The lowest production catalogue model, an S2.2 not only has a rarity value but also a historical one. It marks the introduction of the vastly improved 2.2-litre Lotus engine. Compared to the S1/S2, the biggest apparent gains should be at the wheel, where the extra flexibility makes the car a lot friendlier in urban and suburban conditions. There is also a significant gain in fuel consumption. Performance was better. More realistic Lotus claims indicate 0-60mph in around 7 seconds and an 80-100mph time in fifth gear that was effectively halved.

A distinct one-year-and-one-month production stopgap, the Lotus Esprit S2.2 brought some important changes to Esprit engineering; changes that have been kept in the nineties: 2.2-litre Lotus engines and chassis galvanization. Both these improvements were sold under the slogan 'When you arrive in a Lotus — you've arrived!' The launch cost during May 1980 was £14,951. The last recorded list price (in 1981) was £15,270. That was in line with the normal Lotus practice of pitching their Esprit wares in the price region of the classic Porsche 911.

Introduction as the 'Lotus 2.2-litre series' the larger engine was installed for the front-engine Eclat, and Elite, as well as the Esprit S2.2. Individually badged as 'Esprit 2.2', but dressed in pure S2 clothing — right down to the Dunlop-shod Speedlines — the interim Esprit carrried Lotus between the seventies' generation of Esprits and the new generation of Turbo and S3 models in the eighties.Inherent changes in transforming a 2.0-litre type 907 found in the S1/S2 into a 2.2-litre type 912 included:

If you seek the excitement of driving a true British Sports Car in the Colin Chapman tradition then the Lotus Esprit Series 2.2 is the car for you. Directly descended from a long thoroughbred line of successful Grand Prix winners, the Esprit provides the perfect blend of the designer's search for beauty and the engineer's desire for effeciency.

This mid-engined, two seater sports car have been styled by Giugiaro to provide the epitome of high performance luxury for you and your chosen companion.

As you lower yourself into the deep cushione seats of the cockpit you feel as though the car has been moulded especially for you. The comprehensive controls are all at your fingertips — the excitement of true high performance is yours to experience in luxurious comfort.

On the road you'll find the perfect balance of the Esprit is translateed into precision steering so light and positive that you feel as if you're thinking your way through corners, bends and curves rather than indulging in physical effort. And you do it all in Lotus two-level safety.The primary safety of surefooted performance and braking plus the secondary safety feature of the body and chassis design.

In town or on the open road, the Lotus Esprit Series 2.2 offers a rare motoring experience — that many will envy, few will ever acquire.