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First customer Lotus 3-Eleven leaves Hethel production line Production Lotus Elise Cup 250 ready for delivery to its first customer Latest Lotus legends arrive for 50th anniversary celebrations Lotus 3-Eleven presented at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed Ready to humble some of the fastest cars that money can buy, two of the greatest, most extreme Lotus models ever produced, the Lotus 3-Eleven, finished in matt and gloss Black colour scheme and the Lotus Elise Cup 250 in Red, have driven off the production line for the first time at the famous Hethel factory. The two, hard-hitting lightweights represent the latest generation of Lotus sports cars, combining high-output engines with the company’s dedication to cutting mass, and so boosting performance through intelligent engineering. Developed through the company’s Lightweight Laboratory philosophy, every component in each as been assessed, optimised and re-engineered as required. Surrounded by some of the production and engineering teams responsible for the two cars, Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented: “The lucky owners of these will be the first to find out just how special the latest Lotus cars really are. We’ve raised the bar yet again, to produce two vehicles which the competition cannot hope to match. From the outright firepower of the 3-Eleven, to the sublime handling of the Elise Cup 250, these cars, better than any other, encapsulate our ‘light is right’ mantra.” 3-Eleven Showing clear intent for the Lotus high-performance sports cars of the future, the 3-Eleven is the company’s quickest and most expensive series production car ever. The 3-Eleven offers a giant-slaying power-to-weight ratio, thanks to a revised V6 supercharged engine developing 460 hp, to provide in excess of 500 hp per tonne. It is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). Designed to deliver a pure, undiluted driving experience, the Lotus 3-Eleven utilises an all-new lightweight carbon composite body, and a bespoke chassis evolved from Lotus’ ground-breaking work with extruded and bonded aluminium sections. As part of its development the Lotus 3-Eleven spent time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, where it was one of the fastest road going cars to ever tackle the track, capable of setting a sub-7 minute lap time. One year on from its global unveiling, this matt and gloss Black 3-Eleven will be on display at this years’ Goodwood Festival of Speed with Bell & Colvill, the most successful and longest serving Lotus dealer in the world. A second giant killing Lotus 3-Eleven will be taking part in the Michelin Supercar run on all three days of the Festival. Elise Cup 250 With the Lotus Elise recently crowned as Readers’ Champion during the Autocar Awards, this latest version of the legendary car is the faster ever - with a 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 154 mph (248 km/h). Powered by a new higher-output version of the supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Elise Cup 250 boasts 243 hp. However, in order to make the most of its power, it’s shed 21kg compared to its predecessor, to weight just 931 kg. Customers wanting to cut weight still further, and so boost performance, can select the optional Carbon Aero Pack to reduce the vehicle’s mass to 921 kg. The hand-built sports car has long been regarded as a benchmark within the industry, providing a level of precision and driver involvement that rivals cannot match. Capable of lapping the company’s test track in 1 minute 34 seconds, the changes and engineering adaptions to the Elise Cup 250 have taken an impressive four seconds off the previous Elise Cup 220’s best time. The arrival the new cars coincides with the 50th celebrations for the founding of the famous factory in Hethel, Norfolk, when, in 1966, founder Colin Chapman moved Lotus to the purpose-built facility. Lotus is marking this milestone in the company’s history with special edition cars and events throughout the year. Every new Lotus 3-Eleven and Elise customer can personalise their vehicle through the Lotus Exclusive programme. Developed by the Lotus Design team, it combines traditional British craftsmanship with the best of modern design. Conceived to inspire customers, allowing them to tailor vehicles to their personal taste, it offers a comprehensive array of options and provides an alluring alternative to an off-the-peg sports car. To find out more about Lotus Elise range visit: http://www.lotuscars.com/lotus-elise-range View attachment: 45756_3-Eleven-and-Cup-250-off-the-line-15_06_16-7c_1024x678.jpg

One of the quickest road cars in the world 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (Race version) Deliveries of Road and Race cars from March 2016 with production limited to 311 cars worldwide The Lotus 3-Eleven is the most powerful road car to wear a Lotus badge and Hethel’s quickest ever road car. It joins the ranks of those rare cars that can reach 60 mph in under three seconds and 100 mph in six seconds. To complement these figures, the Lotus 3-Eleven possesses a purity of the driving experience and the benchmark handling for which all Lotus cars are renowned, enabling a lap of the challenging Hethel circuit to be completed in 1 minute 19.5 seconds for the Race version. