Lotus unveiled its quickest and most expensive series production car ever, the 3-Eleven, at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new modeal features an all-new lightweight body, an open cockpit design, and a revised V6 supercharged engine developing 450 hp.
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The supercar comes in two variations: the Lotus 3-Eleven Road and Race and they both wil be delivering impressive performances. The Race includes a more aggressive aero kit, a sequential gearbox and an FIA approved driver’s seat with a six-point harness. With a dry weight of below 900 kg (Race version), the 3-Eleven excess of 500 hp per tonne, and is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds before reaching 174 mph (280 km/h) for the Race version and 180 mph (290 km/h) for the Road version.
The new Lotus 3-Eleven is powered by a revised version of the 3.5-litre V6 engine first shown in the Evora 400, which includes a supercharger with integrated water-to-air charge cooler. Maximum power output has increased to 450hp (456 PS / 336 kW) at 7000 rpm and torque has increased to 450 Nm / 332 lbs ft with maximum torque available from 3500 rpm through to 6500 rpm. A close-ratio six-speed manual come as standard on the Road version. The Race model has a 6-speed sequential transmission.
The 3-Eleven’s aggressive stance leaves no doubt of its intentions. The dramatically sculpted body balances the technical efficiency of a track car with the surface refinement of a road-going supercar. Form follows function, with a minimised cross sectional area that keeps drag to a minimum while optimising cooling. Manufactured from very light weight composite materials, optimizing vehicle weight, aerodynamic and structural requirements, the 3-Eleven’s composite body is 40% lighter than the GRP equivalent.
The interior is completely race-focussed. New colour TFT instrument cluster can be switched between road and track modes and the car is fitted with the standard aeroscreen and the optional passenger seat and a passenger can be easily accommodated in the two seater. A quick release steering wheel and Lotus sports seats with four-point harnesses are fitted as standard, while the Race variant has the option of a data logger, FIA approved driver’s race seat, and six-point harness, a fire extinguisher & battery kill switch.
The deliveries will commence in April 2016. Production will be limited to just 311 vehicles in total and prices start at £82,000 in the United Kingdom for the Road version (including VAT and on the road costs) and £96,000 excluding VAT for the Race version (£115,200 including VAT). ■
