automation7295 this is not my language. Might have come across differently than what I meant to say. What I meant is that it evokes strong feelings of admiration and nostalgia
@r0b3rt_959
@r0b3rt_959 Жыл бұрын
Fun fact: The Esprit's V8 was able to easily put out 500 HP, but Lotus decided to de-tune it to 350 because they couldn't get a gearbox strong enough to handle that much power. Also, a correction: The Esprit V8 had a slight redesign in 2002, the main changes done at the rear, where it swapped the Corolla tail lights by the circular ones from the Elise S2.
@arytonandretti3785
@arytonandretti3785 Жыл бұрын
I enjoyed these facts!
@boosteroids
@boosteroids Жыл бұрын
And what type of Esprit they used on pretty woman movie?
@og2716
@og2716 Жыл бұрын
The gearbox was a Renault 25 one. 😅
@realstory77
@realstory77 Жыл бұрын
Fo
@coopermania74
@coopermania74 Жыл бұрын
@@boosteroids The 2.2 liters 4 cylinders turbo "chargecooler"
@Rover200Power
@Rover200Power Жыл бұрын
An Esprit V8 in yellow was a dream car for me back as a kid in the 90s.
@claywilson6149
@claywilson6149 Жыл бұрын
This car impressed me when it survived the trio from 'Top Gear' through Argentina in the 'Patagonia Special' . The other two were constantly breaking down , yet this little Lotus kept on going . They were forced to abandon it in Argentina when the crew ran into a bunch of locals who were still pissed off about the Falklands war . I still wonder what became of it .
@longtailgt
@longtailgt Жыл бұрын
Keep this low (funny considering I'm commenting on YT) but... it's apparently alive :)
@claywilson6149
@claywilson6149 Жыл бұрын
@@longtailgtWatch Harry's Garage on YT . He takes one on a 1000 mile trip to the Italian Dolomites. Good video you might enjoy 👍
@hristodochev
@hristodochev Жыл бұрын
I spoke to a person whose Esprit crashed, and he didn't let go of it so he opted for some big repairs. He had them done at a specialised garage. He told me this same garage reinforced James May's Esprit before it went to that Patagonia Special. So don't think you can go off-road in one. It sounded too good to be true anyway. Officially James May's Esprit was crushed along with the other two cars, in front of officials from both UK and Argentina. But unofficially, who knows.
@claywilson6149
@claywilson6149 Жыл бұрын
@@hristodochev That's a sad ending . 🙁 Oh well ... thanks for the update .
@volvo09
@volvo09 Жыл бұрын
You do know tv shows are scripted... Top gear is funny, but it's also scripted, just in their case it's car related scripting.
@Bluefire397
@Bluefire397 Жыл бұрын
This is one of my favourite cars period. It looks amazing, has pop up headlights and goes like hell. My want for one only got stronger after the Top Gear Patagonia Special.
@nafnaf0
@nafnaf0 Жыл бұрын
Yeah the Esprit is really cool. It is much better looking and more impressive in person too.
@Bluefire397
@Bluefire397 Жыл бұрын
@MY OVARIES ARE A FELON FACTORY Well yeah obviouslty considering it's 20 years old
@lex-xw6dv
@lex-xw6dv Жыл бұрын
Beautiful piece I buy 1
@lex-xw6dv
@lex-xw6dv Жыл бұрын
D back looks,like a Toyota celica
@bobhill3941
@bobhill3941 Жыл бұрын
And the Bond movie The spy who loved me. I loved that special in Patagonia.
@LearningFast
@LearningFast Жыл бұрын
How did Doug make it through this ENTIRE video and not talk about the bright RED “EJECT” button?
@DR61411
@DR61411 Жыл бұрын
Cigarette lighter I think
@southpaw117
@southpaw117 Жыл бұрын
@@DR61411 Yeah, it's just an aluminum fashion piece. I have the exact same one in my STi.
@tommyt1971
@tommyt1971 Жыл бұрын
Hidden in the gear shifter.
@toddmarks581
@toddmarks581 Жыл бұрын
If looks can kill.
@fajareraim6136
@fajareraim6136 7 ай бұрын
Ejecto Seato Cuz?
@felipegacitua4451
@felipegacitua4451 Жыл бұрын
Recently saw one as I was coming out of a multi level carpark. I stopped the car, and left my wife waiting while I looked at it and took photos. ALWAYS a beautiful car I remember it from Hot Pursuit. seeing one in real life made me so happy! I wish I could buy one
@TommyGun1979
@TommyGun1979 Жыл бұрын
I owned a Asuna Sunfire/Isuzu Impulse '94 in the early 2000's. This car was made from about every companies' parts. Lotus provided the whole handling (direction and suspension). That thing was really fun to drive. Let's just say I made it see some serious action 😅
@TheRiverPirate13
@TheRiverPirate13 Жыл бұрын
It was a rare sight to see a Lotus Esprit in the late 70's through the 1990's! When I saw one in person it just looked so cool! I was sort of disappointed Lotus Esprit couldn't actually turn into a submarine...Lol! They are still one of the coolest looking exotics ever made in my opinion.
@davec5613
@davec5613 Жыл бұрын
HA! I got that submarine reference.
@TheRiverPirate13
@TheRiverPirate13 Жыл бұрын
@@davec5613 Lol!
