LOTUS 7 | ESTFIELD Style Self Made Car

Background

This car started as a family project that sat unfinished for years. The client, who has a background in karting and circuit racing, brought the project to us to finally cross the finish line. The goal was simple: take the lightweight Estfield frame and turn it into a reliable, aggressive track day car that is street legal and equally enjoyable on the backroads.

Powerplant

The engine choice is what makes this build special. It runs a BMW N45B20S—the rare, hand-built homologation engine from the 2006 WTCC 320si.

We refurbished the engine and, to optimize the initial build budget, decided to test the limits of the factory wet sump first. However, track testing confirmed the inevitable: oil pressure drops under high-G cornering—an inherent physical limitation of wet sumps on a chassis this capable. To solve this and bulletproof the motor, we upgraded to a full dry sump oiling system.

Simplify, then add lightness

Weighing in at just 699kg, the car doesn't need massive horsepower to be fast. With 175hp, the power-to-weight ratio makes it incredibly responsive and capable of embarrassing much more powerful cars on the circuit whilst keeping smile on your face!

Weight: 699 kg

Power: 130 kW (175 hp) @ 7000 RPM

Torque: 210 Nm @ 4250 RPM