By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

So how do you guys feel about this? Good, bad, indifferent? From the auction:

The rumors are true! Someone did put a modified Buick Regal GNX motor in a Lotus Esprit and here it is! If you know anything about the 1987 Buick Regal GNX, then you just begin to understand what kind of power and reliability this exotic car has.

Start with a stock 3460 lb. 1987 Buick GNX with an automatic transmission running 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and the ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds (verified at howstuffworks.com) and delete everything but the motor. Then add many performance upgrades, a 5 speed upgraded manual transmission, and put it in a 2500 lb. exotic car (documented curb weight with the GNX motor). When you mash the accelerator, you either spill out uncontrollable expletives or think of the movie “Gladiator” just after Russell Crowe commands, “UNLEASH HELL”.

This is a low-mid 11-second ¼-mile rocket only limited by your level of fear and driving skill. Also thrilling is getting waves of admiration and thumbs up from other drivers. In addition to mind-blowing power and looks, another benefit of this car and its very light weight is the fuel-injected motor exceeds an average of 24 MPG when driven with respect. For the truly insane, only $1200 in modern performance Buick parts would add another 110 HP…

This car is a one of a kind work of art that absolutely embarrasses other Turbo Esprits from the period and costs substantially less to maintain. Everything works, right down to the clock, and not one component appears aged. Masterfully redone in 1987 and every detail both cosmetic and mechanical addressed, this vehicle is in exceptional condition.

The prior (original) owner spent over $75K in upgrades, with me adding more than $9K of my own. Professionally built and tuned by Buick racing legend Ken Duttweiler, the motor is stout to say the least. I have tons of receipts, the car’s registration was just renewed, and it is smogged and ready to go.

Read more and see all the pics at eBay.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Man, this week’s eBay Motors Showdown was a blowout. The Triumph only got three or four votes. I’d probably take the TR6, too, but I’m a sucker for British Racing Green and love old British roadsters. But this Giugiaro-designed Lotus is definitely timeless.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Have $15K burning a hole in your pocket and want something British? Well how about these rides? This 1976 Triumph TR-6 has been redone and looks amazing in British Racing Green. This 1986 Lotus Esprit looks to be a solid, original car with a recent turbo rebuild. And these two examples represent the last year of production for the TR-6 and the pure Giugiaro-styled Esprit. So, which would you choose?

By Ben Schaffer

The Real JDM

I love how hardcore this car is. Esprit always has made some hardcore race cars and crazy parts. Although Esprit is known for some crazy NSXs and GT-Rs, I really like just how raw this 350Z is. Notice the dry carbon doors, the dry carbon wing, and the dry carbon intercooler duct, three of Esprit’s many parts they built for this car. Pure function.

Spy photographers have spotted a test mule for the upcoming Lotus 2+2, dubbed Project Eagle. The body of a Lotus Esprit covers the new mid-engine coupe while engineers continue its development. Lotus officials recently confirmed the existence of such a project.

Little is known about Project Eagle at this point, but it is believed that the car will be powered by a Toyota-sourced 3.0L V6 producing around 300 horsepower. Power is expected to be put to the rear wheels via a paddle shift gearbox. Our sources indicate that the car should arrive in Lotus showrooms sometime in 2009, with a convertible version following soon after. More photos at Left Lane News.