@darrenraphael
@darrenraphael Жыл бұрын
James bond lol
@Greippi10
@Greippi10 7 ай бұрын
The design is just amazing, it has similarities to ferraris and lambos, but is very distinctly its own thing. Has a little bit of JDM in there too.
@nostrilnick
@nostrilnick Жыл бұрын
I was an engineering intern in Dayton, Ohio with Delco Products (GM) in 1990. GM either partnered or owned (can't remember) Lotus at that time when they released the Lotus Elan. I got to drive a pre-production Elan since it was treated as a "competitor evaluation" car, and even engineering interns could drive these cars. The looks we got driving that car around the campus of the University of Dayton is a highlight of my time in college; what a hoot. That job was the closest I got to being Doug Demuro, a college kid driving cars like the Elan, Merc E300, Pontiac GTA, etc.
@olikat8
@olikat8 Жыл бұрын
I went to Carroll High School over off Woodman on Linden Ave. So many of my classmates parents worked for GM, Harrison & Delco....saw some neat stuff, but ultimately glad to leave Ohio
@sherlockrobin597
@sherlockrobin597 Жыл бұрын
In the U.K. Vauxhall (owned by GM at the time) launched their Corsa with advertising stating that the handling was tuned by Lotus. They were famous for their handling. The Corsa was not.
@falalogo
@falalogo Жыл бұрын
@@sherlockrobin597 😂😂😂
@redbluesome2829
@redbluesome2829 Жыл бұрын
GM owned Lotus in the early-90’s. One of my favorites products of that association is the 1990-1992 Opel Lotus Omega (Opel also being owned by GM). They took a mild mannered European sedan and made it a true Lotus. The right hand drive version was marketed as the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton. It was the fasted sedan in the world for a while.
@MrDuncl
@MrDuncl Жыл бұрын
Check out the Vauxhall/Opel VX220 to see another Lotus badged as a GM car. As for the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton the UK Police used a few for Motorway patrols. No use trying to catch speeding Supercars if you can't keep up with them.
@rars0n
@rars0n Жыл бұрын
The Esprit V8 is definitely an undervalued car. Lotus engineering, good powertrain, great chassis, awesome wedge styling that manages to still be unique. I knew the tail lights were parts bin (they almost always are on cars like this), but I never realized they came from the Corolla. That actually makes me love it even more. Seems a lot more practical than a Countach or Diablo, too. Probably way more fun to drive, as well.
@waynewebster8074
@waynewebster8074 Жыл бұрын
this is one of my top dream cars, i have always loved the way it's designed
@sergio_-.
@sergio_-. Жыл бұрын
Oh the Lotus Esprit! It’s perfect. One of my favourite cars EVER!
@sergio_-.
@sergio_-. Жыл бұрын
@@realstory77 Says what? Come on… try better at rickrolling me
@MyKeeP81
@MyKeeP81 Жыл бұрын
love it. love it!
@LevaniKa
@LevaniKa Жыл бұрын
I love Schrodinger's handbrake.
@blackn
@blackn Жыл бұрын
From the 1980s to the early 2000s, my dad was an engineer and eventually managing director of Lotus Engineering. Worked on some great engines for lotus and quite a few other companies like GM and mercury marine. He has a lot of opinions on the v8 power train for the esprit. Mostly that the original 4 cylinder was categorically a better engine!
@rickisgrate
@rickisgrate Жыл бұрын
The keyless entry is an aftermarket device made by cobra alarms, I had the exact same one on a 96 astra (saturn). The other button is for the alarm ultrasonic sensors and if you push both buttons together at the same time it activates the alarm as a panic mode setting
@CharlesHolding
@CharlesHolding Жыл бұрын
The fob had Lotus branding, but it is definitely a Cobra alarm.
@theknack
@theknack 16 күн бұрын
I was thinking exactly the same thing. I bought a 1992 Peugeot 205 GTi with a Cobra alarm that had the same key fob. Cobra must have supplied alarms for Lotus during that period.
@najssiness
@najssiness Жыл бұрын
i love how much you can hear the leather seats squeaking when doug is just talking
@QWKDTSN
@QWKDTSN Жыл бұрын
My all time dream sports car! So glad to see Doug doing this one!
@CoryAtRandom
@CoryAtRandom Жыл бұрын
Same
@thelethalgladiator01
@thelethalgladiator01 Жыл бұрын
This to join my e46 😍
@isaacnicholson9735
@isaacnicholson9735 Жыл бұрын
mine too!
@chrisfairnot6522
@chrisfairnot6522 Жыл бұрын
Same here
@BadApe351
@BadApe351 Жыл бұрын
Love your review of my all time favourite Exotic. I've loved this car from the first time I saw it whizzing around in "The Spy Who Loved Me" back in 1977. Of course over the years it morphed into a twin turbo V8 powerhouse - but it never lost it's giant-killer charm. One of your best Doug.
@Siamese_cat_
@Siamese_cat_ Жыл бұрын
I love The Spy Who Loved Me .One of my favourite bond films ever. After seeing it in the spy who loved me it made me want one... 'No body does it better, Makes me feel sad for the rest'
@bossbaby2112
@bossbaby2112 Жыл бұрын
Massive nostalgia factor here! I remember when I was about 7 or 8 years old, my dad had a friend who came to visit us. He rolled up in a macaroni-and-cheese colored sports car I had never seen before. It was THIS model of Esprit. He took me for a ride, let me shift the gear shifter. It was the first time I had ever rode in a sports car, will never forget it.
