Lotus Turbo Challenge is a sequel to Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge and continues as a behind-the-car viewed racing game. The racing takes place in eight distinct circuits with new surface and weather effects such as desert and snow.
The gameplay has changed from directly racing against other cars or over laps, instead it's time-based as you have limited time to reach each checkpoint. Reaching each of these extends your time, and any remaining time is turned into bonus points if you successfully complete the track.
You have two cars at your disposal, which the game chooses automatically for each level. The Lotus Esprit from the original is joined by a Lotus Elan convertible , which is slower but has better grip.
Lotus Turbo Challenge allows you to play through the set of tracks either in full-screen or split-screen mode. The game also features a multiplayer option on Amiga and ST, where two machines can be linked with each having two human players, allowing all players to continue onto the next level if one player successfully completes a course.