The Lotus Esprit Turbo is an icon of automotive history. It was produced from 1980 to 1987 and belongs to the second generation of the Esprit. The car represents the pinnacle of innovation and technology in the 1980s. Designed by renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Esprit Turbo stands out with its tapered lines and sharp edges that make it instantly recognizable. Equipped with a 2.2-liter turbo engine, it offered a power of up to 215 horsepower and could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5.6 seconds. The Esprit Turbo was intended as the successor to the original Lotus Esprit and brought significant improvements in terms of performance and driving dynamics. Overall, the Esprit Turbo has left its mark on the era with its remarkable design and technical specifications.
The scale model car presented here in a scale of 1/18 by AUTOart is a remarkably detailed replica of the Lotus Esprit Turbo. "Movie-Chris," a member of the Modelly community, owns this model and has shared outstanding photos on the collecting platform. The model is painted in a metallic red color, which stands out especially in combination with the golden "Turbo Esprit" lettering and black lines. The badges and details, both outside and inside, reflect the originality of the vehicle. The interior is beige and features a realistic reproduction of the dashboard and seats. The eye-catching elements are the carefully replicated wheels and the Goodyear tires that emphasize the sporty character of the model. The materials and precision with which the details have been replicated are a testament to the high quality that AUTOart demonstrates with its models.
What makes the Lotus Esprit Turbo even more remarkable is its prominent role in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only (1981). In this gripping spy thriller, the iconic secret agent James Bond, played by Roger Moore, drives the Esprit Turbo in several exciting scenes. Particularly impressive is the chase in the snowy Alps, where the car is used with its unique ski racks and weapon modifications. The character of James Bond, portrayed by Roger Moore, symbolizes class and sophistication, and the Esprit Turbo complements this style perfectly. This not only makes the Esprit Turbo a technological and design masterpiece but also a cultural icon.
The introduction of the Lotus Esprit Turbo in 1980 falls into an interesting era. In that year, Ronald Reagan was elected as the President of the United States, and the legendary album "Back in Black" by AC/DC was released. Such events not only provide an understanding of the age of the vehicle but also of the era in which it was built. The world of technology also made great strides, such as the introduction of the first IBM PC in 1981. The Lotus Esprit Turbo fits perfectly into a time of innovations and progress. These historical contexts offer a fascinating background for the vehicle that continues to captivate collectors to this day.