Lotus Esprit - Ultimate Review: Is Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear right?
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2024
- Full review about the 1995 Lotus Esprit Turbo S4 with all facts and details and test drive, plus comments about the Lotus Esprit from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May on Top Gear, plus movie clips featuring the Lotus Esprit in "Basic Instinct" and "Pretty Woman".
Music:
Haunt By Silent Partner
Warrior Strife By Jingle Punks
Sophomore Makeout By Silent Partner
Jazz In Paris By Media Right Productions 
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This is definitely one of the best and most genuine Lotus ownership videos I have seen. Keep busting those myths of unreliability and help spread the word about how good Lotus ownership really is.
I've had an Elise 111s and an elan m100 and did have any trouble with them but have always wanted an esprit maybe one day
Damn....these are SUCH good looking cars. Not a bad line on them.
I absolutely agree :)
Most timeless car from the era. One of my favorites.
Damn right
I've always loved the Esprit. Your video was very well done and informative. Thank you.
Thanks for watching :)
Great review. Being a proud owner of a 1995 Lotus Esprit S4s for the past 22 years, it's nice to see the interest in these rare exotics gaining popularity. Great job!!
Thanks for your comment! You have surely had a lot of fun with your S4s in the past 22 years! :-)
You Think They Are Going To Go Up In Value?
Modern Esprits in good condition had their low in value about 3 years ago, since then they have gone up about 50% already. Early Esprits are up 100% from their lowest value already. I think this development will continue, though I don't see them skyrocketing. But I am sure that a good condition Esprit will never be cheaper anymore.
How is dependability and service, insurance etc...?
Esprits are definitely cheaper and easier to maintain than a Ferrari of that time. They need the regular cambelt change, but easier and much cheaper to do than on an older Ferrari. No need to take the engine out. No bigger repairs so far, except for the two mentioned in the video. Insurance in Germany is 350 € per year (agreed value, fully comprehensive, limited usage May to October only). I have plans for a video with all costs shown in detail.
Thank you for the video. fell in ❤️ with the car all over again Can't wait to buy 1 ..
Looks amazing!
I've always loved the Esprit.
An excellent review ! Very interesting, Thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching! :)
Very nice and thought out video, I learned a lot thank you!
Thanks :)
I use an esprit s3 as an everyday driver, will never be selling!
Great :-)
I understand. Tried to sell it 13 times, took it of the internet 14 times. There is something special about these cars! They have a heart!
Fair play mate
EXCELLENT REVIEW! Thank you
My absolute dream car...i love the s4s, turbo se, and my ultimate dream car is the v8 gt.
I have been in LOVE with these cars since driving them back in 1999 in "Gran Turismo" and "Need For Speed Hot Pursuit" when I was about 18 years old. I have ALWAYS wanted one and am getting close to being in the situation that I can afford to spend money on a toy like that (kids are almost grown up). Although for now I have a 95 240sx (s14) with an engine from a JDM Spec-R. I also have a KIA Sorento SUV with a 6.0L LSx engine swap (done me). Lastly I have an 87 Pontiac Fiero GT with a 3800 supercharged engine swap (from a Grand Prix GTP).
I'd happily sell them all for an Esprit though!
Just found your videos and am excited to watch more! Thanks for going in to all the details!!
Take my advice...buy it now... before the grandkids turn up and you become the bank of mum and dad!!.🤣🤣
Great video. Always loved Esprit. So beautiful. Thanks.
Thanks! :)
Very nice review i enjoy a lot. Congrats for the car and keep on the good work.
Thanks for watching my video! :)
A fascinating and thoughtful review. Thank you.
Thanks :)
I just subscribed you have a really nice informative channel. Its very "professional". I like how you're not going crazy or yelling or acting all silly for the sake of attention like so many other car related channels. Also I didn't realize that the turbo 4cyl. came with a water to air intercooler. Thats really impressive, and probably ahead of its time, considering most OEMs right ow are just starting to make the switch over from air-to-air to water-to-are. Where are the heat exchangers located?
Thanks a lot! I am really happy to hear that you like my content! Concerning the Lotus Esprit's chargecooler, this site is very informative: www.lotusespritworld.com/EGuides/ETechnical/chargecooler.html
Thank you for uploading
Really nice Red Esprit! It's a dream! $300 in repairs ~ 3 yrs!? That's "built like a Sherman tank" Qualifications.☝
I wouldn't say no to one even in this day and age. Nice ride. Excellent review.
Thanks for watching my video! :)
Really good video ! Thank you , this is insane saxy and true classic sports car !
Glad you liked it!
Great and very professional review, Great job ! :)
Thanks for watching my video :)
Great video your car is in lovely condition always liked these cars thanks
Thanks for watching! :-)
Very beautiful.... Always wanted a lotus oh well I've got my V1 for now
Great car, great review. Enjoyed it very much, in all regards.
