1980 – Lotus Esprit Turbo

This red Lotus Turbo Esprit represents the more powerful evolution of the original Esprit, preserving its unmistakable wedge-shaped design while enhancing its performance-oriented character.

Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars and the Formula 1 team, asked Giugiaro to develop an aerodynamic supercar for series production, based on a two-shell fiberglass body and conceived using technologies inspired by the aeronautical world.

The design adopted an extremely low wedge-shaped profile, with a dramatically inclined windscreen and a strong geometric character. The project also reflected ideas previously explored in the Maserati Boomerang, translating an experimental design language into a car intended for production in significant numbers.

The Esprit quickly became one of the most recognizable sports cars of its era, further entering popular culture through its appearance alongside James Bond in “The Spy Who Loved Me”.

The Turbo version brought greater performance and a more assertive character while preserving the essential purity of Giugiaro’s original design.