@volvo09
@volvo09 Жыл бұрын
Macaroni and cheese! 😆 I love that! Like red and yellow cars "ketchup and mustard"
@ethanfinley4066
@ethanfinley4066 Жыл бұрын
Love hearing the stories of people’s first ride in a sports car. Mine was my sisters boyfriends uncle had a Porsche 991.2 911 gt3 and he took me for a drive on the highway. It’s what really made me fall in love with cars
@ytsucksmnkyballz
@ytsucksmnkyballz Жыл бұрын
Mine was a 1998 red Toyota supra targa top. Aunts friend came over and had one. I couldn't believe the power. We went from 10-100 so fast
@NORWAYORNOWAY
@NORWAYORNOWAY Жыл бұрын
Doug's the kind a guy to intentionally wiggle in his leather seat to make sure the sound editor gets to charge some OT and send his kids to college. Sweet car.
@Melanie16040
@Melanie16040 Жыл бұрын
Was looking for a comment on this. That was driving me NUTS!!!
@johnnymichael1804
@johnnymichael1804 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for Doug Demuro.
@edwardvalivonis23
@edwardvalivonis23 Жыл бұрын
Doug is a type of a guy to make monkey sounds when eating banana
@hondafrk
@hondafrk Жыл бұрын
I barely made it through that. Shew.
@user-gl5ld9vm7i
@user-gl5ld9vm7i Жыл бұрын
Please stop with these type of Doug jokes. They're old and stale.
@skilgour44
@skilgour44 Жыл бұрын
I’ve been waiting for an Esprit review from Doug for so long. I’m glad he finally did it.
@enorelbot
@enorelbot Жыл бұрын
Sameeeeee hereeeer...
@longtailgt
@longtailgt Жыл бұрын
The Esprit V8 used to be one of my absolute favourite cars in my childhood thanks to NFS II SE (back when the game was still new) and I'm thrilled to see it getting Doug's love. Although I still get miffed when people brush it off.
@DANA-lx8cv
@DANA-lx8cv Жыл бұрын
What a beauty. The exterior still look stunning and modern, even today. I wish pop up headlights would return.
@gtv6chuck
@gtv6chuck Жыл бұрын
Funny - I came close to buying an early 80s Esprit Turbo from Ferrari of Denver in about 2010. I may have actually met or saw you back then. The previous body style Esprit had an exterior fuel filler cap. I knew a guy who had an Esprit Turbo, and his filler cap was looking shabby. He called the dealer and they said a new cap would be a couple hundred dollars. He thought that was way too high, so he wrote down the part number and went over to the local parts store. Turns out the filler cap was the same as a Yugo and he got it for about 40 bucks.
@RichRotorhead
@RichRotorhead Жыл бұрын
😂😁😂
@1080ike
@1080ike Жыл бұрын
On the Esprit's reliability, while I can't speak for parts supply issues, it was apparently mechanically sound enough for James May to drive several hundred miles with zero breakdowns in the Patagonia special. In comparison, Hammond's Mustang and Clarkson's Porsche 928 both broke down at least once, the Mustang multiple times. The Lotus was even a surprisingly competent off-roader.
@og2716
@og2716 Жыл бұрын
Yes it’s true. But as they are British like the Lotus and as everything is planned and written for their show then maybe the Lotus wasn’t as reliable as they said. Or perhaps it was. No one knows except them.
@TheAdatto
@TheAdatto Жыл бұрын
'Several 100 miles without breakdown'.... that's the opposite of reliability
@bagofchips8813
@bagofchips8813 Жыл бұрын
@@TheAdatto ...? 🤔explain.
@TexasTabla
@TexasTabla Жыл бұрын
scripted?
@weeyum99
@weeyum99 Жыл бұрын
@@og2716 Why would they be insincere about something like that though? Not like they're not impartial to other british cars... Jeremy hates Hammond's Morgans lol
@adityasanthanam1945
@adityasanthanam1945 Жыл бұрын
I adore the Lotus Esprit. It is one of my favorite cars. It is wonderful that Doug has reviewed one.
@theorigin1891
@theorigin1891 Жыл бұрын
I discovered Doug's channel a while back and me being a big car enthusiast, I've really enjoy his detailed reviews on classic rare, strange cars like this
@Cincy32
@Cincy32 Жыл бұрын
I've never been a Lotus fan but the Esprit is an exception.
@kevincollins8620
@kevincollins8620 Жыл бұрын
This car made me a fan. Lotus Carlron Is 2nd place for me on ones I want.
@automation7295
@automation7295 Жыл бұрын
@@kevincollins8620 Maybe Esprit is his exception because Carlton was never sold in North America. So Americans never heard of the Carlton or seen it in person. Lotus Carlton was just a souped up Opel/Vauxhall Omega.
@jimmy_b_wp
@jimmy_b_wp Жыл бұрын
Same here
@kevincollins8620
@kevincollins8620 Жыл бұрын
@@automation7295 To us Carlton is on M3 status. Don't shatter our dreams.
@hassyg4083
@hassyg4083 Жыл бұрын
@@automation7295 Bugatti is just souped up VW golf
@jackthehatphoto
@jackthehatphoto Жыл бұрын
Also remember that most other exotic supercars from the same era were also parts bin cars. None of them could afford to produce unique switchgear and components for such small production runs, Lamborghini included.
