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Lotus Esprit S2

1978 – 1982 — Great Britain

The Lotus Esprit, a sports car produced by Lotus Cars from 1976 to 2004 in Hethel, England, features a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. As one of Lotus' long-lived models alongside the Elise and Exige, the Esprit played a significant role in the evolution of sports car design. Designed by Italian industrial and automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Esprit was a pioneer in the use of near straight-lined, hard-edge creased, and wedge-shaped aesthetics, making it a standout in its time. The unique polygonal "folded paper" design set the Esprit apart from its contemporaries. One of the innovative aspects of the Esprit was its backbone chassis, which was later utilized in the DeLorean car, another iconic Giugiaro-designed sportscar known for its low body and sharp-creased lines. This adaptation showcases the versatility and engineering prowess of the Esprit's design, as it served as the foundation for another notable vehicle in automotive history. In summary, the Lotus Esprit is a groundbreaking sports car known for its unconventional design language, innovative chassis structure, and lasting impact on the automotive industry. Giugiaro's design influence and the Esprit's adaptability in inspiring future iconic vehicles like the DeLorean solidify its status as a timeless classic in the world of sports cars.