Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lotus 2-Eleven.

Lotus' original 2-Eleven track toy went on sale soon after its official unveiling last year in Geneva, complete with the same 250 hp, supercharged engine found in the Exige S. While it was hard to argue with the 2-Eleven's performance, particularly when you consider that it could be driven to and from the track in the UK when fitted with the right kit, the £39,995 price was out of reach for the average enthusiast. Lotus decided that open-air thrills should be a bit more financially achievable, so it's unveiled a new version of the 2-Eleven packing the Elise R's naturally-aspirated, 189 hp four.

The entry-level 2-Eleven still tips the scales around 1,500 pounds and comes equipped with most of the bits found on its blown big brother, but at a slightly more manageable £27,995. Start ticking the options and that price starts heading north... quickly. Two limited-slip differentials are available, as well as a carbon fiber tonneau cover, four-piston brakes, removable steering wheel and an FIA-approved 70-liter fuel tank. Choose the Aero pack and you get an adjustable carbon fiber spoiler and front splitter, while the Sport pack adds the ever-popular Ohlins two-way dampers.

Sales will begin abroad later this year and there's no word on whether we'll be able to get this new 2-Eleven here in the States, yet.

Hit the jump for Lotus' press release.

Click the Lotus 2-Eleven for a high-res gallery

Last March at the Geneva Motor Show, Lotus announced a new track car based on the Elise called the 2-Eleven. The stripped-down 1,474-pound 2-Eleven reduces the already spartan Elise to its bare essentials. Any semblance of a roof has been stripped away while the supercharged Toyota 1.8L puts out 252hp. The aerodynamics have been modified to maximize downforce, and sixty miles per hour comes up from a standstill in 3.9 seconds. Alas, the US has no single vehicle type certification rules like those in England that allow lights to be added so the car can be driven on the street. For those in the US who want a wicked-fast toy for track days, start pulling the coins out of your sofa cushions because the 2-Eleven will run you $78,000 when it becomes available next year.

[Source: Lotus]

Click on the photo for a high-res gallery of Lotus 2-Eleven images

The Lotus 2-Eleven, unveiled just prior to the Geneva Motor Show, recently hit the track for the first time. Apparently the results were good -- very good, in fact! AutoCar ireports that acceleration for the 1474 lb speedster is already beating initial projections, with 0-60 taking just 3.9 seconds and 100mph arriving in 8.9 seconds from a dead stop. The £39,995 track-only version will start rolling off the line at Hethel next month.

[Source: AutoCar]

Click on the photo for a high-res gallery of the 2-Eleven

For those that feel the wildest Elise Sport and Exige models from Lotus aren't enough, next week at the Geneva Motor Show, Lotus will unveil a new race car called the 2-Eleven. The 1,477lb track special is based on the extruded aluminum chassis of the Elise but with high sides for extra rigidity. The running gear is based on the Exige S and the open-top composite body of the 2-Eleven weighs only 88lbs. The 1.8L four cylinder is supercharged and cranks out 252hp and 179lb-ft of torque.

Lotus will start building 2-Elevens at the Hethel factory in England in April and have a starting price of £39,995. One of the cool things about England is the relaxed regulations for Single Vehicle Type Approval which basically means that British owners can drive almost anything on public roads. The SVA package for the UK including plates, inspection and registration for £1,100. A track-only version for sale in the rest of Europe runs £49,575. The track only version gets an enhanced aerodynamics package and a FIA approved drivers seat. The press release with all the details is after the jump.

[Source: Lotus]