@davidqbs
@davidqbs Жыл бұрын
My friend has a notebook full of where the parts originated from on his lotus esprit. I makes it easy to find the parts cheaply. It is a long list of borrowed parts.
@carmadme
@carmadme Жыл бұрын
I forget which one but one lambo uses the same indicator/wiper switch gear as you find in a reliant robin/kitten/fox
@Journey_Awaits
@Journey_Awaits Жыл бұрын
It’s not where it’s from but how well it works
@shmac96
@shmac96 Жыл бұрын
This was a car that did not get enough praise when I was a kid. The only thing I remember that this car got dogged for was the insanely small foot well. As far as all the rest of the "weird" things I personally think they're the coolest I've seen on a car Doug has reviewed and definitely add to what I would imagine is the fun and feeling of involvement that comes with owning this car. AKA character. Great review Mr. DeMuro!
@Canttouchthis04
@Canttouchthis04 Жыл бұрын
Had the great pleasure of having one of these come into the shop used to work at. It was a beautiful blue color, and one of the coolest cars I've been lucky to explore in person.
@essenlame
@essenlame Жыл бұрын
What an absolute legend. When I was a little kid, I remember first seeing this car and instantly falling in love with Lotus. It was my first exotic car in Gran Turismo, and to this day, it's one of my favorite quirky sports cars ever. Big respect!
@obsessedwithguitars3157
@obsessedwithguitars3157 Жыл бұрын
Been waiting for an Esprit to show up and it happens to be the most amazing version!
@obsessedwithguitars3157
@obsessedwithguitars3157 Жыл бұрын
@@realstory77 please don't spam. We came here for cool cars and you're redirecting to something unrelated. I know you're a bot, but I hope some human reads this and understands how ineffective and infuriating this tactic is.
@bwofficial1776
@bwofficial1776 Жыл бұрын
@@obsessedwithguitars3157 If you ever go to the videos, they either have a ton of dislikes or the dislikes disabled because the spammer is scared and knows what they're doing. If they made good videos they wouldn't need to spam.
@obsessedwithguitars3157
@obsessedwithguitars3157 Жыл бұрын
@@bwofficial1776 I did, the comments were universal hate!
@Johnnyjingles87
@Johnnyjingles87 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this one Doug. I've been wanting to see you review this car for years now!
@BostonFenian
@BostonFenian Жыл бұрын
Thanks for doing a video on this very slept-on beauty, it was one of my first-ever dream cars when I was a teenager, and it still is today! I see the auction ended yesterday and it sold for $71k... I'd never be able to afford that anyway but I can still dream lol
@kevmagill5163
@kevmagill5163 Жыл бұрын
This is my somewhat affordable dream car...back when the V8 came out I would go to The Collection in Miami and drool over the Esprit and other 90's sports and supercars...After seeing it in PrettyWoman I fell in love... I was and still am an exotic car obsessed little boy..but the Esprit was my jam...I was way too excited to see you were reviewing the Esprit and I wasn't disappointed. Excellent video, thanks Doug!....😁
@TucsonDude
@TucsonDude Жыл бұрын
Maybe, you need to live your dream and buy it?? Too many guys grow of their dreams and never live them...even if you are still a "little boy". Be a MAN and bid on it!!
@kathleen9960
@kathleen9960 Жыл бұрын
Hi
@maryhenderson3453
@maryhenderson3453 Жыл бұрын
Bro
@Jimmygoodmann
@Jimmygoodmann Жыл бұрын
Nah
@gabbtaylor8942
@gabbtaylor8942 Жыл бұрын
Hey
@PasleyAviationPhotography
@PasleyAviationPhotography Жыл бұрын
First introduction to this car was the movie Pretty Woman. Julia Robert's mentioning how it handles like it's on rails, love it.
@hassyg4083
@hassyg4083 Жыл бұрын
There was two of them in Basic Instinct
@philipp9481
@philipp9481 Жыл бұрын
Great review! Really cool that you keep up reviewing these older cars. Love it! Pretty interesting retro-car! ❤😎
@damiresq
@damiresq Жыл бұрын
Omg I love this car since need for speed 2," pretty woman"with the aluminium clucth scene , and the movie "if looks could kill". I love it because of the design. Giorgetto Giugiaro allways reached the centre of my heart and imagination when I was a kid
@bicyclist2
@bicyclist2 Жыл бұрын
It's about time you reviewed one of these Esprit's. These are constantly overlooked by so many sports car buyers. Which is exactly why Lotus has had its fair share of financial struggles. This one is absolutely gorgeous. These don't rust as the body is made of fiberglass, and the chassis out of aluminum. I know James May is a fan, as he drove one to Argentina. You forgot to mention that Roger Moore playing James Bond drove one in "The Spy Who Loved Me", and "For Your Eyes Only". The Lotus Esprit also appeared in "Pretty Woman". I hope to be able to afford one some day. Thank you.
@realstory77
@realstory77 Жыл бұрын
Hmm
@Neo5GT
@Neo5GT Жыл бұрын
And basic instinct
@bjrgjohannessen5184
@bjrgjohannessen5184 Жыл бұрын
The backbone chassis is of galvanized steel.
@DTD110865
@DTD110865 Жыл бұрын
Looking at this now, I can't imagine how Roger Moore was able to fit in one of those. I'm not as tall as Moore OR Doug, and I have a hard time fitting in them. The I realized it was customized to go underwater and do all kinds of things that most Esprits can't.
