The company Encor has been showcasing its Lotus Esprit restomod for several months. We haven't driven one, so we can't comment first-hand, but the images and available specifications make this project particularly tantalizing.The Encor Series 1 restomod is based on the original Esprit but features the Lotus Type 918 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the 1996-2004 model. Now, we're getting a chance to hear how the 400-horsepower powerplant sounds thanks to a new social media post. The powerplant is making all the right noises, with a burbly rumble at idle that retains a growl at low revs. What Makes The Encor Series 1 Special? The Series 1 Lotus Esprit went into production in 1976, with a mid-mounted 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 160 hp in Europe and 140 hp in the United States. Going forward, the company evolved the model with more powerful, turbocharged powerplants, culminating with the 350-hp V8 model available from 1996 to 2004.Encor Series 1 mixes and matches elements from Esprit's decades of history, while also adding some modern touches. The exterior design is largely similar to the original Lotus model. The distinctive wedge shape remains the most eye-catching part of the styling, but the original pop-up headlights now reveal projector LED units.There are also bigger fender flares and a redesigned rear end with new LED lamps. The back window now lets you see the V8 powerplant. To save weight, all the body panels are carbon fiber. In all, the machine has a projected wet weight of 2,645 pounds.Encor DesignWhile the engine is based on the Lotus 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, Encor takes the opportunity to improve it. The rebuilt powerplants receive forged internals, new turbochargers, and upgraded fuel injectors. To handle the power, the five-speed manual gearbox has a stronger input shaft, a twin-plate clutch, and revised gear ratios.A limited-slip rear differential helps put the power down. There are also revisions to the cooling system and modernized electrical wiring. Encor claims its Series 1 restomod can get to 62 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds. The top speed should be nearly 175 miles per hour. What Else Makes It Cool? Encor DesignUnderneath the skin, Encor uses the backbone chassis from the Esprit V8 model. Part of the upgrade process is galvanizing the structure and adding additional reinforcement to increase rigidity. The suspension setup comes from the limited-run 1999 Esprit Sport 350 model, and there are also braking improvements. For a better feel, the steering only has hydraulic assistance.The interior blends a 1970s aesthetic with modern touches. Buyers can specify the seats and door panels in several plaid fabric patterns. The chairs look original but have more supportive foam. The driver grips a simple two-spoke steering wheel and looks at a rectangular digital instrument cluster. There's now a tablet on the center console. Carbon-fiber and billet metal trim add a sporty flair to the cabin.Encor DesignEncor is now taking orders for the Series 1 and only plans to build 50 of them. They're quite expensive, starting at £430,000 ($568,331) before customization, and buyers also need to supply a donor car.