Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
Lotus Esprit S4 - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
Lotus Esprit S4 - 360° Interactive
Lotus Esprit S4 - Key Specifications
Lotus Esprit S4 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Sports Car |
| Released At | 1993 Model Year |
| Built At | Hethel, England |
| Engine | 2.2L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
| Position | Mid-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 2174 cc / 132.7 in³ |
| Bore | 95.3 mm / 3.75 in |
| Stroke | 76.2 mm / 3.00 in |
| Compression | 8.0:1 |
| Power | 268 hp / 200 kW @ 6500 rpm |
| Specific Output | 123.3 hp per liter |
| BHP/Weight | Varies |
| Torque | 262 Nm / 193 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm |
| Top Speed | 260 km/h / 162 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 5.1 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Fiberglass Body on Steel Chassis |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 215/40ZR17 |
| Rear Tires | 245/45ZR17 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes with 2-Piston Calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes with 1-Piston Calipers |
| Front Wheels | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Rear Wheels | 17 x 8.5 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent, Double Wishbone with Coil Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, Upper and Lower Links with Coil Springs |
| Curb Weight | 1325 kg / 2921 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Varies |
| Wheelbase | 2438 mm / 96.0 in |
| Length | 4290 mm / 168.9 in |
| Width | 1860 mm / 73.2 in |
| Height | 1150 mm / 45.3 in |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | Varies |
| Fuel Capacity | 65 liters / 17.2 gallons |
Some Interesting Lotus Esprit S4 Facts
- First Esprit with Power Steering
The Lotus Esprit S4, introduced in 1993, was the first Esprit to feature power steering, making it easier to handle at lower speeds compared to previous models. - Turbocharged Inline-Four Engine
The S4 was powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 264 hp and 353 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque, delivering strong performance for its lightweight chassis. - 0-60 MPH in Just 4.7 Seconds
Thanks to its lightweight fiberglass body and turbocharged power, the Esprit S4 could accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds, rivaling contemporary Ferraris and Porsches. - Refined Interior for a More Luxurious Feel
Unlike earlier Esprit models, the S4 featured a redesigned, more ergonomic interior, with leather seats, improved dashboard layout, and better sound insulation. - Smoother and More User-Friendly
The Esprit S4 was tuned for better ride comfort and handling, making it more user-friendly and refined compared to its rawer predecessors. - Aerodynamic Enhancements Over the SE Model
The S4 featured a redesigned front bumper, side skirts, and a fixed rear wing, improving aerodynamics while maintaining the Esprit’s signature wedge-shaped design. - Hand-Built in England
Like all Lotus Esprits, the S4 was hand-assembled at Lotus' Hethel factory in Norfolk, England, ensuring a bespoke, race-inspired build. - Used the Same Chassis as Earlier Esprits
Despite its upgrades, the S4 retained the steel backbone chassis from earlier Esprits, providing exceptional rigidity and handling. - The Basis for the More Powerful S4s Model
The Esprit S4s, introduced in 1995, was an upgraded version of the S4, featuring 300 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, making it one of the fastest four-cylinder Esprits. - A Classic and Underrated Supercar
The Esprit S4 remains a highly desirable collector's car, known for its sharp handling, exotic looks, and raw driving experience, while still being more affordable than many other 1990s supercars.
Lotus Esprit S4 Price
The Esprit S4 is the last of the classic Giugiaro-designed Lotus supercars, featuring a turbocharged 2.2L I4 (264hp) and a timeless wedge shape.
Known for its raw driving experience and 007 fame, it’s now a rising star among '90s collectors.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Standard S4 (Non-V8, 1993–1996)
- Project Car (Non-Runner/Needs Work): €25,000 – €40,000
(Check for chassis rust, missing parts, or seized engines.) - Drivable but Worn (80,000+ km): €45,000 – €65,000
(Expect minor oil leaks, aging interiors, and outdated electronics.) - Well-Restored (Under 50,000 km): €70,000 – €100,000
(Documented history, recent engine rebuilds, and fresh paint.) - Concours/Collector Grade (<20,000 km): €110,000 – €150,000+
(Numbers-matching, factory-original, and rarely driven.)
Special Versions
- Sport 300 (Rare Track Variant): €180,000 – €250,000+
(Only 64 made—verify authenticity via Lotus Archives.) - S4s (1995–1996, 300hp): €120,000 – €170,000
(More power, revised aero—most desirable non-V8 Esprit.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Provenance & Rarity
- James Bond Connection (If featured in media, +20–30%).
- Original Lotus Certificate: +€10k–€15k.
✅ Restoration Quality
- Factory-correct paint (Essex Blue, Calypso Red): +€15k.
- Replaced Delaminating Glass (Common issue—new windshield €3k+).
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
- Rust in Steel Backbone Chassis: €20k+ to repair properly.
- Turbo Lag & Boost Leaks: Requires €5k–€10k system refurbishment.
- Gearbox Synchros (Renault UN1): Worn 2nd/3rd gear? €8k rebuild.
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Specialist Dealers
- Girardo & Co. (UK/Europe) – Handpicks the best Esprits.
- Lotus Specialist (e.g., Hofmann’s, Germany) – Known for restorations.
Private Sales
- Lotus Forums (Lotustalk, The Lotus Forums) – Enthusiast-owned gems.
- Classic Trader / Car & Classic – Best for EU-wide listings.
Pro Tip: UK cars are cheaper pre-purchase, but EU import taxes add 10–15%.
4. Market Trends
📈 '90s Supercar Boom
- Prices up 12–15% annually since 2020.
- S4s models now trading 30% above S4 values.
⚠️ Trap Warning
- "Barn Find" Esprits: Often need €50k+ in deferred repairs.
- Non-Original Engines: Hurts value (verify matching numbers).
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical
- Compression Test: Below 150psi? Walk away or budget €15k+ for rebuild.
- Electrical Gremlins: Lucas wiring always needs attention.
📄 Paperwork
- Lotus Heritage Certificate (€300, but non-negotiable).
- Service Records: Look for clutch (€3k) & timing belt (€2k) changes.
Fun Fact:
The Esprit’s steel chassis was hand-dipped in primer—yet many still rusted. Properly restored ones are true unicorns!
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