It would be easy to gloss over all the interesting racing equipment if one were just casually reading the Monroney window sticker. However, the more detailed list outlined by Oliver Winterbottom, Lotus designer working on the project, is more thorough (though not complete) on what makes the X180R special compared to other Esprit models.
The following is from a draft equipment specification for the “World Challenge Race Car Replica” outlined by Lotus Cars designer Oliver C. Winterbottom on October 9, 1990:
Body
Monaco White paint
deep-skirt front air dam
front-wheel air deflectors
optimized competition rear wing
reduced ride height
road type full-roll cage
matte black exterior mirrors
opening composite roof panel
World Challenge decals
parts vendor identification kit
Front brakes and suspension for the X180R were developed well beyond a standard Esprit.
Chassis
fully adjustable competition suspension
225/45-ZR 16 Goodyear Eagle front tires
225/50-ZR 16 Goodyear Eagle rear tires
Revolution 3-piece racing wheels
AP racing 4-piston brake calipers
competition brake discs with cooling ducts
revised steering geometry
high-rate suspension springs
Monroe shock absorbers with competition valves
Brembo disc parking brake
tire inflator can (instead of spare tire)
Powertrain
increased capacity engine chargecooler
hand-finished cylinder head
competition oil pan with anti-surge baffles
limited-slip final drive differential
competition transmission casing
special gear-selector forks
Interior
black doeskin upholstery
perforated hide on wearing surfaces (graphite leather)
competition-type bucket seats
black anti-glare instrument panel
225 mph speedometer
4" tachometer
optimized foot pedal locations
‘Trackgrip’ brake pedal location
competition-developed left foot rest
aluminum heel rest plate
door-mounted grab handles
lightweight grey carpet
reduced sound deadening package
cabin and windshield heater
optimized interior package deleting clock; ash trays; map pocket and air conditioning
“The vehicle specification is full street legal and all occupant safety and emission control parts are unchanged.” - O C Winterbottom
