Lotus 3 Eleven
Discussion
550 running-in miles covered in the 3-Eleven this weekend. And I'm sore!
For the first 600 miles (1,000 km) you should use no more than moderate throttle openings and not run the engine continuously at speeds over 4,000 rpm. First 'after sale' service is at 600 miles then annually thereafter. After first service I can use the car's full performance. Woo Hoo!
I'm swapping the Lotus over with the McLaren 12C on Saturday since I'm taking the latter to the Nurburgring with Circuit Days on 11th April. Will be interesting to drive the Mac again after long term exposure to the 3-Eleven. Both cars offer exceptional performance but deliver it in very different ways.
All being well the first track day for the 3-Eleven will be at Castle Combe with Bell & Colvill on 15th June.
For the first 600 miles (1,000 km) you should use no more than moderate throttle openings and not run the engine continuously at speeds over 4,000 rpm. First 'after sale' service is at 600 miles then annually thereafter. After first service I can use the car's full performance. Woo Hoo!
I'm swapping the Lotus over with the McLaren 12C on Saturday since I'm taking the latter to the Nurburgring with Circuit Days on 11th April. Will be interesting to drive the Mac again after long term exposure to the 3-Eleven. Both cars offer exceptional performance but deliver it in very different ways.
All being well the first track day for the 3-Eleven will be at Castle Combe with Bell & Colvill on 15th June.
Just booked the 3-Eleven in to Bell & Colvill for its first service (after 600 miles). I'll still be limited to 4,000 rpm for the next 400 miles though until I've broken the magic 1,000 mile barrier, which grants me access to 100% engine performance.
While the 3-Eleven is with them they'll fit the front winglets I ordered and apply the remaining paint protection film (ppf) to the roll hoop. Finally, I'm getting them to re-trim the steering wheel in alcantara with white stitching to match the carbon seats. Why? Because I'm a bit of a tart at heart!
A few more pics of the 3-Eleven at home in Surrey.
While the 3-Eleven is with them they'll fit the front winglets I ordered and apply the remaining paint protection film (ppf) to the roll hoop. Finally, I'm getting them to re-trim the steering wheel in alcantara with white stitching to match the carbon seats. Why? Because I'm a bit of a tart at heart!
A few more pics of the 3-Eleven at home in Surrey.
Edited by baronbennyt on Monday 3rd April 20:32
I'm tempted to take the 3-Eleven to the Destination Nurburgring event 1-3 May, if the weather is good. The only thing stopping me is the concern that it might not be able to drive down and up the large concrete ramps that lead down to and up from the Eurotunnel train. Has any PH'er had to drive a particularly low car with a long splitter on and off the Eurotunnel? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
dom9 said:
Can't answer that though I've seen many a supercar roll on and off.
I assume the 3-11 has adjustable spring platforms? Could raise it at each end of the trip and lower it at the track?
A bit of a faff but since the spring platforms, links, TREs etc are all new - probably a pretty quick job.
Get B&C to help you at this end for the trip out?
I'm sure DN17 could point you in the direction of a good track and then home geo.
Another PHer and former roommate of mine is going. Sadly I couldn't make it this year.
If you're around Cobham for a run out this weekend - PM me as I need to get the Clio V6 out for a run.
I'd rather avoid the hassle of manually adjusting the ride hight which isn't the work of a moment on the Lotus, but appreciate it might be the only option short of trailering the car which I also want to avoid. Regrettably, B&C don't have any experience getting a 3-Eleven on and off the Eurotunnel. I might give ET a call directly - I really want to avoid driving down there to find I can't drive down to the bloody train without ripping the splitter off!I assume the 3-11 has adjustable spring platforms? Could raise it at each end of the trip and lower it at the track?
A bit of a faff but since the spring platforms, links, TREs etc are all new - probably a pretty quick job.
Get B&C to help you at this end for the trip out?
I'm sure DN17 could point you in the direction of a good track and then home geo.
Another PHer and former roommate of mine is going. Sadly I couldn't make it this year.
If you're around Cobham for a run out this weekend - PM me as I need to get the Clio V6 out for a run.
Would be great to meet for a blast this weekend but sadly I can't - I work in Belgium and have to be in Brussels this weekend
Edited by baronbennyt on Friday 21st April 21:35
dom9 said:
Definitely call ET then and see what they say/ can offer (additional longer/ shallower ramps?).
The guys on SELOC might have an idea too, if you're active on there, as there are some 3-11 owners contributing.
Adjusting the spring platforms definitely is a faff but I'm probably a little biased on whether it's 'hard', laying under the Motorsport cars during the Autobytel race weekends back in 2001 and doing it dozens of times a weekend... I did leave after a season though!
Let me know when you're here for a weekend as it would be great to see it and the 12c.
I was invited to the 12c launch when we lived in Singapore and that's the last time I saw one up close though it remains 'on the list'.
Will do Dom The guys on SELOC might have an idea too, if you're active on there, as there are some 3-11 owners contributing.
Adjusting the spring platforms definitely is a faff but I'm probably a little biased on whether it's 'hard', laying under the Motorsport cars during the Autobytel race weekends back in 2001 and doing it dozens of times a weekend... I did leave after a season though!
Let me know when you're here for a weekend as it would be great to see it and the 12c.
I was invited to the 12c launch when we lived in Singapore and that's the last time I saw one up close though it remains 'on the list'.
Hi Dom.
