The Lotus Type 95 is a 1,993 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth and produced between 1987 and 1991. It features a 16‑valve DOHC aluminium cylinder head, dry‑sump lubrication, and a Garrett T3 turbocharger. In road trim it delivered 179–202 kW (243–275 PS), with torque figures between 290–320 Nm depending on boost calibration.
Fitted exclusively to the Lotus Esprit Turbo SE and later Esprit Sport 300 models, the Type 95 was engineered for high specific output and motorsport‑derived responsiveness. Emissions compliance was achieved through Bosch KE‑Jetronic fuel injection and catalytic converters, meeting Euro 1 standards in European markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the dry‑sump scavenge pump gears under sustained high‑RPM use, highlighted in Lotus Service Bulletin LTB‑89‑04. This issue stems from marginal oil aeration control in early pump castings. From 1990, Lotus introduced a revised scavenge assembly with hardened gears and improved oil return baffling.
Production years 1987–1989 meet no formal EU emissions standard; 1990–1991 models comply with Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/L951).
The Lotus Type 95 is a 1,993 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for mid‑engine sports cars (1987–1991). It combines a 16‑valve DOHC Cosworth‑developed head with dry‑sump lubrication and a Garrett T3 turbocharger to deliver high specific output and rapid throttle response. Designed before formal EU mandates, later builds incorporated catalytic converters to meet Euro 1 requirements in European markets.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,993 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.45 mm × 88.9 mm | |
| Power output | 179–202 kW (243–275 PS) | |
| Torque | 290–320 Nm @ 3,800–4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch KE‑Jetronic | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre‑1990); Euro 1 (1990–1991) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T3 (single) | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑50 synthetic (dry‑sump system) | |
| Dry weight | 162 kg |
The Type 95’s high-revving character and dry-sump system deliver race-bred response but demand strict maintenance. Timing belt replacement every 40,000 km or 3 years is critical to prevent interference damage. The Bosch KE-Jetronic system requires clean fuel and calibrated airflow plates; degraded warm-up regulators cause cold-start hesitation. Early dry-sump pumps are prone to gear wear—post-1990 units with hardened gears are strongly recommended for rebuilds. Use only high-octane unleaded (RON 98+) to avoid detonation under boost.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-50 full synthetic for dry-sump operation (Lotus Workshop Manual 1989). Mineral oils not recommended.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies only to 1990–1991 UK/EU export models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/L951). Earlier models have no formal emissions compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 202 kW output requires RON 98+ fuel and factory boost map (Lotus PT‑90).
Lotus Engineering Reports: ER‑95‑87, LWR‑95
Lotus Workshop Manual (1989 Edition)
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/L951)
The Lotus Type 95 was used exclusively in Lotus's Esprit platform with mid‑engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intercooler ducting in the SE and stiffer engine mounts in the Sport 300—and from 1990 the facelifted Esprit Sport 300 adopted a higher-flow exhaust and recalibrated boost map, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the oil pump housing (Lotus Workshop Manual 1989). The Type 95 is identifiable by its dry-sump oil tank mounted ahead of the engine and Garrett T3 turbo on the exhaust manifold. All units use Bosch KE-Jetronic with electronic enrichment. Critical differentiation from Type 910: Type 95 has smaller displacement (1,993 cc vs 2,174 cc), shorter stroke, and different turbo housing. Engine serial prefix '95' confirms variant.
The Type 95's primary reliability risk is dry-sump scavenge pump gear wear on pre-1990 units, with elevated incidence in track or high-RPM use. Lotus internal data from 1990 indicated over 25% of early Esprit SEs required pump replacement before 70,000 km, while UK DVSA records show frequent oil-pressure warnings during MOT inspections. Sustained high-load operation without upgraded scavenge components makes the hardened-gear upgrade critical.
Analysis derived from Lotus technical bulletins (1987–1991) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1992–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LOTUS 95.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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