Lotus' latest Elise variant: the 2-Eleven track car

[zachmdis]

Here's the Autoblog article:

Geneva Preview: Lotus 2-Eleven track car
by Sam Abuelsamid

For those that feel the wildest Elise Sport and Exige models from Lotus aren't enough, next week at the Geneva Motor Show, Lotus will unveil a new race car called the 2-Eleven. The 1,477lb track special is based on the extruded aluminum chassis of the Elise but with high sides for extra rigidity. The running gear is based on the Exige S and the open-top composite body of the 2-Eleven weighs only 88lbs. The 1.8L four cylinder is supercharged and cranks out 252hp and 179lb-ft of torque.

Lotus will start building 2-Elevens at the Hethel factory in England in April and have a starting price of £39,995. One of the cool things about England is the relaxed regulations for Single Vehicle Type Approval which basically means that British owners can drive almost anything on public roads. The SVA package for the UK including plates, inspection and registration for £1,100. A track-only version for sale in the rest of Europe runs £49,575. The track only version gets an enhanced aerodynamics package and a FIA approved drivers seat. (Here' t)he press release with all the details...

PRESS RELEASE
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 2Eleven is only available as a track-only option outside of the UK at
£49,575 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

Lotus Sport is the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd and is located at the Norfolk Headquarters next to the famous Hethel test track. The department designs and builds extreme performance road cars, track and race cars as well as offering a performance parts service and bespoke driver training packages.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/g...ven-track-car/

[firmhonda]

This has been posted before, but it wasn't really talked about so I'll leave it open.

[kenchan]

that's pretty cool (the car).

[Nomar06]

nice, kinda looks like an S2K

[Anubis]

Originally Posted by Nomar06

nice, kinda looks like an S2K

slightly i guess it does.......but sure has better performance numbers

[whtdvl]

cool car...wouldn't it be nice to have that type of money for a "toy"

[GeezerSi]

Man, that's a little screamer!

[Izzy]

Oh man, new Lotus! I love Lotii (pl?) and this just makes the Exige look like a daily driver! ...mmmm...

[Skylinegtr06]

If only it was street legal

[zachmdis]

Originally Posted by Nomar06

nice, kinda looks like an S2K

lol-- you cant compare lotus to honda... its just not feasible...

[LDB]

Now THAT is a toy!!! And to think if you live in England it is even street legal. I wonder if it would be allowed in SCCA racing?

[rmfa]

Originally Posted by Anubis

slightly i guess it does.......but sure has better performance numbers

It reminded me of an S2000, too. Slightly less weight, though..