The incredible supercar you see before you is the newest model from Lotus. Introduced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the track-focused Lotus 3-Eleven is the fastest and most expensive car ever developed by the company. The heart stopping 3-Eleven is actually an open-cockpit version of the Exige chassis, powered by a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine that could produce an astonishing 450 hp and 332 lb-ft. of torque.
This powerful engine has been connected to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox for the road-going version, but Lotus will also deliver a track-ready six-speed sequential transmission, with shifting paddles and a semi-dry sump.
And since the new Lotus weighs in at just 900 kg, the 3-Eleven will do 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h) in its Race guise and 180mph (290km/h) in its standard form.
The new 3-Eleven is officially the fastest Lotus ever, since it lapped Hethel’s test track in just 1 min and 22secs. The road-legal version features a roll cage with twin side bars, while the Race version comes with extra bars to meet with the international racing regulations. Lightweight double wishbones were fitted at the front and back, as well as an adjustable front anti-roll bar and Eibach spring with adjustable Ohlins dampers.
The grooved brake discs measure 332 mm front and rear, with AP Racing four-piston calipers on them; the Race version featuring upgraded brake pads as well. It’s safe to say you’ll get home in one piece with this stunning little car.
The interior is just minimal, including a passenger seat as extra equipment. There’s also a color TFT screen, which provides the driver with all the important information, and a removable steering wheel.
The new Lotus 3-Eleven is entirely hand-built, and will be up for the grabs starting February 2016, priced at £82,000 – for the road-going model – or £115,200 for the Race version. Please note that only a total of 311 units will be produced.
