In England, a group of seasoned automotive professionals—each with over 30 years of experience in the luxury car industry—has come together under the name Encor. This team includes former figures from Pagani, Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Lotus, with backgrounds in projects such as the Lotus Emira, the Q by Aston Martin customization program, and Lotus Advanced Performance.
Even though it’s still a fledgling brand, the industry veteran-backed Encor has announced its first project: Reviving the iconic 1970s Lotus Esprit S1 with modern technology and craftsmanship.
The Encor Series 1 is built atop a stock Lotus Esprit V8, retaining its iconic “backbone” chassis in homage to Colin Chapman’s original design. While the engine has been completely rebuilt and modernized, the rest of the car is completely reimagined for the present day.
The original fiberglass body is now a lighter, stiffer carbon fiber shell. The aerodynamics have been entirely optimized using advanced CAD design. Even the classic pop-up headlights have been reinterpreted as sleek, low-profile LED projectors.
Inside, the signature wraparound cockpit is elevated with premium materials like leather, Alcantara, and machined aluminum. Modern technology is seamlessly integrated, including Apple CarPlay, 360-degree cameras, and digital climate control.
For now, the company has only released two teaser images of the Series 1—and they don’t show much. The good news is that the official debut isn’t far off, scheduled for November 2025. Production will be limited to just 50 units. Pricing will start at around $575,000 (£430,000 in the UK).
Stay tuned for the full reveal.
