Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180
The ultimate four-cylinder Esprit, a raw homologation special for the road.
- Power
- 302 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 4.7 s
- Top speed
- 168 mph
- Est. value
- $75k–$125k
About the Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180
The Sport 300 was developed as a road-going homologation special based on the X180R race car that competed in the American SCCA series. It represents the pinnacle of the four-cylinder Esprit lineage, featuring a significantly lightened composite body, a stiffened chassis with an engine bay cross-brace, and a stripped-out interior. The 2.2-litre 910S engine was tuned with a larger Garrett T4 turbocharger and hand-polished intake ports to deliver over 300 hp. Visually distinguished by its flared wheel arches and massive adjustable rear wing, it is widely regarded by enthusiasts as the best-handling and most focused driver's car in the Esprit's 28-year history.
Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180 specs
The Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180 produces 302 bhp (225 kW) and 389 Nm (287 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).
| Make | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Model | Esprit Sport 300 |
| Generation | X180 |
| Trim | 2.2 Turbo |
| Years | 1992–1995 |
| Type | Supercar |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 64 built |
| Engine | 2.2-litre turbocharged inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,174 cc (2.2 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 302 bhp (225 kW) at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 389 Nm (287 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,400 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 4.7 s |
| Top speed | 168 mph (270 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,243 kg (2,740 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 243 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180 worth?
A typical Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180 is estimated to be worth $75,000 – $125,000 (about £56,000 – £93,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180 rarity in CarSpot
The Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Lotus Esprit Sport 300 X180 fun facts
- Though Lotus originally planned to build just 50 units, high demand eventually led to a total production run of 64 cars.
- The Sport 300 was the first road-going Esprit to feature the 'Chargecooler' air-to-water intercooler system as standard to manage its high boost levels.
- It was famously launched in 'Camel Racing Yellow', a tribute to the Lotus Formula 1 cars sponsored by the tobacco brand during that era.