@espritmike
@espritmike Жыл бұрын
And "Taking Care of Business" and "If Looks could Kill"- Richard Grieco is laying on the hood of a red one on the poster
@ChristianHiroseRomeoGraham
@ChristianHiroseRomeoGraham Жыл бұрын
The Esprit has always been a sports car for hardcore enthusiasts, not for socialites, rappers, etc. This is why it's "underrated".
@StreetPreacherr
@StreetPreacherr Жыл бұрын
And how many other cars can function so well UNDERWATER?!?!?
@cwg73160
@cwg73160 Жыл бұрын
Lesser known? Maybe. Underrated? Not even close. “Underrated” is one of the most misused words in the English language. Good job.
@bigduphusaj162
@bigduphusaj162 Жыл бұрын
It handled not bad and if you modded them to the usual 430-450bhp and rebuilt the gearbox properly then sorted the bad wheel bearings out and got rid of the wheel wobble then yeah they could stay with the 500bhp cossies and all the mad tuned stuff back in the day. Mine warped discs all over the place till I got the bearings replaced with Japanese ones and done every bush on the thing. Only then would it not warp the most expensive discs and pads you could get back then that would fit on it. I done caliper mods the lot before realising the thing just liked to wave its unweighted wheels about so that was causing the grabby feeling if braking into bends and just generally warping the F-ck out of everything, the stock bushing was so soft it caused half the wheel shaking and judder as well as hide it from the driver. Mine blew up in the snow it got snow in the intake overheated
@Johnny2Feathers
@Johnny2Feathers Жыл бұрын
@@cwg73160 it literally is 😂
@monzarace
@monzarace Жыл бұрын
so true. Once you're done paying for belt change on your Ferrari and done doing engines on 911's. Let's just keep it underrated, undervalued etc. It only makes mine cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain and to insure. So Doug, just delete this video, and forget about the brand ;) Kind regards.
@Sclayto2
@Sclayto2 Жыл бұрын
General comments: The other button on the keyfob, is for ferry mode. It activates the alarm, but disables the motion sensor. Otherwise the alarm is sounding for the duration of the car's trip, resulting in a flat battery. Typically, however, it is used when the car gets loaded onto a flat bed during recovery.... It is from a UK compnay called Cobra. Lamborghini Diablo has the same handbrake system, and quite a few switches too. No doubt more part sharing during the GM ownership.
@Malapropify
@Malapropify Жыл бұрын
My dad owned one, but 4 cylinder back in the early 90's. It was a sight to behold back then - especially in Poland. He used to be stopped by the police without a reason, just to look at the car and ask for a ride. I know tens of stories...
@JradsEdits
@JradsEdits Жыл бұрын
My FAVORITE car of all time! So glad you finally reviewed it Doug! Now let’s hope your review doesn’t rise values too far lol. And this deserves a 10 in styling!
@grimson
@grimson Жыл бұрын
This review warms my heart. For so long the Esprit has been derided by know-nothings who’ve never driven one. Great to see Doug has not only respect but genuine affection for it. I will own an Esprit one day 🤞
@Henry-fx4yk
@Henry-fx4yk Жыл бұрын
I’ve always loved it as well. Happy to learn more about it, thanks Doug!
@thomastabaka2682
@thomastabaka2682 Жыл бұрын
I love that car, it looks so cool, loved when James May picked it in the Patagonia special. It suited him so well.
@vibingwithvinyl
@vibingwithvinyl Жыл бұрын
6:33 That's actually an aftermarket keyfob by Cobra. Well, sort of aftermarket. It seems Lotus couldn't be bothered to develop their own so they just used what was readily available.
@vizmuvesjanos1045
@vizmuvesjanos1045 Жыл бұрын
Volkswagen cars from the same era had that fob. I remember my parents had to change the housing of the fob for their 2000 VW Polo because the buttons weren't working anymore. Also, on that car, the small button was to unlock the car and the bigger one was to lock it, I don't think the car was equipped with an alarm.
@DougDeMuro
@DougDeMuro Жыл бұрын
This was the factory OEM keyfob in the Elise (I owned one and they all had it), so I suspect it's also factory for the Esprit.
@vibingwithvinyl
@vibingwithvinyl Жыл бұрын
@@DougDeMuro It was "factory" in many other cars as well. Nothing unusual for different manufacturers to use outsourced keyfobs back in the 90's. I remember ie. Jaguar and Saab having the same keyfobs (though not this one).
@edwardvalivonis23
@edwardvalivonis23 Жыл бұрын
@@vibingwithvinyl Jaguar had Ford keys too
@vibingwithvinyl
@vibingwithvinyl Жыл бұрын
@@edwardvalivonis23 True but that's slightly different, as they were owned by Ford.
@FatalGecko58
@FatalGecko58 Жыл бұрын
The only reason I know about the Esprit V8 was from Top Gear’s Patagonia Special, with it being used during the special by James. Also just want to point out just how beautiful the car is.
@df-ln8sn
@df-ln8sn Жыл бұрын
This vid gives you no idea how awsome this car is in person going down the road! Good review Doug!
@pedroantoniodacruzferreira1487
@pedroantoniodacruzferreira1487 6 ай бұрын
Since it appeared in the Bond movies it became my all time favourite car. Would buy this over any Lamborghini or Ferrari. It is just a timeless classic!
