The Lotus Esprit S1 and S2. A 2 seater sports car, design by Giorgetto Giugiaro and based on a modifed Europa back bone chassis. The car had a Lotus 907 16 valve DOHC engine, producing 160 bhp. The car had sensational styling and excellent handling, however had an under powered engine. The S1 had various teething problems, including an over heating engine, so the Lotus Esprit was developed and improved with the introduction of the S2, from December 1977 to 1980. This car had improved engine ventilation, with the air intakes behind the rear windows, an integrated front spoiler, Speedline alloy wheels and Rover SD1 rear lights. The S2.2 from 1980 -1981 had a larger 2.2 litre engine (912 series twin cam) and a galvanised chassis.

Also sharing the designation was the famous and successful Type 79 Formula 1 single seater racing car. From the Type 78 testing to it's completion, 25% of the aero dynamic effect had been lost in the final design, so the Type 79 was Chapman 's attempt to perfect it. Improvements were made to the 2 ground effect side paniers, creating a hugh venturi as air entered the front and was forced out of the back, creating low pressure beneath.The aluminium monocoque was stiffened and the nose cone change. The car had the same Ford Cosworth DFV engine and Hewland gear box as the Type 78. The Lotus won 6 Formula 1 grand Prix races and Andretti won the Drivers Championship title and Lotus won the Constructors title for 1978.