Lotus 3-Eleven
Discussion
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 cup-type Lotus or any other particularly low car with a long splitter on and off the Eurotunnel? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I know a 997 GT3 doesn't scrape on the ramps or onto/off the trains and profile photos suggest the 3-Eleven might have similar clearance? On those big concrete ramps down to the trains, they have some width where you could do it an angle, which might help.
Do it!
You'd have be relaxed about potential scrape marks on the splitter though...
Do it!
You'd have be relaxed about potential scrape marks on the splitter though...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.
Munkeyfeet said:
Perfect weather for today.
Was going to pop down and have a watch but work didn't let up unfortunately.
How was the car on track? Perform well against the beetles, I mean Porsche's?
Brilliant day Porsche hunting! Shame you couldn't make it; it would have been nice to have met up. I might pop down to Goodwood again on Saturday to watch the Lotus track day. It depends if I have to pick up the McLaren from Ascot that day after its long repairs...Was going to pop down and have a watch but work didn't let up unfortunately.
How was the car on track? Perform well against the beetles, I mean Porsche's?
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.
Hi Benny
Car's looking great. How are you finding it on noise limits? Do you know whether it has the same exhaust as the Exige 380 or is it quieter (as might be expected for something that is very likely to fin itself on track now and again)?
Over on TLF, there's a 380 owner who had no problem passing a static limit at 4,500 rpm, which happens to be the point at which the exhaust valve opens, so assume he must have been just a nick under that. But the 380 is extremely loud on the go - the 311 obviously hasn't got you hung for noise at Goodwood though.
Car's looking great. How are you finding it on noise limits? Do you know whether it has the same exhaust as the Exige 380 or is it quieter (as might be expected for something that is very likely to fin itself on track now and again)?
Over on TLF, there's a 380 owner who had no problem passing a static limit at 4,500 rpm, which happens to be the point at which the exhaust valve opens, so assume he must have been just a nick under that. But the 380 is extremely loud on the go - the 311 obviously hasn't got you hung for noise at Goodwood though.
mickv said:
Hi Benny
Car's looking great. How are you finding it on noise limits? Do you know whether it has the same exhaust as the Exige 380 or is it quieter (as might be expected for something that is very likely to fin itself on track now and again)?
Over on TLF, there's a 380 owner who had no problem passing a static limit at 4,500 rpm, which happens to be the point at which the exhaust valve opens, so assume he must have been just a nick under that. But the 380 is extremely loud on the go - the 311 obviously hasn't got you hung for noise at Goodwood though.
The static noise limit at the Porsche Club track day @ Goodwood yesterday was 105db. My 3-Eleven registered at 101db. Car's looking great. How are you finding it on noise limits? Do you know whether it has the same exhaust as the Exige 380 or is it quieter (as might be expected for something that is very likely to fin itself on track now and again)?
Over on TLF, there's a 380 owner who had no problem passing a static limit at 4,500 rpm, which happens to be the point at which the exhaust valve opens, so assume he must have been just a nick under that. But the 380 is extremely loud on the go - the 311 obviously hasn't got you hung for noise at Goodwood though.
Bell & Colvill have recommended that I only attend 105db track days so as to avoid any chance of not passing the noise test.
I might chance it @ Bedford with EVO magazine in July - static noise limit is 101db but it depends on how brave I'm feeling at the time!
baronbennyt said:
I'm off to Castle Combe in the 3-Eleven on Thursday with Lotus Bell & Colvill. Wish me luck!
Perfect day for it. Do report back. Was thinking of going on the B&C days but I've been on 4 of the Lotus on Track days over the past couple of months and been lucky with the weather. Well run days and good discipline by all.
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