Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the new Lotus 2-Eleven.

Launched at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, the Lotus 2-Eleven is aimed at the true track day enthusiast, taking Colin Chapman’s philosophy of ‘Performance Through Lightweight’ to its most extreme level yet.

Weighing in at just 670 kg (1,477 lbs) with 255 PS (252 bhp / 188kw) on tap courtesy of its supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine, the Lotus 2-Eleven boasts a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960’s Formula One car. Designed with the most serious of track day enthusiasts in mind, the Lotus 2-Eleven offers race car levels of performance coupled with legendary Lotus Ride and Handling to deliver a truly outstanding track day car.

Said Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc: “The Lotus 2-Eleven takes our core brand values to the extreme. It is the ultimate track day vehicle - not only phenomenally quick, but also very user-friendly. In short, the 2-Eleven delivers everything that the modern track day warrior and clubman racer demands, and more.”

Production of the Lotus 2-Eleven is scheduled to commence in April 2007 at the award-winning and world-class Lotus manufacturing facility at Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The 2-Eleven build will be completed in dedicated Lotus Sport workshops and each vehicle will be given a Lotus Sport build plate.

The Lotus 2-Eleven is initially available in Launch Edition specification only, which boasts a dynamic and unique three-way Lotus Sport colour scheme complete with decal pack. The Launch Edition is available in two versions - Road Going Version (UK Single Vehicle Approval) fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items to achieve compliance with UK road legal requirements and Track Only Version with an enhanced aerodynamics package including high downforce single plane carbon fibre rear wing, high downforce front splitter, brake lights and rear indicators and FIA approved driver’s race seat.

The recommended selling price (incl UK VAT) of the Lotus 2-Eleven Launch Edition will be £39,995. In the UK, the SVA version (Single Vehicle Type Approval) which includes delivery, Pre Delivery Inspection, first service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, a full tank of fuel and SVA test costs an additional £1,100. The Lotus 2-Eleven is only available as a track-only option outside of the UK at
EUR49,575 excluding local tax in mainland Europe. Pricing in Japan, South Africa and Lotus other international markets will be announced shortly.

The Lotus 2-Eleven in more detail:

Engine
The supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine in the Lotus 2-Eleven has a maximum power output of 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 242 Nm (179 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm. This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Four high capacity injectors and an up rated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.

An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant.

Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.

Transmission
A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight aluminium C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) - with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. An open type differential is fitted as standard. The Lotus switchable Traction Control System (LTCS) works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction; it is active above 8 km/h (5 mph) and reacts much more quickly than many brake-based systems.

Chassis & Integral Safety Features
The Lotus 2-Eleven uses a unique high-sided variant of the Lotus Elise lightweight chassis structure featuring epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with modified Exige S based running gear. This strong and stiff package features a comprehensive safety system with a glass fibre reinforced composite front crash structure allied to a high sill chassis for side impact protection. Additional chassis safety features include an FIA compliant 6-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts and lightweight galvanized steel rear sub frame incorporating a further crushable structure.

Body
The Lotus 2-Eleven features all new ultra-lightweight (40 kg / 88
lbs) composite bodywork featuring core-mat technology. All external panels are bolted on for ease of removal, maintenance and repair.

Wheels & Tyres
5-spoke lightweight forged black alloy wheels (front 7Jx16, rear 8J x 17) are shod with Lotus Sport specific Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16, rear 225/45 R17), designed to maximise grip and achieve the exacting ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

Brakes
The brake system includes 288 mm cast iron cross drilled and ventilated discs, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (aluminium alloy AP Racing 2-piston at the front and Brembo single sliding piston at the rear), high grade silicone brake fluid and stainless steel braided hoses. In addition, the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system enhances braking performance and minimises stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

Suspension
Fully independent suspension utilising unequal length wishbones; Öhlins 2-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs and Lotus Sport adjustable front anti-roll bar. A rear double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during heavy track day driving, with unique steering arms and front upper wishbones to suit ultra-low ride height.

Performance
0-60 mph 3.8 secs (estimated)
0-100 km/h 3.9 secs (estimated)
0-100 mph 9.1 secs (estimated)
(0-160 km/h)
Max Speed 155 mph (250 km/h)
Max Power 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) at 8000 rpm
Max Torque 242 Nm (179 lb/ft) at 7000 rpm

Noble Automotive has assigned manufacturing rights to the M12/400 series vehicle in the USA to 1g Racing. The assignment allows 1g, based in Hamilton, Ohio, to continue production of the vehicle which is still in demand in the USA and elsewhere.

Noble retains full rights to the car in the UK and control over the use of trademarks and naming.

Under terms of the agreement, 1g is required to re-badge and re-name the car by July 15th 2007, and is permitted to modify the vehicle to suit the needs of the 1g customer.

Company boss Lee Noble said: “The M12 has been a very successful model for Noble Automotive and we have learned much from it. Our new model will be a big step forward and this will leave no room in our line up for the M12/400 as we need to concentrate all of our attention on the development of our new model. However we will remain committed to all Noble owners, and will maintain the supply of all M12 and M400 parts for our owners and dealers.”

While it’s too early to tell what all of this means to those of us with Nobles in the US, based on my trials and tribulations with the US importer getting the car here, warranty issues honored when they occurred, and the general level (lack) of support, I’m not sure this is a good thing.

I’m prepared to eat crow if I’m wrong, but based on experience I don’t think I’ll have much to worry about. Watch our space for the upcoming M400 saga article in mid-spring!

JM

KTM progressing X-Bow development, with testing scheduled to have started in late January

Following a visit to KTM’s factory in Austria we can reveal that three X-Bow trackday-cum-road car prototypes are in the process of being built. One will be used for homologation and crash tests, one for chassis tuning, and the third will appear at the Geneva show. Testing has begun in late January, and the first production cars are on target for release in the second half of 2007. Expect a one-make KTM race series to be ready for 2008.

The six-speed manual version will weigh 700kg, but most cars are expected to be equipped with the optional (Audi) DSG gearbox that weighs 20kg more. Thanks to the X-Bow’s low weight, the speed of the DSG shift can be made much quicker. The engine is also offset in the chassis so the weight of a driver is balanced out by that of the engine – in left-hand-drive cars, at least.

KTM tells us that originally the X-Bow was to be a joint venture with Audi. However, Audi insisted that if it was to wear the four-ringed badge the car would have to come with all the normal safety equipment, including airbags. Unwilling to compromise the spirit of the X-Bow, KTM elected to continue the project on its own.

European law stipulates that there must be wipers and demisting if you have a windscreen, so the X-Bow does without one. Bespoke helmets that offer shelter from the elements, rather than full crash protection, will be sold with the car; there are special stowage areas for them in the cabin.

KTM is hoping the X-Bow will achieve 200kg of downforce at 124mph thanks to its rear diffuser. Performance options will be available from the start of production, with a simple chip conversion boosting the Audi-sourced 2-litre turbo engine from 220 to 300bhp. (Credit Evo Magazine for the information.)