Vehicle Class:
Mid-engine sports car.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent workshops specializing in Lotus vehicles.
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Ferrari 348/355, Chevrolet Corvette.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Lightweight construction, aerodynamic design, high-performance handling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners and technicians to perform all necessary repairs and maintenance, saving time and money.
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download upon payment.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, engine management (ECU).
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveshafts, differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering rack, power steering.
Braking Systems:
Brake hydraulics, calipers, discs, pads, ABS system.
Electrical Systems:
Complete wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, accessories, dashboard instrumentation, body electronics.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, structural integrity, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis lubrication.
HVAC Systems:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system service and repair.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire pressure, spark plug replacement.
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service, piston and rod replacement.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox rebuild, clutch replacement, synchronizer repair.
Brake Repair:
Brake pad and disc replacement, bleeding brake system, caliper overhaul.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing.
Suspension Alignment:
Suspension component replacement, wheel alignment procedures and specifications.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to complete overhauls and diagnostics.
Visual Aids:
Includes pictures and detailed wiring diagrams for clear understanding.
Engine Type:
Lotus Type 918 (V8), Lotus Type 912 (Turbocharged Inline-4)
Displacement:
3.5L (V8), 2.2L (Inline-4)
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated (V8), Turbocharged (Inline-4)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 300 hp (Inline-4) to 550 hp (V8 variants).
Torque Range:
Approx. 295 lb-ft (Inline-4) to 575 lb-ft (V8 variants).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline.
Transmission Type Inline4:
5-speed manual transaxle (e.g., Renault UN1 / Peugeot).
Transmission Type V8:
5-speed manual transaxle (e.g., ZF).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate or twin-plate clutch depending on model.
Length:
Approx. 4400 mm (173.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1830 mm (72.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1140 mm (44.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2400 mm (94.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300 - 1500 kg (2866 - 3307 lbs) depending on model and engine.
Crash Test Information:
Limited official crash test data available for this era of low-volume sports car. Emphasis on chassis design for occupant protection.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models during this period.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on later models, optional or absent on early S4 variants).
Roll Cage Design:
Integrated safety cell and reinforced A-pillars for enhanced rollover protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific engine type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For inline-4 models, typically every 3-5 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (specific interval in manual).
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific API and viscosity grades (e.g., 10W-50 or 15W-50 often recommended for performance engines).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific coolant type in manual.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil grades and quantities (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, aging rubber hoses and seals, electrical component reliability.
Fiberglass Body Care:
Gelcoat and fiberglass repair, potential for spider cracks, requires specialized care.
Founder:
Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman.
Core Philosophy:
Lightweight, efficiency, and superior handling (Simplify, then add lightness).
Predecessor:
Lotus Esprit X180.
Evolution S4:
Significant redesign of the X180 platform with updated styling, revised chassis, and more powerful engine options.
Evolution S4S Gt3 V8:
Introduction of the supercharged S4s, track-focused GT3, and the twin-turbo V8 engine marks significant performance upgrades.
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, England.
Production Overview:
The Esprit S4 V represents the later generation of the Esprit lineage, bridging the gap between the four-cylinder turbo models and the V8 era.