2004 Lotus Esprit V8 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Lotus Esprit V8?
A final run of 100 2004 Lotus Esprit V8s closes production of this venerable English sports car. All 2004 Esprit V8s will have stainless steel mesh grilles in the front spoiler and the engine cover, a bead-blasted satin finish on the restyled rear valence, etched-finish Esprit decals in the rear quarter windows, and a stainless steel plaque applied to the engine intake plenum containing the signature of the Esprit’s engine builder. Inside, the seat leather has a new stitched pattern, the passenger airbag cover is embossed with the Lotus roundel, brushed aluminum knobs operate the climate control, and there’s a brushed aluminum gear shifter topped with the Lotus badge. Under the bodywork, the Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks are retuned for more sporting handling, and a tire pressure monitoring system is added.

Advantages of the 2004 Lotus Esprit V8:

• Exclusivity
• Low price for an exotic car

Objections to the 2004 Lotus Esprit V8:

• Can’t match performance of most contemporary exotics
• Aged steel frame and fiberglass construction
• Plummeting resale values

Editor's Advice:
Since its debut in 1976 – yes, you read that correctly – the venerable Lotus Esprit has essentially been redesigned during its 29-year run. The British automaker claims that every part of the Esprit has been modified or replaced over the years, making the final 100 2004 Lotus Esprit V8s completely different vehicles from the first ’76 Esprit S1 equipped with a 160hp four-cylinder engine. Today, the Lotus Esprit has a blown aluminum V8 engine that makes 350 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque; plenty of power to move its 3,000-pound bulk. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 4.5 seconds. Equipped with a steel frame and a fiberglass body, the mid-engined Lotus Esprit V8 is not a technologically advanced car, but then a price tag under $100,000 undercuts most of its competition. Advanced design upon its debut and still a hot looking ride today, we’d recommend a used Lotus Esprit V8 since resale values plummet quickly. That is, of course, unless you must own one of the final examples of one of the most widely recognized yet exclusive sports cars on the market.