Esprit S2.2
1980 to 1981MY

Specification as for Esprit S2 except for:

Original UK price: (May 1980) £14,951 including taxes.

The lowest production catalogue model, an S2.2 not only has a rarity value but also a historical one. It marks the introduction of the vastly improved 2.2-litre Lotus engine. Compared to the S1/S2, the biggest apparent gains should be at the wheel, where the extra flexibility makes the car a lot friendlier in urban and suburban conditions. There is also a significant gain in fuel consumption. Performance was better. More realistic Lotus claims indicate 0-60mph in around 7 seconds and an 80-100mph time in fifth gear that was effectively halved.