Lotus Esprit II (Type 82) photos

The second generation Lotus Esprit Series 2 (S2, Type 79 and Type 82) entered production in 1978 to address the cooling, ergonomic, and refinement shortcomings of its predecessor. Visually, Giorgetto Giugiaro oversaw subtle exterior updates including an integrated front spoiler, cooling duct air intakes positioned directly behind the rear quarter windows, bespoke Speedline alloy wheels, and revised rear light clusters sourced from the Rover SD1. Inside the cabin, the dashboard layout was completely redesigned with Smiths instrumentation, wider and more supportive seats, and upgraded ventilation switches. Mechanically, the car retained the central steel backbone chassis and five-speed Citroën manual transaxle. While early S2 models used the 2.0-liter Type 907 engine producing 160 hp, Lotus introduced the upgraded Esprit S2.2 in May 1980, powered by the enlarged 2.2-liter Type 912 engine. Although peak output remained at 160 hp, torque increased significantly to 160 lb-ft (217 Nm) across a broader rev range, delivering vastly improved mid-range acceleration and drivability. The S2.2 also introduced a fully galvanized chassis to eliminate rust issues. Production of the S2 generation ended in 1981, having successfully reinforced the Esprit's reputation in Europe, North America, and Japan.