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Lotus 2-Eleven .... Track Day Just Got Serious

 

 

24th April, 2007

Lotus 2-Eleven

Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, unveiled the new Lotus 2-Eleven last month at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The Lotus 2-Eleven is aimed at track day enthusiasts, taking Colin Chapman's philosophy of 'Performance Through Light Weight' to its most extreme level yet.

Weighing in at just 670 kg at dry weight with base specification or 745 kg kerb weight, fully loaded, and with 188 kW on tap courtesy of its supercharged and intercooled 1,796 cc engine, the Lotus 2-Eleven boasts a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960s Formula One car. Designed with the most serious of track day enthusiasts in mind, the Lotus 2-Eleven offers race car levels of performance coupled with legendary Lotus ride and handling to deliver a truly outstanding track day car.

Said Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc:

"The Lotus 2-Eleven takes our core brand values to the extreme. It is the ultimate track day vehicle - not only phenomenally quick, but also very user-friendly. In short, the 2-Eleven delivers everything that the modern track day warrior and clubman racer demands, and more."

Production of the Lotus 2-Eleven is scheduled to commence this month at the award-winning and world-class Lotus manufacturing facility at Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, England. The 2-Eleven build will be completed in dedicated Lotus Sport workshops and each vehicle will be given a Lotus Sport build plate.

The Lotus 2-Eleven is initially available in Launch Edition specification only, which boasts a dynamic, unique three-way Lotus Sport colour scheme complete with decal pack.

The Launch Edition is available in two versions. The Road Going Version (UK Single Vehicle Approval) is fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items to achieve compliance with UK road legal requirements - this vehicle can only be registered for the road in the UK and not in Australia. The Track Only Version (available in Australia) has 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.

The recommended selling price of the Lotus 2-Eleven Launch Edition is $127,500 (including GST & LCT) plus statutory government charges. The Lotus 2-Eleven is only available as a track-only vehicle in Australia and as such is sold for 'track use only' through the Lotus Cars Australia dealer network.

The Lotus 2-Eleven in more detail...

Engine:

The supercharged and intercooled 1,796 cc engine in the Lotus 2-Eleven has a maximum power output of 188 kW at 8,000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 242 Nm at 7,000 rpm. This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8,000 rpm.

The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine's oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. 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) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant. Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.

Transmission:

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) - with the same perfectly 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 8 km/h and reacts much more quickly than many brake-based systems.

Chassis & Integral Safety Features:

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. This strong and stiff package features a comprehensive safety system with a glass fibre reinforced composite front crash structure allied to a high sill chassis for side impact protection.

Additional chassis safety features include an FIA compliant 6-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts and lightweight rear subframe incorporating a further crushable structure.

Body:

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

Wheels & Tyres:

Four 5-spoke lightweight forged black alloy wheels (front 7Jx16, rear 8J x 17) are shod with Lotus Sport specific Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16, rear 225/45 R17), designed to maximise grip and achieve the exacting ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

Brakes:

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, the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system enhances braking performance and minimises stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

Suspension:

Fully independent suspension utilising unequal length wishbones, Öhlins 2-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs and Lotus Sport adjustable front anti-roll bar. A rear double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during heavy track day driving, with unique steering arms and front upper wishbones to suit ultra-low ride height.

Performance:

0-100 km/h    - 3.9 secs (estimated)
0-160 km/h    - 9.1 secs (estimated)
Max Speed     - 250 km/h
Max Power     - 188 kW at 8,000 rpm
Max Torque    - 242 Nm at 7,000 rpm

The Name:

The Lotus 2-Eleven takes its inspiration from the original Lotus Eleven, a sports racing car produced from 1956 to 1959 that offered the latest Lotus engineering know-how at the time. The original Lotus Eleven was a prolific racer in its era dominating its class for several years throughout the world. As the name suggests, this new car is the second Lotus Eleven - hence it will be known as the Lotus 2-Eleven.



Other Lotus content: here.



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