01 Mar 07 17:17
Lotus 2-Eleven
Lotus is launching a new track-day special based on the Elise, called 2-Eleven.
With a composite-material open body, the 2-Eleven weighs just 670kg - and with its 1.8-litre engine supercharged for 252bhp and 179lb-ft of torque, it's pretty quick: 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
Further modifications from the Elise include a higher-sided chassis, for greater stability, as well as extra structural reinforcement and the addition of twin oil coolers and an engine oil accumulator unit to maintain constant oil pressure.
The six-speed manual transmission has the same ratios as that of the Exige S coupe; five-spoke black-painted Yokohama alloy wheels are fitted (16" up front, 17" at the rear), Lotus Sport 195/50/R16 and 225/45 R17 Yokohama tyres, brakes with 288mm crossdrilled/ventilated discs and four-channel ABS, and fully-independent suspension with Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers and coil-over springs.
The Launch Edition specification (prices from £39,995) will come in road-going or track-only forms, with front and rear lights, an exhaust catalyst and rear wing. The track-only version will have extra aerodynamic features, including a higher-downforce carbon-fibre rear wing, front splitter, brake lights, rear indicators and an FIA-approved driver's seat.
The SVA road-legal version - available only in the UK - incurs an extra £1,100 charge for the full certification, number plates, registration, 12 months tax, delivery and so on. The track-only model is priced at £49,575 excluding local taxes outside the UK. Production will begin at Hethel in April.
