WHEELS
Larger wheels are essential for this project! both for wider
section to handle the increased power and for larger diameter to
much larger brakes for the additional stopping power require
The Project M71 Esprit will use split rim OZ Futura 5 spoke
wheels, which were an optional extra on the new V8 Esprit
Front:
8.5J width x 17 inch, 235/40 ZR 17 tyres
as wide as the standard Giugiaro Turbo rears!
Rear: 10J
Width x 18 inch, 285/35 ZR 18 tyres
can be fitted with 295/35 ZR 18
The aesthetics and fit with the Giugiaro Turbo Esprit body will
be a factor to consider but the mechanical suitability with the
Esprit V8 chassis, suspension are brakes will not be an issue
The outer rims are polished and only the centre spoke section
and hub cap are painted (with carbon fibre ring)
Lotus cars are unusual in often using rear
wheel diameters larger the front wheel diameters - this produces
a rear-to-front appearance somewhat reminiscent of the Formula 1
cars of Team Lotus
The OZ Futura wheels have an outer offset, rather than the
spokes being inline with the outer edge of the rim - the front
8.5J have a modest offset but the rear 10J have quite a large
offset
This "dished" appearance and rear-to-front appearance is also
inkeeping with the motorsport look and also matches the
original split rim Compumotive wheels that were used on the
Giugiaro Turbo Esprit
The wheel fit within the Giugiaro body will be a point of
discovery but the fact the front wheel, with clearance needed for
steering, should be a benefit
The wheels have been aquired and have been fully refurbished,
as detailed in the "Progress" section
