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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: