Esprit GT2, 1995

gt2

The Lotus Esprit GT2, Type 114, was a works-developed Lotus with a 400bhp version of the Sport 300 engine, with enhanced aerodynamics, giving 30% more downforce than the S300 road car. The Type 114 debuted at the BPR Karcher Global Endurance GT series four hour race at Donnington. Not since 1969 had Lotus run a works-entry car in a GT sports car category. The Esprit GT2 raced against Porsche 911s, McLarens, Honda NSXs, Ferrari F40s amongst many other GT supercars. The Lotus team Drivers were Alessandro Zanardi and Alex Portman. The Esprit GT2

Zanardi was able to drive around the outside of the other GT2 competitors at Donington. At the time Zanardi said he loved the Esprit's natural balance and ability to carry speed through a corner. He said "The GT2 is a fantastic racer, in wet or dry." The Esprit simply drove away from the other GT2 competitors, despite having up to 100bhp less than the cars in its class. However the Hewland G300 gearbox failed just 8 minutes from the finish ending the race for the team.

The 114 next underwent several changes. Aesthetically the production model had been refreshed by new head of design Julian Thompson, and relaunched as the S4 in 1993. These design alternations were incorporated as part of a wider package of aerodynamic improvements that included a carbon fibre splitter, diffuser and revised floor. Lotus also took the opportunity to include its new 3,506cc V8 engine which combined with twin Allied Signal intercooled turbochargers was able to produce 550bhp. These improvements allowed the Type 114 to compete in the prestigious GT1 category. The new car debuted for the 1996 GT Series at the Circuit Paul Ricard, however, its retirement with a fractured exhaust highlighted the fragility that would persist throughout the season.

LOTUS ESPRIT GT2 SPECIFICATION

ENGINE

  • Lotus 910S turbocharged and intercooled engine
  • Max power: 400bhp @ 7200rpm
  • Specific output: 184bhp per litre
  • Power to weight: 436bhp per tonne
  • Capacity: 2174cc, 4 cylinders in line Bore/stroke: 95/77mm
  • Valves: 4 per cylinder, dohc
  • Carburation: Electronic fuel injection
  • Fuel tank: 100 litres

GEARBOX

  • Hewland DG300 straight-cut 5-speed manual

SUSPENSION

  • Front: Double wishbones, Penske coil springs / dampers, anti-roll bar
  • Rear: Twin lateral links and trailing arms, Penske coil springs / dampers, anti-roll bar

CHASSIS

  • Steel backbone with intergral role cage

STEERING

  • Rack and pinion, unassisted

BRAKES

  • AP Racing discs and calipers
  • Front: 330mm ventilated discs, 6-pot calipers Rear: 330mm ventilated discs, 4-pot calipers

WHEELS

  • Oz Size: 9x18 (f) 11x18 (r) Made of magnesium

TYRES

  • Michelin Pilot SX slicks 24/64 -18 (front), 27/65 -18 (rear)

WEIGHT

  • 917kg

BODY

  • Fibre Glass / Epoxy shell with carbon fibre closing panels

DIMENSIONS

  • Length: 4300mm
  • Width: 1950mm
  • Height: 1100mm
  • Wheelbase: 2440mm

See also www.lotusespritturbo.com and http://www.lotusespritworld.com/ or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Esprit_GT1

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