Manufactures 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 utilizing pioneering new technology and lightweight materials in its vehicles. The choice of material technology and lightweight materials in its vehicles. The choice of material technology has allowed extreme vehicle performance targets to be met and help realize 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 minimized cross sectional area that keeps drag to a minimum while optimizing 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 ZR18 tires. Dramatic side scallops provide a clean exit from the front wheel 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.
As far as the performance is regarded the 3-Eleven utilizes a bespoke chassis based on the proven Lotus design of extruded and bonded aluminum sections. The road roll-cage incorporates twin side bars for side impact protection, whilst 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 Ohlins adjustable dampers. This allows owners to fine tune the vehicle's handling characteristics.
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 change cooler. Maximum power output has increased to 450hp at 7000rpm and torque has increased to 332lb.ft. 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.
Fitted with the standard aero-screen 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 color 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 harness 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 and battery kill switch.
Hand built in Hethel, England. The Lotus 3-Eleven will be hand made by the highly skilled craftsmen and women at Lotus HQ in Hethel, alongside the rest of the Lotus sports car range , supported by Lotus Motorsport technicians. Production is limited to, only 311 vehicles in total. Prices are slated from £82,000 for the Road version and £96,000 for the Race version.
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