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Lotus 2-Eleven .... Track Day Just Got Serious
24th April, 2007 | ||||
Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, unveiled the new
Lotus 2-Eleven last month at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The Lotus
2-Eleven is aimed at track day enthusiasts, taking Colin Chapman's philosophy of
'Performance Through Light Weight' to its most extreme level yet. Weighing in at just 670 kg at dry weight with base specification or 745 kg
kerb weight, fully loaded, and with 188 kW on tap courtesy of
its supercharged and intercooled 1,796 cc engine, the Lotus 2-Eleven boasts a
power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960s 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 this month at
the award-winning and world-class Lotus manufacturing facility at Lotus
Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, England. 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, unique three-way Lotus Sport colour scheme
complete with decal pack. The Launch Edition is available in two versions. The Road Going Version (UK
Single Vehicle Approval) is fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst,
single plane rear wing and other items to achieve compliance with UK road legal
requirements - this vehicle can only be registered for the road in the UK and
not in Australia. The Track Only Version (available in Australia) has 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 of the Lotus 2-Eleven Launch Edition is
$127,500 (including GST & LCT) plus statutory government charges. The Lotus
2-Eleven is only available as a track-only vehicle in Australia and as such is
sold for 'track use only' through the Lotus Cars Australia dealer network. The Lotus 2-Eleven in more detail... Engine: The supercharged and intercooled 1,796 cc engine in the Lotus 2-Eleven has a
maximum power output of 188 kW at 8,000 rpm and a torque figure
of approximately 242 Nm at 7,000 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 8,000 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 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 rear subframe
incorporating a further crushable structure. Body: The Lotus 2-Eleven features all new ultra-lightweight (40 kg)
composite bodywork featuring core-mat technology. All external panels are bolted
on for ease of removal, maintenance and repair. Wheels & Tyres: Four 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: 0-100 km/h - 3.9 secs (estimated)
The Name: The Lotus 2-Eleven takes its inspiration from the original Lotus Eleven, a
sports racing car produced from 1956 to 1959 that offered the latest Lotus
engineering know-how at the time. The original Lotus Eleven was a prolific
racer in its era dominating its class for several years throughout the
world. As the name suggests, this new car is the second Lotus Eleven - hence
it will be known as the Lotus 2-Eleven. |
ABN 47106248033 |
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