The new Lotus 3-Eleven has completed a two-week test at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany with its engine, aerodynamics and suspension all being scrutinised and tweaked.
LOTUS HAS RELEASED a video of its new Lotus 3-Eleven in testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife where the company’s engineers have worked on its aerodynamics, engine calibration, chassis tuning and suspension geometry, all in preparation of its launch in 2016. Production is limited to just 311 vehicles with a mix of Road and Race versions.
Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, stated, “We always say that to make a sports car better, you make it faster and lighter. The new Lotus 3- Eleven carries that philosophy to a new level, and is perfectly in keeping with our brand values.”
Jean-Marc Gales continued, “This new car is a giant slayer, capable of embarrassing far more expensive rivals. It condenses our engineering know-how into one, hard-core package, and is so focused that it won’t suit everyone. This is a perfect demonstration of the faster and lighter concept, something which will be crucial to all Lotus cars in the future.”
The Lotus 3-Eleven is powered by a revised version of the 3.5-litre V6 engine first seen in the Evora 400, which includes a supercharger with integrated water-to-air charge cooler. Maximum power output has increased to 336kW at 7000rpm and torque has increased to 450Nm from 3500rpm to 6500 rpm. This is mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen-type limited slip differential, featuring a performance clutch assembly and oil cooler. The Race model has a 6-speed sequential transmission with a semi-dry sump, oil cooler, limited slip differential and paddle shift.
Make no mistake, the 3-Eleven is clearly a race car for the road. It’s fitted with a standard aeroscreen with a cost-optional passenger seat available. The second seat can be removed and a cost-optional tonneau panel fitted – to envelope the driver and improve overall aerodynamics. A new instrument cluster has been designed around a colour TFT screen, and can be switched between road and track modes, providing relevant information direct to the driver. A quick release steering wheel and Lotus sports seats with four-point harnesses are fitted as standard, while the Race variant has the option of a data logger system, FIA approved driver’s race seat, and six-point harness – as well as a fire extinguisher and battery kill switch.
Let us know what you think of the Lotus 3-Eleven… could you see one parked on your driveway?
