June 26, 2015
The new Lotus 3-Eleven was introduced at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Heralding a new generation of Lotus high performance sports cars, Lotus introduced the company’s quickest and most expensive
series production car ever, the 3-Eleven, at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Designed as an uncompromised manifestation of the Lotus spirit, the new car provides an undiluted driving experience, and
underlines the company’s ability to deliver legendary handling and blistering speed.
Working on the concept of less is more, and keeping close to Lotus’ track roots, the 3-Eleven features an all-new lightweight body,
with an open cockpit design and a revised V6 supercharged engine developing 450 hp.
Two variations of the Lotus 3-Eleven will be available: Road and Race; both delivering an impressive combination of high performance,
agility and precision. Based on the Road version, the Race includes a more aggressive aero kit, a sequential gearbox and an FIA approved driver’s
seat with a six-point harness.
With a dry weight of below 900kg/1980lbs (Race version), the 3-Eleven offers a power to weight ratio, in excess of 500 hp per ton, and is
capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 174 mph (280 km/h) for the Race version and
180 mph (290 km/h) for the Road version.
Speaking at Goodwood, Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, stated, "We always say that to make a sports car
better, you make it faster and lighter. The new Lotus 3-Eleven carries that philosophy to a new level."
The new Lotus 3-Eleven enters production in February 2016 and deliveries will commence in April 2016. Production will be limited to just
311 vehicles in total.
Prices start at £82,000 for the Road version (including VAT and on the road costs) and £96,000 excluding VAT for the Race version (£115,200 including VAT).
Performance
Quickest Lotus production car ever, lapping the Hethel track in 1 min 22 secs
Aerodynamic downforce of up to 215 kg at 150 mph (240 km/h) - Race version
The 3-Eleven utilises a bespoke chassis based on the proven Lotus design of extruded and bonded aluminium sections. The Road roll-cage
incorporates twin side bars for side impact protection, the Race cage has additional bars to meet international requirements for motorsport.
The Lotus 3-Eleven’s suspension features lightweight, double-wishbones front and rear, adjustable front anti-roll bar and Eibach springs
with Öhlins adjustable dampers. This allows owners to fine tune the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
Powertrain
Supercharged and charge-cooled 3.5-litre V6 engine
Limited Slip Differential as standard
Lotus traction control system
The new Lotus 3-Eleven is powered by a revised version of the 3.5-litre V6 engine first shown in the Evora 400, which includes a supercharger
with integrated water-to-air charge cooler. Maximum power output has increased to 450hp (456 PS / 336 kW) at 7000 rpm and torque has
increased to 450 Nm / 332 lbs ft with maximum torque available from 3500 rpm through to 6500 rpm.
A close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen-type limited slip differential, featuring a performance clutch assembly and oil cooler,
come as standard on the Road version. The Race model has a 6-speed sequential transmission with a semi-dry sump, oil cooler, limited slip
differential and paddle shift.
Brakes and Tires
Lightweight forged Aluminium wheels as standard
AP Racing four-pot calipers
Bosch ABS tuned by Lotus
Designed to cope with the 3-Eleven’s potential, lightweight forged Aluminium wheels are fitted as standard on the 3-Eleven, with either
Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Michelin Cup 2 tires depending on if it’s in Road or Race configuration.
At the front 225/40 ZR18 tyres are standard, and to help transfer the 3-Eleven’s considerable power and torque to the road, the rear tyres
has been specified as 275/35 ZR19.
In order to deliver the stopping power required for such a quick car, AP Racing four-piston calipers are complemented by two-part grooved
and vented brake discs (332 mm front and rear).
Upgraded brake pads are fitted to the Race version.
Exterior Design
Lightweight body panels, using new resin infusion composite technology
Dramatic silhouette underlines car’s performance-focused nature
Manufactured from very light weight composite materials, optimizing vehicle weight, aerodynamic and structural requirements, the 3-Eleven’s
composite body is 40% lighter than the GRP equivalent.
This new process is a first for a production car, and an example of Lotus’ focus on utilising pioneering new technology and lightweight
materials in its vehicles. The choice of material technology has allowed extreme vehicle performance targets to be met, and help realise the 3-
Eleven’s dynamic styling.
Undeniably a track car, the 3-Eleven’s aggressive stance leaves no doubt of its intentions. The dramatically sculpted body perfectly balances
the technical efficiency of a track car with the surface refinement of a road-going supercar. Form follows function, with a minimised cross
sectional area that keeps drag to a minimum while optimising cooling.
As an extreme design evolution of Lotus predecessors, the Lotus 3-Eleven’s new front clam shell incorporates larger openings to deliver the
necessary cooling for the powertrain and transmission. This helps give the vehicle a much more aggressive stance.
Two front splitter configurations are available, depending on whether the vehicle is configured for road or race use, and the front arches
are wide enough to cover the car’s wide track and the new 225/40 ZR18 tires.
Dramatic side scallops provide a clean exit from the front wheels arches, and the car’s profile is dominated by an aerodynamically significant
roll bar cover. The car is without a windscreen and doors, with the roll bar fully enclosing the rear cage. As well as generating downforce, the
roll bar forms a vital part of the car’s homologation to international motorsport safety standards.
The rear clamshell emphasises the aggressive stance of the car, with different fixed spoilers available, depending on whether the vehicle is
specified for road or race use.
The new rear diffuser and under-tray, which has been developed to ensure minimum drag, complements an exhaust system designed specifically to
minimize back pressure and enhance engine performance.
Interior Design
Focussed race interior
New race spec colour TFT instrument cluster can be switched between road and track modes
Fitted with the standard aeroscreen and the optional passenger seat, a passenger can be easily accommodated in the two seater. However,
these can be removed and the optional tonneau panel fitted - to envelope the driver and improve overall aerodynamics.
The new instrument cluster has been designed around a colour TFT screen, and can be switched between road and track modes, providing relevant
information direct to the driver.
A quick release steering wheel and Lotus sports seats with four-point harnesses are fitted as standard, while the Race variant has the option
of a data logger system, FIA approved driver’s race seat, and six-point harness - as well as a fire extinguisher & battery kill switch.
Manufacturing
Hand built in Hethel, England
The Lotus 3-Eleven will be hand made by the highly skilled craftsmen and women at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, alongside the rest of
the Lotus sports car range, supported by Lotus Motorsport technicians. All 3-Elevens will then be finished in Lotus Motorsport’s dedicated
workshops prior to delivery.
Lotus 3-Eleven
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Lotus 3-Eleven (rear)
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Lotus 3-Eleven Cockpit
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Lotus 3-Eleven Wheel/Brake
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Lotus 3-Eleven rear wing
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Lotus 3-Eleven Filler Caps
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Introduction at Goodwood
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Introduction at Goodwood
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