Lotus 1980-1989: Type 81 to Type 100

Appearing in the dramatic blue, red and silver colours of the Formula One team, a turbocharged version of the 2.2-litre 907 engine is fitted to the new aptly named Turbo Esprit, which prompted another Bond movie appearance. The unique but controversial twin-chassis concept would be the last innovative design in Formula One by Colin Chapman, before the automotive world is rocked by his sudden death from a heart attack at only 54 years of age. As the Chapman spirit lives on, Lotus introduce Carbon-fibre and active suspension to Formula One and are back in the winners circle and challenging or the title once again. As twenty years at the Hethel site site are marked by new owners General Motors, a re-designed Esprit and new Elan model bolster worldwide sales.

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