There are many numbers in the
Lotus 3-Eleven
press release that will raise a smile of childish glee on every petrolhead's face. There are a couple that may make you grimace as well but we'll come to those.
Two is the important number as there will be a pair of 3-Eleven models: the Road and Race, with a few very important differences between them. As you would expect, the Race has circuit driving in mind and as such features a sequential gearbox in place of the Road six-speed manual, more aggressive aero and an FIA-approved seat with a six-point harness.
Both models use a 456hp version of the Evora 400's 3.5-litre V6, with 332lb ft also. Performance claims are fairly absurd, with 0-60mph claimed as "less than 3.0 seconds" and a top speed of 180mph for the Road 3-Eleven; the Race maxes out at 174mph due to that different aero package. Weight is claimed at sub-900kg for the Race, with 215kg of downforce at 150mph as well. The Hethel lap time is 1min 22sec, or 10 seconds faster than an Evora 400...
Both 3-Elevens feature adjustable Ohlins dampers, a limited-slip diff and AP Racing brakes calipers with 332mm discs at each corner. Tyres are Michelin Pilot Super Sports on the Road version or Cup 2s for the Race. Both run a 225/40 ZR18 section on the front and 275/35 ZR19 at the back. There is traction control too, fear not.
And we've not even got to the design yet! There is clearly some Exige influence in its looks but it's way more dramatic than that. There are gaping intakes to keep everything cool, larger arches for the wider track, a cage, spoilers and diffusers; no mistaking this for any other Lotus. Notably too the 3-Eleven body is made from a composite 40 per cent lighter than a GRP equivalent, claimed to be an industry first.
Ditch passenger, go faster
Inside the 3-Eleven can accommodate two people but the passenger (and the seat) can be removed and a tonneau cover placed over it for the full single seater effect. There's a new TFT instrument display and quick release wheel for both cars. As mentioned the Race receives a motorsport seat, the Road 3-Eleven fitted with a Lotus sports seat and four-point harnesses. There's also an extinguisher and a battery kill switch. A very serious car then, in case that was ever in doubt.
To those numbers that may make your grimace. The 3-Eleven is quite a bit more expensive than the 2-Eleven; indeed it's quite a bit more expensive than any other Lotus. The Road version is £82,000 and the Race is £115,200. Yikes. Jean-Marc Gales calls the new 3-Eleven a "giant slayer, capable of embarrassing far more expensive rivals", which we certainly won't doubt. Still looks a lot, but then there will only be 311 and, going off the old car, they will hold their value very well. Production begins next February and deliveries will commence in April, just in time for the track day season...