The Lotus Esprit Turbo SE, introduced in the late 1980s, represents a refined and more powerful version of the iconic Lotus Esprit Turbo. Building on the success of the earlier models, the Esprit Turbo SE offered enhanced performance, better comfort, and sharper handling, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved British sports cars of its era.

At the heart of the Esprit Turbo SE was a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, now producing 264 horsepower, a notable increase over the earlier 215-horsepower Esprit Turbo. This boost in power came courtesy of improved engine management and more efficient turbocharging, allowing the car to reach 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds, and a top speed approaching 160 mph. The power-to-weight ratio was incredibly favorable, making the Esprit Turbo SE an exhilarating car to drive, with rapid acceleration and the ability to maintain high speeds with ease.

The SE model was also equipped with a refined version of the dry sump lubrication system, which helped ensure consistent oil flow and cooling even during high-performance driving. This system was crucial for maintaining engine reliability during long, high-speed runs or sharp cornering, making it an ideal car for both road and track use.

The Lotus Esprit Turbo SE was not just about raw power but also about handling. Lotus’s reputation for producing cars with exceptional handling was evident in the SE model, which featured a revised suspension setup. The car’s handling was enhanced by a more rigid chassis and the use of lightweight materials throughout its construction, ensuring superior agility and cornering ability. The Esprit Turbo SE could tackle tight, twisting roads with precision, offering a driving experience that was both rewarding and dynamic.

The car was also fitted with power-assisted steering, improving maneuverability without compromising the road feel that was essential to its driving character. The braking system was upgraded as well, with larger discs and more advanced calipers, ensuring excellent stopping power to match the increased performance.

While the Esprit’s exterior design remained iconic, the Turbo SE featured a few updates that refined its look. The bodywork was still dominated by sharp, angular lines, creating a striking appearance that reflected the car’s high-performance nature. Inside, the Esprit Turbo SE offered a more refined cabin, with improved comfort features such as better-quality leather upholstery, air conditioning, and more advanced infotainment options for the era.

The Lotus Esprit Turbo SE is remembered as one of the best iterations of the Esprit line, blending performance, handling, and style. It was a car designed for driving enthusiasts who appreciated a true driver’s car — one that was equally at home on winding country roads as it was on a race track. The Esprit Turbo SE’s impact on the sports car world continued long after production ended, influencing the design and performance philosophy of future Lotus models.

Although the Esprit was eventually discontinued, its legacy as a symbol of British engineering excellence lives on, with the Turbo SE standing as one of the highlights in the history of the Lotus brand.