1988 Lotus Esprit Custom Spyder Interior1988 Lotus Esprit Cusom Spyder Motor Com
OwnerDale Robinson
LocationGuilford, Connecticut US map
Email email image
Vehicle1988 Lotus Custom Esprit
I have been building this car for 10 years. It is the above base chassis with a glass, carbon fiber and aluminum body. I designed the body myself using a Porsche 550 Spyder as inspiration. I have a 1981 Lotus Esprit 5 speed transmission (also used by Citroen/Maserati). I have waited for battery technology to catch up to my design. I feel Lithium Ion battery pack is coming soon, so I can now complete the drivetrain. This is potentially an electric supercar. I have raced SCCA, and plan to maximize this car's potential on a road race track. Not a dragster, not a road car (well, maybe a little). I want max amps and 50 mile range WOT. As pictured, the car weighs 900 lbs. Custom Forgeline Aluminum wheels; air cooling for motor; all DOT electric in place. I have two different rear deck configs--one open, one closed. When I bring the car out in public, it doesn't just turn heads--it causes accidents!
DrivetrainI hope to gather ideas from this listing. I hope to attract a battery manufacturer like A123 or others, to use this car as a mule. I am qualified to complete the installation and race the car.
Although my wife wishes I would paint the house instead.
Batteries0.00 Volt, Lithium-Ion
System Voltage144 Volts
Chargerunknown
InstrumentationMany. All from kit aircraft
Top Speed125 MPH (201 KPH)
Anticipated
Acceleration5 secs 0-60
Range50 Miles (80 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight900 Pounds (409 Kilograms)
minus drivetrain
TiresToyo Proxes T1 Plus
265/40/40 ZR 17 REAR
235/45/ZR 17 FRONT
Additional FeaturesI ran this car with an IC Corvair turbo engine to sort out the chassis, and because I couldn't see adding 800 pounds of lead acid to the design. I track tested the car at a track in Northeast CT--she was scary fast but handled like a big roller skate. There is no chassis flex, no roll, no pitch; the Lotus Esprit is one of the best handling supercars. BTW, the windshield is a DOT legal tinted cut down section of a 1957 Chevy!
The headlights are 90s Mercedes sedan. If I
use the Lotus/Citroen/Maserati 5 speed with a
DC motor, I will have the benefit of the inboard disc brakes back there. If not, the
motor will have to assume some braking--the
front discs will have to run from a vacuum.
I would love to hear from anyone with suggestions or comments.

My budget is about $15,000, not including batteries, which I hope to get through sponsorship. Or, which will be affordable in 3 years.

MY MAJOR CONCERN is that I created a carbon fiber tub, bolted and bonded to the Lotus spine chassis. CARBON FIBER CONDUCTS ELECTRICITY. :(

code by jerry