@DarthZainer
@DarthZainer Жыл бұрын
My dad used to have a 2000 Esprit from 2001 to 2018 and put 13k miles on it. I learned how to drive manual on it and I miss it so much. It was such a blast to drive and it sounded amazing. I’m going to find it again one day.
@Fe_lix
@Fe_lix Жыл бұрын
This Esprit still has Citroen CX mirrors, they are very easy to recognize. Those mirrors were used on a lot of small production supercars of the era, seems like all the manufacturers liked the sportiness and quirkiness of these mirrors from a luxury sedan (which was the replacement of the DS).
@ponyboycurtis007
@ponyboycurtis007 Жыл бұрын
I have always been a massive fan of this car. Somewhere in my parents basement there is my stack of Road & Track magazine the month this car dropped and I fell in love with it.
@luisurena8308
@luisurena8308 Жыл бұрын
Doug always come out with something good to watch while i eat
@danbrittain9530
@danbrittain9530 Жыл бұрын
With regards to parts sharing, in addition to the bits you've already mentioned, for the late model one you drove there's also the Citroen CX side mirrors (same as what the XJ220 used), Rover 200 exterior door handles, MK3 Rover 200 heater vents, etc. 🙂
@imnotamechanic3491
@imnotamechanic3491 Жыл бұрын
I was in a Morris Marina at the weekend - those ash trays look familiar!
@AllCarswithJon
@AllCarswithJon Жыл бұрын
This is almost the definition of my 'dream car'. Thanks for the review, I've loved the Lotus since the early 80's at the dawn of my awareness of cars and it's been my most-desired "exotic". I missed my chance in the 90s when early Esprits were selling for about $15k because I didn't have a garage, and I still desire one to this day!
@TucsonDude
@TucsonDude Жыл бұрын
Then, buy it and live your dream. Trade in that boring SUV or Camry.
@AllCarswithJon
@AllCarswithJon Жыл бұрын
@@TucsonDude Well, it doesn't really fit with my life and day-job needs. They're becoming more expensive, so I'm waiting on my YT channel to blow up and throw off the cash for it. Also, I would never drive a Camry... I drive an ACCORD! :) :) :)
@YungEagle3k
@YungEagle3k Жыл бұрын
might as well just get a c5 corvette
@andrew20195
@andrew20195 Жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, the Esprits that were selling for $15k in the 90s were horribly unreliable. The V8 is really the only engine approaching what we'd call reliable by today's standards. But, if you use it as a weekend car and do all the work yourself, it's relatively affordable.
@TucsonDude
@TucsonDude Жыл бұрын
@@AllCarswithJon If buying an exotic was easy, then everyone would have one. :)
@benzlick
@benzlick Жыл бұрын
These are my favorite Doug Demuro videos!
@nicomotor
@nicomotor Жыл бұрын
As said by Jeremy Clarkson: LOTUS stands for "lots of trouble, usually serious"
@quarthar
@quarthar Жыл бұрын
Funny how the lotus ended up being the most reliable of the 3 in that special tho
@bobolulu7615
@bobolulu7615 Жыл бұрын
I have one of these and had it for 17 years and it's never failed once.
@ventocz6476
@ventocz6476 Жыл бұрын
@@quarthar i think it was scripted tbh. same with the Bolivia special when the Range Rover was the most reliable car (more than a Suzuki Jimny and a fu*king Land Cruiser?) but who knows
@LOTPOR0402
@LOTPOR0402 Жыл бұрын
Clarkson did not come up with that ,been around years before him .But being a kid you would never know
@kiwijonowilson
@kiwijonowilson Жыл бұрын
Lotus is focused on keeping weight down which helps every aspect of performance except reliability. Even so they can be reliable if well maintained, as usually its a minor issue that leads to much bigger trouble (for example poorly maintained cooling system can lead to major issues).
@williamlhou
@williamlhou Жыл бұрын
2001 Esprit here. There is also an available removable wind buffer when the top is off which I guess this car doesn't have. I have the glass, body panel and the wind buffer. It's nice to have the glass when it's not hot out, the AC doesn't really keep up when the body panel is on even. I guess SoCal would be better for it, but I've rarely use it because here at home it's so hot unless the dead of winter. Glad to see Doug finally getting to one!
@kuudereplus
@kuudereplus Жыл бұрын
you're a car?
@Charlesb88
@Charlesb88 Жыл бұрын
@@kuudereplus yes, he’s KITTs long lost British cousin.
@timothyouellette2815
@timothyouellette2815 Жыл бұрын
Love Doug’s videos. However, I’m surprised he didn’t mention the round brake lights in the later models. They make a huge difference in the stance of those latter gen cars in my opinion. Keep up the awesome videos Doug!
@johnfortuna4190
@johnfortuna4190 Жыл бұрын
His enthusiasm made me smash the subscribe button . I was 20 in the early 90’s so a lot of cars I’ve seen are my favorite dream cars 💯🙌🏻🤘🏼🤘🏼
@JP1397cc
@JP1397cc Жыл бұрын
If never done here, the turbo 4 cylinders deserves love too because of still being light on these versions. Like Colin Chapman's vision of sportscars was.