Thanks for watching my video! :-)
In that Top Gear video, all the cars had troubles except for the Esprit, I owned a Series 3 Esprit for several years, and only had 'wear and tear' problems with it, apart from a new 'hydraulic self adjusting' clutch, which was my fault from doing 'wheel spins' in it - just to show off the fact that I owned one. When push comes to shove, an Esprit will look after you, as long as you don't dis-respect it ;-)
Yes, absolutely right. They are much more reliable than their reputation suggests.
The funniest problem I had with my '74 Europa was in a little village in the mountains of Luxembourg when the nipple on the end of my throttle cable came off at the pedal. As you know it was single thread so I just pulled it out and re-threaded it the opposite way and secured the engine end with a light fitting! Those were the days!
Just subscribed..great review. Watching this in Guyana South America!
Thanks for watching and subscribing! :-)
Whenever I see one I think of Roger Moore. I grew up when his Bond films were in theaters and I'll never forget his driving the Lotus Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me. It was blown to bits in For Your Eyes Only.
I saw Basic Instinct in a theater and loved how amazing the Lotus looked.
My favourite Esprit has always been the white S1 in The Spy Who Loved Me! :)
Great review, great video... and you own my dream car. :)
Thanks for watching :)
Loved your review. Love the car.
Thanks a lot :)
I love the Esprit. Always have since I was 6!
Same here... my key moment was Roger Moore in his white Esprit S1... from this time on, owning an Esprit has been on my bucket list ;-)
Cube of Cars that was it for me too! My dream car. Would love a 1976 Esprit. Rare now in good condition! Here’s out tribute to Roger Moore and his Lotus in the Amiga game “Spy Who Loved Me”.
ruclips.net/video/VWoGITckyM0/видео.html
I have watched and liked your video! You and your son are a great and funny team.... good luck with your channel! :)
Cube of Cars thanks! Glad you liked it!
Great video, you made your points very clearly, and your use of movies and Top Gear episodes was excellent. Next time I come to Germany from Canada, I'll look you up, perhaps you can give me my first ride in one since I fell in love with the Esprit Model in 1977, when I was 10 years old?
Yeah.... good idea ;)
@@CubeofCars , see you soon, lol...
Such an elegant design
Cool vid of the Esprit! Loved it! Danke!
Thanks for the visit :)
The Esprit sounds like it has a VQ engine, another reason why I love this car so much!!!!!
Still one of my fav cars. Prefer the older lines but would love either.
I'd love to have an Esprit S1 in my garage.... but only additionally to my S4 not instead of ;-)
A beautiful sportscar and a great colour.
Thanks for watching my video and great that you like it :-)
nice video C.O.C. Been looking at Lotus cars, heard loys of good news about the handling. Very interested and planning on getting the S4 v8 sometime next year. Thanks again !
Thanks for watching my video! And good luck for finding a nice Esprit next year then!
That 4 sounds amazing.
Many cars that are deemed not reliable are nowhere near as bad as claimed if you are an owner who can maintain them and do preventative maintenance on known weak points. I've owned numerous cars that were considered trouble, often because they were cheap due to their reputation, but never had any problems beyond the minor things that happen on any car and never ever a breakdown. The weak points of most cars are well documented and either by keeping a close eye on them, or doing a slight modification, they become a none issue. Let's face it Clarkson with his lack of both mechanical knowledge and sympathy, could break an anvil. By the way a great video and a nice car.
I absolutely agree. For most "older" cars that had their technical weak spots, most likely the community and clubs have found good ways to repair and improve. But it's a different matter with some electronic issues of more modern cars. There are some cars which I would better run away from ;-)
Cool car. Thanks for the video from the U.S.A.!
Thanks for watching :)
Very nice review.
Thanks :-)
Nice. If you have or know of any one of your friends that has a 1990s model Lotus Esprit SE, I would be interested in seeing some video on that. The turbo model would be nice as well. I live in the United States, so the lotuses are a little more in price here. But that's no problem.
Really funny that it was the Toyota part that failed!...your videos are excellent - greetings from Sarasota FL
Thanks! Greetings from Bavaria :)
I like Lotus Esprit so much
I have the same model and love it. Also took me probably 10 years to discover the button
Thanks that was a very useful review since I want to buy a Esprit V8
Thanks for watching my video! And good luck to find a nice Esprit V8!
It's a very special car you have there... many of us as kids lusted after an Esprit and, of course, it is intrinsically linked to the uncompromised Colin Chapman, one of the greats of F1, who demanded lightness, great handling and performance. I would love one, but not as brave as you perhaps to pull the trigger and spend the money! I worry about reliability, but sure it gives amazing pleasure when it is working 😊
I really think that a well maintained Esprit is quite reliable, especially compared to other exotic sports cars. So maybe give it a chance as long as they are still affordable :)
Is the driver side window seal coming off?
