The Lotus 2-Eleven is based on Colin Chapman’s philosophy of ‘Performance Through Lightweight’: with a total weight of just 670 kg (1,477 lbs) and thanks to its supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine (252 bhp / 188 kw) it boasts a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960’s Formula One car.

The Lotus 2-Eleven will be produced at Norfolk plant starting from April 2007.

It will be initially available in Launch Edition specification only, with a three-way Lotus Sport colour scheme complete with decal pack, and in two versions:

• Road Going Version (UK Single Vehicle Approval), fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items to achieve compliance with UK road legal requirements
• Track Only Version, with an enhanced aerodynamics package including high downforce single plane carbon fibre rear wing, high downforce front splitter, brake lights and rear indicators and FIA approved driver’s race seat.

In the UK the selling price (including VAT) will be £39,995, with the SVA version (Single Vehicle Type Approval) costing an additional £1,100.

Outside of the UK the 2- Eleven is only available as a track-only option at about €50,000 excluding taxes.

Technical Features

The 2-Eleven is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine with a maximum power output of 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) at 8000 rpm and a torque of approximately 242 Nm (179 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm.

The unit is equipped with the VVTL-i variable cam system ans a Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger. Four high capacity injectors and an up rated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.

An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) acts as an oil reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that the engine oil pressure remains constant. Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.

The transmission features a lightweight aluminium C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) and an open type differential. The Lotus switchable Traction Control System (LTCS) works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction; it is active above 8 km/h (5 mph) and reacts much more quickly than many brake-based systems.

The Lotus 2-Eleven uses a unique high-sided variant of the Lotus Elise lightweight chassis structure featuring epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with modified Exige S based running gear.

Safety features include a glass fibre reinforced composite front crash structure, a high sill chassis for side impact protection and an FIA compliant 6-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts and lightweight galvanized steel rear sub frame incorporating a further crushable structure.

The Lotus 2-Eleven features all new ultra-lightweight (40 kg / 88 lbs) composite bodywork featuring core-mat technology. All external panels are bolted on for ease of removal, maintenance and repair.

Specifications

Features

• Fully independent suspension with unequal length wishbones; Öhlins 2-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs and Lotus Sport adjustable front anti-roll bar.
• Brake system: 288 mm cast iron cross drilled and ventilated discs, with 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)
• Wheels and tires: 5-spoke lightweight forged black alloy wheels (front 7Jx16, rear 8J x 17), with Lotus Sport specific Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16, rear 225/45 R17).

Performances

• Max Speed 155 mph (250 km/h)
• Max Power 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) at 8000 rpm
• Max Torque 242 Nm (179 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm
• 0-60 mph 3.8 secs (estimated)
• 0-100 km/h 3.9 secs (estimated)
• 0-100 mph 9.1 secs (estimated)

(Source: Lotus)