@jefferycampbell9182
@jefferycampbell9182 Жыл бұрын
Yes. 300HP from a 4 cyl engine back then was a lot. There wasn't too many cares with 4 bangers over 200 hp so 300 hp was a lot. Love this car
@JP1397cc
@JP1397cc Жыл бұрын
Perfectly true and their reliabilty wasn't that awfully bad. And at least not worse than Jaguars, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other heavy sportcars of the same era. Alpine was OK but a heart from Renault could never compete with the brilliant and prestigious Cosworth mills. We are lucky to know this secret! Take care
@bwofficial1776
@bwofficial1776 Жыл бұрын
@@jefferycampbell9182 300hp from a 4cyl is still good today.
@aeiouxs
@aeiouxs Жыл бұрын
My 2c about Esprits - and I hoped Doug was going to mention it - is that they actually look TWICE as good in real life than on film/photos. Beautiful cars!
@monzarace
@monzarace Жыл бұрын
True. When I was looking to buy one, I looked at a few examples, but every time, I felt to buy it, because it's so persuading standing next to it. Kind regards.
@MrWangoboy
@MrWangoboy Жыл бұрын
Doug I love your videos been waatching from the early years but you are giving away the secret cars us car enthusiast love.
@LMacNeill
@LMacNeill Жыл бұрын
Wow -- I honestly had no idea they'd made the Esprit until 2004! I figured they'd quit in the mid '90s. Shows how rare this car actually is. If I were going to buy one, it'd be in this color -- that paint is beautiful! And those wheels are perfect for it. Really good-looking car, this.
@greedsmack
@greedsmack Жыл бұрын
I feel like these look like baby Diablos. I absolutely love these cars and I’m very happy to see a Doug video on it!
@DoubleDeckerAnton
@DoubleDeckerAnton Жыл бұрын
Yeah I've always thought the same. It does come from the Lamborghini Diablo family.
@AtrociousNightmare
@AtrociousNightmare Жыл бұрын
To me this is a legendary car, and it's mainly because of the fantastic Lotus games on the Amiga. Born playing it.
@slimchaed
@slimchaed Жыл бұрын
One of the coolest cars ever! Popup headlights are awesome! Great video Doug! 👍🏾
@raptorstorm3353
@raptorstorm3353 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Doug! My dream car has always been a 1995 Lotus Esprite S4S, but hard to find anything new for reviews on these.
@sovereign3351
@sovereign3351 Жыл бұрын
One of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion
@JohnnyZenith
@JohnnyZenith Жыл бұрын
Agreed.
@krallopian
@krallopian Жыл бұрын
I was behind a beautiful teal-coloured one the other day here on the 427 in Toronto, it's so much more exotic looking in person than any pictures of vids I've ever seen. Great car, I was super excited to see it!
@acemcjack
@acemcjack Жыл бұрын
This has been my favorite sports car ever since I first played Test Drive on my old PC back in the 1980s. It has remained my dream car since.
@oitoitoi1
@oitoitoi1 Жыл бұрын
Used to see these on the road in the UK quite a lot in the 90s as a kid. Still very cool.
@DeputyBurbank
@DeputyBurbank Жыл бұрын
This was my ultimate car growing up. Even then I knew it wasn’t the fastest or the best handling but the looks were the best. Even today it looks good. When Roger Moore got a white one handed to him by Q, I was floored.
@realstory77
@realstory77 Жыл бұрын
Here is the recommended clip that say it:- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h8h4dMSI3qynqmg.html !!
@hassyg4083
@hassyg4083 Жыл бұрын
basic instinct you mean
@dismalswamp72
@dismalswamp72 Жыл бұрын
Loved that, and clearly so did you! My all time favorite car, just pipping the R34 GTR which you reviewed a few years back. Watched with a big smile and one day I'll own that Sport 350 Esprit V8! Quick fact check - the MY2002 Esprit did update the tail lights though, using the Elise ones, I think went to LED too :)
@Esprits4s
@Esprits4s Жыл бұрын
Nice review! Wish my '03 had been your review, but this looks to be a beautiful example as well. Thank you Doug!
@nickloh912
@nickloh912 Жыл бұрын
I remember this car in Need for Speed II SE. It was slower than the other cars in the game (Ferrari F50, McLaren F1, etc.) in a straight line (which was all a 7-year-old really cared about) but even with that game's debatable physics you could tell the handling was something special. Great video as always. BTW, does 15:15 mean we'll be getting a review of a Saturn SL?!
@KDT5661
@KDT5661 Жыл бұрын
Hope so. I am sitting in my manual 1st gen SL2 as I watch this lol I was like oh crap that’s my car!
@Flopsaurus
@Flopsaurus Жыл бұрын
First racing game I ever played! Such a good game
@sammik3959
@sammik3959 Жыл бұрын
Maaan i just remembered its handling. Time travel :)
@hassyg4083
@hassyg4083 Жыл бұрын
non of the games drive like actual cars
@weeyum99
@weeyum99 Жыл бұрын
NFS2SE was so good, back when they had a showcase for each car with a little movie and some SICK 90's techno music omgggg they really put effort into the history of each car back then
@jtanabodee
@jtanabodee Жыл бұрын
I have own '92 Lotus Esprit SE TURBO for 3 years. I found the this car is reliable. The engine if the problems have already sorted out correctly, it is just a normal car. It is fast and fun. The downside of sharing other cars equipments is the strongest point for restoration. You can find parts easily and cheaper that any other exotic cars in the market. You will love it a lot when you own one.
@sauronthegreat5799
@sauronthegreat5799 Жыл бұрын
Why did you sell it?