I'm very happy to meet up at any decent pub in the Surrey area. I've heard good things about The Onslow Arms in West Clandon (http://onslowarmsclandon.co.uk/) and The Black Swan in Ockham (http://www.blackswanockham.com/), although I must confess I've only ever driven past them. Also happy to meet at the Fairmile in Cobham since it's close by and has plenty of parking space, although here too I've never frequented. The most important things for me are a decent establishment with a good reputation and parking without speed humps. Depending of the weather I'll bring the Lotus 3-Eleven or McLaren 12C (if it ever gets fixed). Oh, and since I'm in Brussels most week days, weekends are far more do-able for me.
Cheers, and thanks for all your efforts in organising.
Ben
I'm very happy to meet up at any decent pub in the Surrey area. I've heard good things about The Onslow Arms in West Clandon (http://onslowarmsclandon.co.uk/) and The Black Swan in Ockham (http://www.blackswanockham.com/), although I must confess I've only ever driven past them. Also happy to meet at the Fairmile in Cobham since it's close by and has plenty of parking space, although here too I've never frequented. The most important things for me are a decent establishment with a good reputation and parking without speed humps. Depending of the weather I'll bring the Lotus 3-Eleven or McLaren 12C (if it ever gets fixed). Oh, and since I'm in Brussels most week days, weekends are far more do-able for me.
Cheers, and thanks for all your efforts in organising.
Ben
Just finished cleaning the 3-Eleven after another long drive, this time through the Surrey Hills. Now up to 1,100 miles. After worrying I wouldn't put many miles on the Lotus I'm now concerned I'm putting too may on! Next on the list is: an alcantara steering wheel; front canards; and, paint protection film (ppf) for the roll hoop (the rest of car is already covered). First track day will be Castle Combe on 15 June with Bell & Colvill.
dom9 said:
Looking good, Ben!
Were you not meant to be at DN17 this week? Was the 12C out of action/ didn't want to take this?
Maybe I have missed an update!
Surrey meet is on the 4th of June, if you're about. And if you're home this weekend, let me know if you fancy a run out somewhere.
Hi Dom. Sorry, I can't make this weekend since I'm in Brussels and I can't make 4th June either since I'm off to Le Mans for the Test Day. Please keep me in mind for future meets though. Cheers, Ben Were you not meant to be at DN17 this week? Was the 12C out of action/ didn't want to take this?
Maybe I have missed an update!
Surrey meet is on the 4th of June, if you're about. And if you're home this weekend, let me know if you fancy a run out somewhere.
Took the Lotus to Goodwood motor circuit in Sussex today for its first track day (with Porsche Club GB).
It took me quite a while to get to grips with the 3-Eleven because it's so stiff and flat you don't receive telegraphs when you're close to running out of grip. I shouldn't have worried though - I was nowhere close to getting the maximum from the car! Plenty to look forward to then as I get to learn how to get the best from it on-track over the summer.
It took me quite a while to get to grips with the 3-Eleven because it's so stiff and flat you don't receive telegraphs when you're close to running out of grip. I shouldn't have worried though - I was nowhere close to getting the maximum from the car! Plenty to look forward to then as I get to learn how to get the best from it on-track over the summer.
dom9 said:
Was that you on the Portsmouth Road, heading towards Cobham, half an hour ago, Ben?
If so, that was me waving at you from Mrs9's grey Fiat 500... I'd been tasked with the Sainsbury's shop.
Car looks great - perfect weather for it! Was more than a bit jealous I was doing chores and not out on the road, having fun!
Thanks Dom, it was most probably me! If so, that was me waving at you from Mrs9's grey Fiat 500... I'd been tasked with the Sainsbury's shop.
Car looks great - perfect weather for it! Was more than a bit jealous I was doing chores and not out on the road, having fun!
I'm in the UK for the week so making the most of my time here plus the great weather of course
Smitters said:
Enjoy - that's my local. Weather looks excellent. I'm sure they'll brief you, but be aware 90% of the circuit is nice new tarmac and the final corner, Camp, is old tarmac. In the dry the grip difference is fairly slight. If it gets wet, it's starkly different.
From reading your posts you're obviously well versed in track driving, but if you've not been to Combe before, of for a while, this is a great watch, especially on the differences between the two chicanes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eIZVvnm7xg
Thanks Smitters From reading your posts you're obviously well versed in track driving, but if you've not been to Combe before, of for a while, this is a great watch, especially on the differences between the two chicanes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eIZVvnm7xg
There was a bit of rain in the morning at Castle Combe so I took it very easy but it allowed me to get a good feel for the car at this circuit. Late morning and the hot sun came out at which point the 3-Eleven simply flew!
AlexHat said:
What's it like on track compared to the road?
The 3-Eleven is actually pretty useable on the road. The only downsides are poor rear visibility, getting in and out regularly and having to wear a lid (although I don't mind this). At any speed it's simply a hoot to drive on a summer's day. On track is its natural habitat though. I've been to Goodwood and Castle Combe in it to date. Apart from a bit of a rattle coming from the rear wing (which Lotus Bell & Colvill will check out) it's the quickest thing I've driven on short to medium sized circuits.
More to come!
Smokin Donut said:
Awesome car and best color.
Could you tell me which ppf you used? Also does it effect the luster of the paint and can you see the edges? Sorry for all the questions thinking of getting this done to the front of the Porsche.
Thanks Smokin Donut. Could you tell me which ppf you used? Also does it effect the luster of the paint and can you see the edges? Sorry for all the questions thinking of getting this done to the front of the Porsche.
The ppf is XPEL and was fitted by Race By Design (http://www.racebydesign.co.uk/). I get all my silly cars ppf'd by them and I'm always very happy with the results. It does't effect the luster and you can only see the edges if you search really hard for them! Highly recommended, especially if you are a track day regular.
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