Lotus 2-Eleven

Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars has revealed the Lotus 2-Eleven targeting track day enthusiasts. Initially called the Lotus Circuit Car concept, the 2-Eleven weighs in at 1,477 lbs, and musters 252 hp at 8,000 rpm via a supercharged and intercooled 2zz-ge 1.8 liter engine. Peak torque of 179 pound-feet comes at 7,000 rpm. Zero to 60 mph is attained in a mere 3.8 seconds, while 100 mph is reached in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is 155mph.

No stereo. No A/C. No windshield to speak of. So what?! This car is made for one thing - speed.

The 2-Eleven was at first only available with a three-color Lotus Sport stripe scheme. In the US, it was only made available as a track-only vehicle, with variable traction control, an enhanced aerodynamics package including high down-force single-plane carbon fibre rear wing, high down-force front splitter, brake lights, rear indicators and FIA approved drivers race seat. At launch the car was limited to 50 cars only.

The basic car sells for £39,995 in the UK with the road-going version costing £1,100 more.

The car is available only as a track-only option outside of the UK at 49,575 euros.

The supercharger is a Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism so that it doesn't use the engine's oil. run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Four high capacity injectors and an uprated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving. An Accusump is included, along with Twin oil coolers.

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight aluminium C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) - using the same spaced ratios as the Exige S. An open type differential is fitted as standard. The Lotus switchable Traction Control System (LTCS) works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction; it is active above five mph and reacts more quickly than many brake-based systems apparemtly.

The 2-Eleven uses a high-sided variant of the Elise's chassis structure featuring epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with modified Exige S based running gear. This results in a strong and stiff package. A glass fibre reinforced composite front crash structure and an FIA compliant six-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts and lightweight galvanised steel rear subframe, provide further safety.

The bodywork features a new light-weight composite bodywork weighing 40Kg and using core-mat technology. All external panels are bolted on for ease of removal, maintenance and repair. The wheels are five-spoke light-weight forged black alloy wheels (front 7Jx16, rear 8J x 17), with Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16, rear 225/45 R17). The brake system includes 288 mm cast iron cross drilled and ventilated discs, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (aluminium alloy AP Racing 2-piston at the front and Brembo single sliding piston at the rear), high grade silicone brake fluid and stainless steel braided hoses. In addition, Lotus own track-tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system is claimed to enhance braking performance and minimize stopping distance.