The Lotus Esprit Turbo, introduced in the late 1970s, remains one of the most iconic sports cars ever built. As part of its performance-focused design, the Esprit featured a dry sump lubrication system, a technology that sets it apart from many of its contemporaries. This system was introduced to enhance engine reliability and performance, especially under high-performance driving conditions.

A dry sump lubrication system is a type of oil management system used in high-performance engines. Unlike a traditional wet sump system, where the oil is stored in a pan at the bottom of the engine, a dry sump system uses an external oil reservoir. This setup allows the engine to maintain a constant oil supply under high G-force conditions, preventing oil starvation during sharp turns or high-speed cornering, a common issue in motorsport and high-performance cars.

In the Lotus Esprit Turbo, this system was integrated with its 2.2-liter turbocharged engine, providing improved oil circulation and better cooling. The dry sump system allowed the engine to perform at higher RPMs and sustain longer periods of acceleration without losing lubrication efficiency. Additionally, the dry sump system lowered the car’s center of gravity by removing the oil sump from under the engine, contributing to better handling and stability.

The integration of the dry sump system contributed to the Esprit Turbo’s reputation as a precision-engineered sports car. With a turbocharged engine producing around 210 horsepower, the car could reach speeds of up to 150 mph. The dry sump setup ensured that the engine maintained peak performance even under extreme conditions. This was especially important for drivers who wanted a car that could perform well on both the track and the road.

Moreover, the low-slung profile, lightweight construction, and improved oil management made the Lotus Esprit Turbo an agile and responsive car on tight, twisty roads or race tracks. The dry sump system was a key component in ensuring that the engine’s performance was consistently high, making the car a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

The Lotus Esprit Turbo is remembered for its striking design, its groundbreaking technology, and its association with James Bond in *For your eyes only*. The dry sump lubrication system was a critical part of its engineering, providing the car with an edge in both performance and reliability. Although the Esprit Turbo was eventually discontinued, its innovative use of a dry sump system left a lasting influence on future high-performance cars.