Lotus 2-11 Track Car

[Sy V]

Lotus track car arrives at last
Thursday 1st March 2007
2-Eleven: track focused and seriously light

Lotus is launching a seriously focused track day car.

The new Lotus 2-Eleven will be built by Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the new Lotus 2-Eleven at the Geneva motor show.

Aimed at track day enthusiasts, the Exige-based car weighs just 670Kg with 252bhp on tap courtesy of its supercharged and intercooled 1.8-litre engine. Its power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960's Formula One car.
Engine

The engine will scream round to a maximum 8,000 rpm and uses a Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism so that it doesn't use 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) - using the same 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 five mph and reacts more quickly than many brake-based systems, reckoned Lotus.
Chassis and safety

The Lotus 2-Eleven uses a high-sided variant of the Elise's chassis structure featuring epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with modified Exige S based running gear. This strong and stiff package features a 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 six-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts and lightweight galvanised steel rear subframe incorporating a further crushable structure.
Body

The track car features all new lightweight composite bodywork weighing 40Kg and featuring core-mat technology. All external panels are bolted on for ease of removal, maintenance and repair.
Wheels and tyres

Five-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 Lotus' ride and handling targets.
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, Lotus own track-tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system is claimed to enhance braking performance and minimise stopping distance.
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 seconds (estimated)
* 0-100 mph 9.1 seconds (estimated)
* Vmax 155 mph

Lotus chief Mike Kimberley said: "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 start in April 2007 at Lotus' Hethel plant, with the car completed in dedicated Lotus Sport workshops. 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 special colour scheme and graphics. It's available in two versions: roadgoing with UK Single Vehicle Approval, fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items; and track-only with an 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 basic cost is £39,995, although the roadgoing version costs £1,100 more, and includes delivery, pre delivery inspection, first service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months' tax, a full tank of fuel and SVA test. It's only available as a track-only option outside 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.

[davidjt]

Wicked looking track car - rear lights still a touch 'bling' for my taste, though!


Superbly engineered, naturally; whether there's a gap in the market for it, not so sure.

[Dico]

Makes your mouth water, just reading it!

[F1 LOTUS]

So you gonna take the windshield off your hillclimb racer then Sy?

[Sy V]

Er...nope as I hope that it (well the A frame) will form an integral part of the roll cage.

[clemo]

http://cars.uk.msn.com/News/car_news_ar ... id=3605627

more info and pictures here...

so was it this car that was underneath the esprit that was bomming around nurburg the other week then?
as kimbers ole man said ... its not the new esprit thats being tested

i see a while new paintjob of any old elans that need a new look..

that in the mould of jps is so last week!!!
in the mould of the TWO ELEVEN !!

[a5gcd]

I think this is the car that was being tested at Shelsley Walsh last year.

[GeoffSmith]

I think this is the car that was being tested at Shelsley Walsh last year.

That looks very similar to the fifth post on EliseTalk.

[GeoffSmith]

As reported by Fifth Gear.

[Monty]

As reported by Fifth Gear.

Thanks for that link Mr Smith, how nice is that

[muley]

...and a couple of snaps from GFOS.

Nice looking car - I'd have one if I had the necessary ...

[Gazza]

4 new colour schemes are now available apparently, this being one of them

SVA Specification with Yellow Calipers to Red Scorpion Colour Scheme (Red, White & Blue).

[Sy V]

Here's a couple that were at Castle Combe today: