The text below is transcribed verbatim from the technical-specification pages of the Lotus Esprit X180R owner’s-handbook supplement, one copy of which was issued with each of the twenty homologation cars and carried a foreword individually signed by Lotus Chief Engineer Oliver Winterbottom. The factory’s original wording and British spelling — “Stabiliser,” “Tyre,” “galvanised,” “aerofoil,” “silencer” — have been preserved; only the debris introduced by optical character recognition of the scanned pages has been removed. Where the factory chose a term, it stands.
The standard galvanised steel chassis frame is modified to permit the following specifications.
Front Suspension
Revised lower link geometry to give zero dive or squat.
Strengthened top links with shortened inboard pivots to give increased caster, camber being adjustable via rotating lock washers.
Spring tower strengthened with spring frequency raised 40%.
Stabiliser (anti roll) bar tuned for neutral handling, running in solid bushes transmitting roll control via spherical rubber bushes in the modified track control arm.
Dampers (shock absorbers) have revised settings, new rubber mounts and steel retainers.
Steering rack, standard component on higher mounts connects to revised steering arms to control toe characteristics.
Ride height reduced.
Rear Suspension
Top links modified to permit camber adjustment.
Radius arm mounting bush stiffened 33%.
Spring frequency increased 12.5%.
Dampers with revised settings and new rubber and steel retainers.
Hub carriers remachined to accept revised brake specification.
Rear ride height lowered.
Chassis Frame
Additional mount on backbone for the roll cage.
Rear spring tower strengthened with roll cage mount.
Steering rack mounts raised.
Front spring tower strengthened.
Front suspension top link pivot tube length reduced.
02 Brakes
Braking system totally revised and actuated through a Delco Moraine anti-lock system.
Front Brakes
13 inch diameter curved vane ventilated front discs mounted on aluminum bells.
AP Racing 4 pot aluminum calipers with 36/38.1 mm diameter pistons.
Ferodo 3432 (asbestos free) high performance brake pads.
Rear Brakes
11 inch diameter curved vane ventilated rear outboard discs mounted on aluminum bells.
AP Racing 4 pot aluminum calipers with 31.75 mm diameter pistons.
Ferodo 3432 (asbestos free) high performance brake pads.
Brembo parking brake caliper, independently mounted is cable actuated by a modified handbrake lever. System is self adjusting.
Parking brake pads asbestos free.
Vehicle System
SRF high performance brake fluid.
Revised pedal with non slip finish.
03 Wheels & Tires
Front
16 x 8.5 Revolution 3 piece alloy wheel.
Goodyear Eagle 225/45-ZR-16 Tyre with unique internal construction.
Rear
16x 9.5 Revolution 3 piece alloy wheel with short clamping screws.
Goodyear Eagle 285/50-ZR-16 tyre with standard construction.
Spare
No spare fitted.
Optional “get you home” inflator/sealant can available.
04 Engine & Transmission
Engine
Blueprinted cylinder head
Matched ports to manifolds
Induction system silencer deleted
ACU condenser utilised as additional chargecooler (heater only vehicles)
Non intercooled specification exhaust silencer with left side outlet
Transmission
Renault 5 speed with strengthened casing
Limited slip differential
Gear clusters have increased hardening specification
Double pinned selector forks
Provision for oil pressure feed and cooler (optional extra)
Speedometer drive deleted, system electronic
Increased heatshielding on selector cable
05 Body
Standard SE body shell available with composite opening roof panel only.
Front air dam redesigned with rubber lower lip balancing lift front to rear
Air deflectors on leading edge of front wheel arch
Front fog lamps deleted to permit additional brake cooling
Rear aerofoil wing higher and mounted more rearward
Turbo type rear lower
Exterior mirrors satin black finish
06 Interior
Steel tubular Safety Devices roll cage with braced bulkhead structure and door sill bars
Black, reflection free ’Doeskin’ trim fabric
Reclining seats with competition type side supports
Perforated leather centre tunnel top with console and map pocket deleted
Passenger door grab handle
Simplified door trim with perforated leather inserts, ashtrays deleted
Anthracite grey lightweight carpet with all sound deadening deleted
Black low glare instrument panel with 100mm electronic speedometer and tachometer
Tachometer rotated for improved readability
Digital clock deleted
Fascia mounted audio speakers deleted
Revised non-slip pedals with aluminum heel rest and clutch foot rest