The Lotus Type 120 is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth and used between 1996 and 2004. Based on the Rover K‑Series block but heavily re-engineered by Cosworth, it features a DOHC 16‑valve head, low-inertia turbocharger, and air-to-air intercooler. In standard Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo applications it produced 150 kW (204 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, offering spirited performance with refined response.
Fitted exclusively to the Lotus Esprit S4s and GT3 variants, the Type 120 was engineered for lightweight sports car dynamics with strong mid-range thrust and agile throttle response. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic fuel injection, closed-loop lambda control, and a three-way catalytic converter, enabling conformity with Euro 2 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is head gasket failure due to thermal stress in early-build units, highlighted in Lotus Engineering Service Bulletin SB‑96‑08. The issue stemmed from insufficient clamping force and coolant channel design in the original gasket specification. From mid-1998, Lotus introduced a multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket and revised torque sequence to resolve the problem.
All Type 120 engines (1996–2004) meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9612).
The Lotus Type 120 is a 1,796 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for mid-engine sports cars (1996–2004). It combines a Cosworth-developed DOHC cylinder head with a reinforced Rover K‑Series block and air-to-air intercooling to deliver responsive turbo performance and high-revving character. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it balances track-capable output with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.45 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 150 kW (204 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 5.2 multi-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T25 (low-inertia, air-to-air intercooled) | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (DOHC) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 semi-synthetic (ACEA A3/B3) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The turbocharged K‑Series delivers brisk mid-range pull ideal for spirited road use but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to protect turbo bearings and timing belt tensioners. Use of 95+ RON unleaded fuel is mandatory to prevent knock under boost. Early (pre-06/1998) engines are prone to head gasket failure under thermal cycling; post-1998 MLS gaskets per SB‑96‑08 should be retrofitted during rebuilds. The Bosch Motronic system demands intact lambda feedback for emissions compliance—faulty O2 sensors trigger limp mode. Belt replacement every 60,000 km or 5 years is critical due to interference design.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3 10W-40 semi-synthetic (Lotus Workshop Manual 1997). Full synthetic acceptable if viscosity maintained.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all Type 120 engines (1996–2004) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9612). No Euro 3 variants produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Figures reflect road-spec intercooler and catalytic converter (Lotus Engineering Report LER‑96‑05).
Lotus Engineering Reports: LER‑96‑05, SB‑96‑08
Lotus Workshop Manual (1997 Edition)
Cosworth Technical Dossier CD‑K1796
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9612)
The Lotus Type 120 was used exclusively in the Lotus Esprit S4s and GT3 models with mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive mounting and no licensing to third parties. This engine featured a Cosworth-developed DOHC head on a modified Rover K‑Series block—and from mid-1998 received the MLS head gasket upgrade, creating subtle interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the front face of the block near the timing cover (Lotus Workshop Manual 1997). Prefix '120' denotes Type 120 engines. The Cosworth-script alloy cam cover, Garrett T25 turbo, and air-to-air intercooler are visually distinctive. Critical differentiation from standard K‑Series: Type 120 uses DOHC, turbo plumbing, and unique Bosch ECU. Early (pre-06/1998) units have composite head gaskets; later engines use MLS. Interchange of head gaskets requires matching production date codes per SB‑96‑08.
The Type 120's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure in early-build engines, with elevated incidence in high-ambient-temperature or track use. Lotus internal service data from 1997 noted gasket-related repairs in ~12% of pre-1998 units before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA historic vehicle inspections cite timing belt neglect as a frequent cause of catastrophic engine damage. Extended boost operation without cooldown increases thermal stress, making gasket integrity and belt maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Lotus technical bulletins (1996–2000) and UK DVSA historic vehicle inspection data (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LOTUS TYPE-120.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EUR-Lex
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)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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