Lotus Unveils 3-Eleven; Its Fastest Model Ever

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2015 Bold Ride LLC.

 

Posted by Keith Griffin

 

 

As if it’s even possible, Lotus has come out with an even lighter vehicle. Called the Lotus 3-Eleven, it’s also the quickest production Lotus road car ever.

 

Debuting at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Lotus 3-Eleven weighs less than 1,980 lbs. in race form. Lotus pegs its horsepower per ton in excess of 500. Estimated 0-60 time is less than 3 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph in the road version.

The new Lotus 3-Eleven is powered by a revised version of the 3.5-liter V6 engine from the Evora 400. It features a supercharger with integrated water-to-air charge cooler. Maximum power output has increased to 450 horsepower at 7000 rpm and torque has increased to 332 lb. ft. with maximum torque available in the band from 3,500 to 6,500 rpm.

 

The Lotus 3-Eleven’s suspension features lightweight, double-wishbones front and rear, adjustable front anti-roll bar and Eibach springs with Öhlins adjustable dampers.

 A close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen-type limited slip differential, featuring a performance clutch assembly and oil cooler, come as standard on the road version. The Race model has a 6-speed sequential transmission with a semi-dry sump, oil cooler, limited slip differential and paddle shift.

The Lotus 3-Eleven features lightweight body panels, using new resin infusion composite technology. Two front splitter configurations are available, depending on whether the vehicle is configured for road or race use, and the front arches are wide enough to cover the car’s wide track and the new 225/40 ZR18 tires.

The Lotus 3-Eleven goes on sales in April 2016. Production is going to be limited to, wait for it, 311 models. There’s no truth to the rumor you can buy it through 7-Eleven.

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