The Lotus 2-Eleven - Track Day Driving Just Got Serious
Exceptional Performance Coupled with High Levels Of Usability and
Safety
 
 
Geneva, Switzerland (6th March 2007), Lotus Sport, the race car
performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the new Lotus 2-Eleven.
Launched at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, the Lotus
2-Eleven is aimed at the true track day enthusiast, taking Colin Chapman's
philosophy of 'Performance Through Lightweight' to its most extreme level
yet.
 
 
Weighing in at just 670 kg (1,477 lbs) with 255 PS (252 bhp / 188
kw) on tap courtesy of its supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine, the
Lotus 2-Eleven boasts a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960's
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 in April
2007 at the award-winning and world-class Lotus manufacturing facility at
Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. 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 and unique three-way Lotus Sport
colour scheme complete with decal pack. The Launch Edition is available 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 and 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.
 
 
The recommended selling price (incl UK VAT) of the Lotus 2-Eleven
Launch Edition will be £39,995. In the UK, the SVA version (Single Vehicle
Type Approval) which includes delivery, Pre Delivery Inspection, first
service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months' Road Fund
Licence, a full tank of fuel and SVA test costs an additional £1,100. The
Lotus 2-Eleven is only available as a track-only option outside of the UK at
EUR49,575 excluding local tax in mainland Europe. Pricing in Japan, South
Africa and Lotus other international markets will be announced shortly.
 
 
The Lotus 2-Eleven in more detail
Engine
The supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine in the Lotus
2-Eleven has a maximum power output of 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) at 8000 rpm
and a torque figure of approximately 242 Nm (179 lb/ft) at 7000 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 8000 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 (5 mph) 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 galvanized steel rear sub frame incorporating a further
crushable structure.
 
 
Body
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.
 
 
Wheels & Tyres
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
0-60 mph 3.8 secs (estimated)
0-100 km/h 3.9 secs (estimated)
0-100 mph 9.1 secs (estimated)
(0-160 km/h)
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