In nowadays, most automakers design their long-term strategies around two key concepts. One is using all the modern technologies to offer a new interpretation of the values with which they built their reputation decades ago – sportiness, style, practicality etc. Despite this is a great way to differentiate itself, it’s also usually quite expensive. So the companies are also trying to move upwards in the market, so as to earn more money with each product they sell. Now, reading all that surely made you think of German makers, right? Well, the latest example of that turns out to have very different roots.
Lotus used this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed to unveil the fastest vehicle it ever produced. The “three” of its name means it’s the latest iteration of a series of competition cars founded in the 1950s. After Lotus Eleven had two versions produced over three years, the company came up with 2-Eleven fifty years later. The latter was produced in normal and “entry level” variations until 2008, and now it’s time to check out what can be called their “spiritual” successor. On the other hand, Lotus doesn’t intend to follow only the first of the concepts presented in the previous paragraph of this text. 3-Eleven also manages to be the most expensive vehicle this company ever offered, reaching £115,200 at its Race version.
As the pictures anticipate, this is the typical hardcore sports car. The company created a variation of Elise’s current aluminum-made platform, even more focused on performance. The body panels, in turn, feature a new resin infusion composite, which is claimed to be 40% lighter than GRP plastic. The conventional Road version features six-speed manual transmission, adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, double-wishbone suspension, Eibach springs, Öhlins dampers, and the possibility for the driver to adjust the 3-11’s behavior. There are also Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (with 18” and 19” wheels), limited-slip differential, AP Racing brakes, and that rear wing capable of creating 215 kg of downforce when you drive at 150 mph.
Choosing the upscale Race variation, though, adds a more aggressive aerodynamic package, sequential transmission with shift paddles (six speeds once again), a FIA-approved driver’s seat with a six-point harness, Michelin Cup 2 tires, tougher brakes, and an overall weight of less than 900 kg. Two great ways to enjoy the already known 3.5 V6 that comes from Toyota: the supercharged engine is good for 444 hp of power and 332 lb-ft of torque, which means it’s able to take the car from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds. If you take the Race version, you’re also able to reach 180 mph. This vehicle will be limited to 311 units, with a base price of £96,000, no optional comfort items, and first deliveries being made in next April.