Nothing more satisfying than watching Jeremy Clarkson eat his words. He comes off as a twat to me. Thanks for all of your Esprit videos. It is my all time favorite. Just so freakin' exotic.
Yeah! :)
Good review.
Thanks :)
Great info 👍
Thanks :)
A beautiful car and a great review.
Thanks :)
Great video with lots information and interesting snippets from films etc. You have a lovely car in very good condition. Btw scenery looks really nice, what is the region/area?
Thanks! It's Bavaria in Germany, close to the Alps :)
Idk why a video for this was necessary...The James’ Lotus proved it was the best of the 3 cars in that special and clarkson was just breaking balls.
Nice! Black is definitely the best interior color, looks less dated. I'd love to get one in red, or azure blue. You should check out, Toyota's MR cars and compare them. They are not on the same level, but it would be interesting to hear your opinion as a Lotus owner. I had a Mk1 it was fun and very well put together.
Good idea :)
AHH I would love a mk 1 MR2. Sadly my legs are too long. I did have a MK2 which I loved but sadly the rust got to it
Great video! :)
Thanks :)
Still love my esprit. I drove porsche, ferrari and and many others but this (last) real LOTUS is the best!
lovely car and good post sir
Thanks :)
LOTUS ESPRIT ,PORSCHE 911, FERRARI TESTAROSSA, Icons of Cardesign = Artworks
Opinions can definitely change over the years. Jeremy and Richard used to praise that car in a heartbeat. Now they looked down on Lotus as they look suck back then and now. But James May pushed that Esprit to it's absolute limit and I think I'm starting to fell in love with this car. Sure it's not Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, McLaren or what fuckin ever. If you can't afford buying those, then buy an Esprit. But be ready for issues with the car. Or you can engine swap and even improve the car to make it as a legit supercar
You're missing the Lotus Esprit's biggest hero car role: 1991's "If Looks Could Kill" with Richard Grieco!
Oh yes.... how could I forget that one!!! :)
There is one design element I never loved is the fact the front bumper is lower than the rest of the floor. So it looks like it sits way to high.
Besides this fact I find it a beautiful car in every respect
Very good.
My dream car
The lotus S4 is a beautiful car, but 1 thing will instantly make it better looking!..... Remove the high-wing , and install some rear window Louvers to complement the rear body line..
Innentürgriffe, Spiegelverstellknopf und Fensterheberschalter sind auch von nem alten Opel - Calibra ;)
Schönes Auto. Ich hoffe ich kann in den nächsten Jahren auch einen S4 mein eigen nennen.
Interessant! Das wußte ich noch nicht! :)
What are the toyota motors for the headlights. I think I would like to upgrade the ones on my 87 esprit turbo
Here are some details about the headlight motors:
ruclips.net/video/sVRJV7j9bmI/видео.html
How many survive?
this started out so awkward....didn't know what to think. BUT..very good review and info.
I am glad that you continued watching. Thanks ;-)
Never act as if entertainment was serious. Not for one second, no matter what. :)
better view out the rear than my Mini Cooper Coupe S.
Lovery car, nice review.
Thanks for watching my video :-)
Most beautiful car.
I once past an Esprit police car in the early 90s while driving to Great Yarmouth.
Yes, that was a famous Esprit. And there was another one in US police service as well :-)
I owned a silver 1989 Esprit Turbo SE, blue leather, red stitching for 22 years. Sold it 2021.
Cool. Why did you sell it? And what's the replacement?
I believe you have just convinced me to buy one over a Porsche 928 Gt. Thank you.
Haha... but the Porsche 928 GT is also a really great car. I had a 928 S years ago and still regret selling...
The car has two tanks, not one. They are connected through a fuel hose below and a vent hose above below the back window. The tanks can rust easilly but in the USA you can get hand made Aluminum tanks which will last forever. The right tank is easy to replace but for the left tank you have to remove the whole motor, so protect your tanks before they start leaking and it starts smelling badly in your Lotus!
I have already heard of this problem. My Lotus lives a very "dry" life, so I hope I can avoid this issue...
gratuliere - eines der schönsten autos überhaupt.
Danke :)
Seriously, this is a very good looking car. I hope the car makers today would reboot this style.
Yeah, I agree.... and I miss the pop-up lights in modern super cars!
Hydac ball. For the bad. Used on teves abs. In many cars
Hey Cube. Do you still own the Esprit? My red S4 is identical to yours. And great video btw. The Esprit is a must for any exotic car enthusiast. Ownership can be expensive, but it is the darling of my stable.
Hi Kevin! Yes, still have the Esprit and enjoy it :)
got an Elise, she never let me down...always goes, even if broken...
This car Lancia Beta Montecarlo and DeLorean have the same body style, Esprit from the 80s such a timeless design. Hopefully one day i could afford some of those 3, Ferrari are too much expensive.
