But just watch yourself as it bites just when you're not paying attention. What do I mean by that? Well, unlike the Porsche Turbo that is pretty well idiot proof, Lotus doesn't equip the Esprit with placating driver aids such as yaw and traction control. Rather, it is designed for drivers who enjoy a few jalapeños in their salsa, an extra pepper or two in the chili pot if you know what I mean. It tracks without fault, charging into tight corners with confidence inspiring turn-in and glue like adhesion, but it also gives a little at the rear

There are no driver aids, such as traction control, to hold the performance of the Esprit back, but likewise they aren't there to save you if you pass the car's lofty limits. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

when pushed beyond its very high limits. But unlike the old Porsche Turbo, that would tease you with ultimate grip before snapping out and pointing in the other direction, the Lotus is wonderfully predictable all the way from "wow, this thing holds the road like nothing I've ever experienced," to "whew, that just slid out so sweetly I nearly @&$# myself... let's do it again." And it did, over and over again.

If you long for the simplicity of sports cars from the past, you'll love the Esprit's elegant and very functional interior. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Like its good manners on pavement, the Esprit is extremely civilized inside the cabin. You can see the handmade items here and there, the solid billet aluminum heating and ventilation knobs and machined aluminum gear shifter. The digital tire-pressure monitor gauge, what looks to be an aftermarket add-on, was fixed to the base of center stack. The audio system too was aftermarket, but who would want to complain about a top-tier Alpine CD player? All switchgear worked flawlessly, with better overall ergonomics than I expected. For the most part, except for a few plastic surfaces, the Esprit featured a beautifully detailed cabin. Rich leathers are everywhere, complimented by nice metal accents and just the right amount of exterior body color trim on the console. It isn't the most modern environment, but if you long for the simplicity of sports cars from the past, you'll love the Esprit's handcrafted upholstery stitching and beautifully finished carpets.