Autoblog

Last year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed we spied our first Lotus 2-Eleven hypercar in the flesh. Turned out the owner was our friend, Patrick O'Neill, who had graciously agreed to be the lone Lotus representative in the supercar category. Apparently when Patrick lined up in the paddock to take his shot at the hill on day 2, a familiar face appeared at his side. While he wasn't sure exactly who it was, he knew he knew that mug from somewhere. Turned out it was another American named Patrick - Patrick Dempsey. That's right, McDreamy himself. While O'Neill chatted with Dempsey he learned that the actor was quite a Lotus fan as well as a promising racer. Dempsey asked if he could go along for the ride and O'Neill obliged. It took a little while, but O'Neill just sent us a video clip of their encounter.

What you'll see in this video clip is just a snippet of the hour or so that the two Patricks spent together on that morning in West Sussex. As O'Neill describes it, "This was a cool experience...I was very lucky to be able to drive my Lotus 2-Eleven in the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year. Patrick Dempsey. AKA Dr. McDreamy, is a Lotus fan and asked for a ride. I got to spend over an hour with him and he is a great guy and a real racer." Watch the clip closely and you'll notice the Pininfarina P4/5 custom Enzo of James Glickenhaus ahead of them and an Aston Martin behind being driven by former F1 champion Damon Hill behind. Enjoy. Thanks for sharing, Patrick!

[Source: YouTube]

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.