2003 Lotus Esprit V8 SE Final Edition

THE MODEL

The 2003 Lotus Esprit Final Edition marks the end of a legendary 28-year production run for one of Britain’s most iconic sports cars. This final iteration of the Esprit is a culmination of decades of Lotus engineering evolution, featuring the most refined and powerful version ever produced.

Powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 350 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the Final Edition delivers raw analog performance through a 5-speed Renault-derived manual gearbox. With a sub-4.5 second 0–60 mph time and a top speed of over 175 mph, it's a purist’s machine — aggressive, involving, and unfiltered.

The chassis remains a bonded aluminum and fiberglass monocoque, staying true to Colin Chapman’s "simplify, then add lightness" philosophy. Combined with Lotus-tuned suspension, the Esprit offers razor-sharp steering and a communicative, mid-engine balance that rewards skilled drivers on the limit.

Final Edition models received exclusive badging, subtle interior refinements, and limited production numbers (fewer than 100 units, depending on source), making them highly desirable to collectors and true enthusiasts. This Esprit stands as a raw, analog counterpoint to the electronic aids of its era — the last of its breed before Lotus transitioned into a new generation.

For those who appreciate mechanical purity, heritage, and race-bred dynamics, the 2003 Esprit Final Edition is a landmark farewell — a visceral driver's car that remains deeply engaging and uncompromisingly authentic.

THIS CAR

This car has been in the owner's possession for the past 20+ years. It took our client over a year to find this 'Final Edition' model.  Eventually discovering this in it's original silver paint (which it still wears) with only 4000 miles, in Atlanta, GA.  

Our client had a Porsche Turbo at the time and knew this particular 3.5 twin-turbo would be well suited to various modifications to increase the performance and handling.  They took the next 10+ years to upgrade the car, including the engine and suspension, finalizing the desired look in an homage to the first Esprit they saw by wrapping it in a Cosmic Blue 3M wrap and ceramic coating ($10k in the wrap and ceramic coating alone).

EXTENSIVE MODIFICATIONS

P.U.K. ESPRIT RACING ENGINE COMPONENTS INCLUDE

• Stage 2 Turbos (http://www.freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit/)

• ALU Wastegate Capsules

• SS V8 High Flow Cats

• High End Primary Injectors

• Complete V8 Red Race Chip ECU

• ALU Radiator

OTHER COMPONENTS:

• AEM 30-3000 1 Gallon Water/Methanol Injection Kit

• ALU Fully Adjustable Suspension

• Custom SS Exhaust

• Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines

• Raid Steering Wheel

• BMW E39-style HID Headlights

 

The final result of the modifications gave a dyno reading of between 440-46O WHP.  Prior to our client's ownership, this car attended a Lotus event at Road Atlanta and the owner had Dan Gurney sign the firewall, along with a President of Lotus USA as well as former factory driver.

PENDING!

Email ingo@genauautowerks.com

or call 415.730.5352 for more information