@jtanabodee
@jtanabodee Жыл бұрын
@@sauronthegreat5799 I still own it. I drive it once a week regularly.
@jondorsey1715
@jondorsey1715 Жыл бұрын
@@jtanabodee love the esprit. One of my all time fav cars.
@kalledeejay
@kalledeejay Жыл бұрын
I can't be the only one who gets the Amiga 500 game "Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge" intro in my head at 9:41
@kevinmiller1023
@kevinmiller1023 Жыл бұрын
Coolest car ever made. So much fun to drive. I’ve owned two high mileage V8s and never had a mechanical issue.
@jimmydiamond75
@jimmydiamond75 Жыл бұрын
High mileage V8s in general, or high mileage Lotus V8s? I think there might be a slight bit of difference between your average 4.5-6.0L American V8s built to last at least 75-100k miles, the bulletproof Japanese V8s that regularly far exceed the 250k mile mark, and the small production, small displacement European V8s of this era….
@kevinmiller1023
@kevinmiller1023 Жыл бұрын
@@jimmydiamond75 I’ve had two esprit v8’s. Both in the 60k mileage range. Hard to find them in that high. One of which was not well maintained at all. Never had a major issue. These engines seem solid. It’s the electrical bits that seem pesky on these.
@timomomomo969
@timomomomo969 Жыл бұрын
@@jimmydiamond75 and 60k is barely broken in for a Japanese v8
@jimmydiamond75
@jimmydiamond75 Жыл бұрын
@@timomomomo969 my point exactly!
@LearningFast
@LearningFast Жыл бұрын
Every Tuesday and Thursday I think “Doug must have run out of cool cars to review by now”. Yet, every time he posts something I want to watch.
@realstory77
@realstory77 Жыл бұрын
Here is the recommended clip that say it:- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h8h4dMSI3qynqmg.html !!
@MAR0DEUR
@MAR0DEUR Жыл бұрын
// I once had exactly such an ESPRIT V8 (in Nautilus Blue with beige leather). I loved this car. Unfortunately, I had to sell it then (because I needed an SUV). I miss this car 😔.. My LOTUS also had exactly these wheels and a tinted glass roof. That was really a dream car. For me, this is still the most beautiful LOTUS ever. (I also never had any problems with this car. Everything worked)
@bat_broth
@bat_broth Жыл бұрын
I love when Doug does car reviews instead of screen reviews. Long live analog.
@MrJoker42369
@MrJoker42369 Жыл бұрын
i love this car in the intro scenes of 'pretty woman'. the way the main character grinds every gear was hard to watch but it looked so damn cool
@KAlpha09
@KAlpha09 Жыл бұрын
Learnt about the Esprit while paying NFS2SE. Although it was one of the slowest, I loved it for its design and often played with it.
@IndependenceCityMotoring
@IndependenceCityMotoring Жыл бұрын
I like parts sharing- makes it much easier and cheaper to find replacement parts.
@OmegaAbyss
@OmegaAbyss Жыл бұрын
Had the luck of getting to drive one when I was 17. My uncle had a 2004 anniversary edition in bright yellow; brand new at the time. The thing went like a bat outta hell, and ate gas like a mother while doing it. One of my all time favorite cars!
@DrewPera
@DrewPera Жыл бұрын
I was so in love with these cars back in the day. They're still beautiful.
@egil-andrenessmortensen3037
@egil-andrenessmortensen3037 Жыл бұрын
Ive always loved the vedge design. I remember working at a Toyota dealer washing cars at age 15. In came a red mk1 MR2. I was like wtf is that? 3 years later i ended up buying my own. The v8 Esprit is one of my favourite cars , would love to have one 👍
@DragzMR2
@DragzMR2 Жыл бұрын
Besides the MR2(I own an sw20), this has got to be my favourite car of all time, absolutely beautiful
@metlica17
@metlica17 Жыл бұрын
I remember back when Motor Trend was testing that against the 355 and Vette back in the 90s! I always loved the styling and look of the Lotus!!😍😍
@jimmydiamond75
@jimmydiamond75 Жыл бұрын
Bro I still have that issue in a box at Ma’s house, aka my storage vault!
@brianlee9233
@brianlee9233 Жыл бұрын
Man! The Esprit looks absolutely beautiful and stunning! One of my favorites!
@realstory77
@realstory77 Жыл бұрын
Here is the recommended clip that say it:- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h8h4dMSI3qynqmg.html !!
@brianlee9233
@brianlee9233 Жыл бұрын
@@realstory77 Not being rude, but what does that have to do with a Lotus Esprit?
@kingmatthewa
@kingmatthewa Жыл бұрын
I loved this car ever since the original Test Drive for DOS.
@pineapplesalad6494
@pineapplesalad6494 Жыл бұрын
Not the Lotus Turbo Challenge? I only played Test Drive 2 though and F40 is still one of my favorite cars.
@gringostarr69
@gringostarr69 Жыл бұрын
Dude! My dad had an hi-fi store back at the 80's and 90's. I got to get a ride with one of their impoters car as youngster and it was one of the coolest sports car memories from those days. Finland was in bad economic crisis back then and those cars were rare! Really rare. Fell in love with the car immidiately. He did something like 150km/h on city center :D Edit: it was the 4 cylinder turbo since it was early 90's.
@deadassdom
@deadassdom Жыл бұрын
man im so happy the esprit is getting some love on the channel
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