Lotus Esprit III (Type 85) gallery (1981–1987)

The third generation Lotus Esprit Series 3 (Type 85) and the Turbo Esprit (Type 82) were launched in April 1981, consolidating developments engineered for the limited-edition 1980 Essex Turbo Esprit. The generation introduced a completely redesigned, substantially stiffer steel backbone chassis with overhauled suspension geometry, incorporating Opel Ascona-derived front uprights and new rear trailing arms, while rear brakes were relocated outboard to the wheel hubs for easier maintenance and better heat dissipation. Visually, the Giugiaro-designed fiberglass composite body received larger bumpers, wider aerodynamic sill extensions, and, on Turbo models, deep front air dams, louvered engine covers, and underbody NACA ducts. Powertrains included the naturally aspirated 2.2-liter Lotus Type 912 engine producing 160 hp and the turbocharged Type 910 inline-four with a Garrett T3 turbocharger producing 210 hp and 200 lb-ft (271 Nm) of torque, paired with a five-speed Citroën C35 manual gearbox. In 1986, Lotus released the HC (High Compression) variants with higher compression ratios boosting the turbo engine to 215 hp, alongside a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system (HCI) tailored specifically for the North American and Japanese emissions regulations. Production ran through autumn 1987.