If I couldn't have the Esprit, I would choose the Beta Montecarlo. I always liked this car and they are still good value for money...
Perfection
So, your Esprit has had fewer problems than my 2013 Fiat 500 Pop. That doesn't seem fair! BTW, I rode along on what we Americans call autocross in a V8 Esprit. Quite spectacular.
How did the Esprit V8 perform in autocross?
@@CubeofCars Much better than the guy who was driving it. Turned in really well and had huuuuuggge power coming out of the turns; unfortunately, the driver kept going off course--which is actually very common in autocross, but if you're lost you really can't push the car to the max.
It is the car of my dreams I have been persuading 23. I do not know if I will get it one day, I hope very soon that it would be time that I am already 46 years old.
Pursue your dream and make it real one day :)
@@CubeofCars Thank you
It's a seriously beautiful car, shame its shot up in price recently
You have to see it positive.... still so much cheaper than a same age Ferrari... plus so much cheaper to maintain :)
Why did you leave out "If Looks Could Kill" starring Richard Grieco? The Esprit gets a lot of attention in that movie.
Wow, you are right. I have just googled it. There will surely be a chance to put some sequences in one of my next Esprit videos ;)
Fucking love esprits ! Class !'
Sind SIe Deutsch? I love these cars! I have a Porsche 951 (1986) and although I love it I would also love to have an Esprit. So many cars so little money, lol.
Better not wait to long with an Esprit. It seems that they go up in value recently... :)
The sad thing that the Esprit share with the Delorean DMC12 is the fact that it's extremely easy to convert in BEV in fact several Esprit owners did it. While there's nothing wrong doing the EV swap using a Delorean, since the weak 130 hp engine, it's horrible to do that with any kind of Esprit, from the S1 to the S4. Elon Musk wanted to make an engine swap fitting a Tesla powertrain, with the S1 Submarine that he bought some years ago since he's a big fan of that car.
Yeah.... as a classic car guy I am really against any electric conversion of any classic car and even more, if it's an Esprit!
Das war übrigens einer der besten Folgen neben der mit dem Ariel Atom, die ich je gesehen habe!
Sehe ich auch so... und ich liebe die Folge mit den Budget Supercars (Merak, Dino, Urraco)...
It would look great if you left the engine cover off. Can you leave it off?
Theoretically yes. But this cover also seperates the luggage from the engine heat ;)
What makes you think the 4cylinder is more reliable than the V8?
Unfortunately many V8 suffer from engine problems. Detials are explained here:
www.lotusespritworld.com/EGuides/ETechnical/V8_Liner_Problems.html
Use to be a big top gear fan, but realizing i would never drive one of those cars i stoped watching it
Lotuses were true parts bin cars. But once you worked out the sloppy build quality, they could be quite reliable. I had a 1970 Europa for quite a few years and when I sold it around 2006, it still had the original and working Oldsmobile power window motors. Yep, it came with power windows. Also, it was not a kit car like some people say. It was factory built and exported to the US. In parts of Europe, you could buy a Lotus in component form to escape taxes. The Renault gearbox in my car was very reliable. The bad part was the Lotus designed linkage and the fact that it was only a 4-speed box.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! I think Lotus cars are often more reliable than people think they are.
The most beautiful car ever built.
Jag e type and Lamborghini miura + a number of Ferraris might have something to say about that.
Curious, how tall are you?
5 ft 8. Anything above 6 ft might be a challenge in an Esprit.
So Ferrari did not want their vehicle featured in "Pretty Woman" because they did not want to be "Associated with prostitutes," however, five years later in 1995, they featured their model F355 GTS in the James Bond movie "Goldeneye" driven by Famke Janssen who played "Xenia Onatopp" a psychopath who would kill victims by crushing them with her legs during intercourse. What's up with that Ferrari? Oh BTW, that's a cool Lotus Esprit Turbo you got there.
Hi David, that's really an interesting detail. Looking at the production figures of the Esprit, Lotus had the highest Esprit sales during the time of the Esprit Turbo SE from 1989 to 1993.... exactly same time as the "Pretty Woman" movie.... So maybe Ferrari analysed Lotus sales, put two and two together and threw all concerns overboard ;-)
Always lusted after a Sports 350. At 1.95m I can't fit into them sadly...
That's true unfortunately. A friend of mine also failed to fit in my Esprit, even on the passenger seat. It would be interesting to make a poll here on youtube to find the tallest Esprit owner who still fits in his Esprit..... please everyone comment here and and enter your size!!!! I am an easy fit with 1.74m, so there must be taller Esprit drivers out there :)
Danke für das schöne Video! (y)
Ich kann das mit viel Elan aber auch ;) (Insidergag)
Dann viel Spass mit deinem Elan ;)