Lotus unveils the brand new 3-Eleven at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed
[Not a valid template]Fresh from the release of its Evora 400 and speculation concerning a Norfolk-branded SUV in the not too distant future, Lotus has revealed the brand new 3-Eleven, its fastest production roadcar ever.
The hardcore track-ready model sports a 443bhp 3.5-litre supercharged V6 under the lid, plus a sub-900kg kerb weight. Such figures equate to 0-100kph in under three seconds and a 280kph top speed, both hallmarks of the 500bhp/ton power-to-weight ratio. Prices for the race-spec model start from $129K, while the ‘softer’ road-legal version is available from $181k.
Unlike the old school 2-Eleven’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder, the reinvention acquires its powerplant from the Evora S, plus the six-speed manual gearbox. Styling meanwhile is an adaptation of the 2-Eleven, the newboy boasting an Exige-esque front end, an open cockpit and a full roll cage, atop a bonded aluminium chassis. The scoop and the rear spoiler combine to produce 215kg of downforce at 240kph.
The suspension meanwhile is lightweight double wishbone all-round plus adjustable anti-roll bars, while the Lotus 3-Eleven also receives 332mm vented brake discs and lightweight forged alloys. ‘Luxuries’ for the road include an updated TFT infotainment system, a removable steering wheel, and a four-point racing harness, six in the racer.