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus commented ”The Lotus 3-Eleven is a game-changing car, not only in terms of what has come before it from within our own rich heritage of sports cars, but also in terms of anything else comparable brought to market by any other manufacturer. Extreme, focused and phenomenal are all words that have been used to describe the 3-Eleven. This is a car that exists within an extremely rarified performance envelope – it offers both hypercar performance and handling. Nothing else provides a sensory overload of this nature, and all packaged under £100,000.” With the standard lightweight carbon composite bodywork, the Lotus 3-Eleven has a dry weight of 890 kg and maximum power of 460 hp (Race version). It has an enviable power to weight ratio of 517 hp per tonne, and is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and boasts a maximum speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). The Road version with a dry weight of 925 kg and a maximum power of 410 hp reaches 60 mph in 3.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h). Jean-Marc Gales continued, “I know that anyone who is fortunate enough to drive a 3-Eleven will be blown away by the performance that only adding lightness and power can give. However, to say that this car is the fastest road car that Lotus has ever produced only tells half the story. There are few cars on the market that can match the 3-Eleven, in looks, speed or lap times - it will reward those that are prepared to take the reins of the highest performing Lotus road car ever.” Marc Basseng, Lotus 3-Eleven driver stated, “The 3-Eleven is the perfect car for a fast lap at the Nürburgring and is a sub 7 minute car in favourable conditions; a time like this puts the 3-Eleven firmly into hypercar territory and I cannot wait to drive the production version in a few months.” Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2015, the 3-Eleven will soon be entering production with deliveries of cars to customers from March 2016 onwards. The 3-Eleven will be an exclusive car with a total production run limited to 311 vehicles. Prices start at £82,500 for the Road version (including VAT and on the road costs) and £97,083 excluding VAT for the Race version (£116,500 including VAT). The 3-Eleven will be sold in all markets as a Race car and in Europe and Asia as a Road car. The Lotus 3-Eleven Race and Road Versions in more detail The aggressive stance and dramatically sculpted body in lightweight carbon composite, standard on both Road and Race versions, perfectly balances the competition focus of a track car with the surface refinement of a road-going supercar. In keeping with performance orientated design, an optional Carbon Tonneau Cover is available for both Road and Race versions. In either left or right hand drive configurations, removable aerodynamic cover efficiently smoothes the airflow over the cockpit and turns the car into a competition inspired single seater. As expected for such a focussed and extreme a sports car, the Lotus 3-Eleven delivers high levels of aerodynamic downforce from the sculptured bodywork, rear wing, front splitter and flat floor and rear splitter. At 150 mph (240 km/h) the Road version produces 150 kg of downforce; the Race version with its twin front canards mounted on both sides and its adjustable rear wing produces 215 kg. Not only does the Lotus 3-Eleven possess giant slaying straight line performance, it also generates a lateral acceleration of 1.5 g steady state whilst cornering. A lightweight Lithium-ion motorsport battery is fitted on both the Road and Race cars saving 10 kg over a typical lightweight battery. The new colour TFT instrument cluster can be switched between road and track modes, with numerous user customisable screen pages available to scroll through. An option for Road and Race versions is a Road to Track Logger and GPS Unit with a further opportunity to upgrade this logger with professional data analysis software. The Race car has a high level competition spec Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission with a semi-dry sump, oil cooler, cassette-type plate limited slip differential and paddle shift. A close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen-type limited slip differential, featuring a performance clutch assembly and oil cooler, is fitted on the Road version. The manual gearshift mechanism uses light weight machined and cast aluminium components which are so technically aesthetically appealing they are exposed through an open-gate design, further reducing weight. The Lotus 3-Eleven’s suspension features lightweight, double-wishbones front and rear, with an adjustable anti-roll bar as standard on the Race version and an option on the Road car. The 3-Eleven uses Öhlins dampers, with 2-way Öhlins dampers as standard on the Race car (a cost option on the Road car). The adjustable dampers and anti-roll bar allow owners to fine tune the vehicle’s handling characteristics. The 3-Eleven utilises a bespoke chassis based on the proven Lotus design of extruded and bonded aluminium sections. The roll-cage on both cars incorporates twin side bars for side impact protection, whilst the FIA compliant cage, optional on the Race car, only has additional bars to meet international requirements for motorsport. A competition specification fire extinguisher, battery isolator and motorsport towing eye are fitted as standard to the Race car and are offered as an option on the Road version. Ultra lightweight forged Aluminium wheels are fitted together with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres on the Road version, with the track focused Michelin Cup 2 tyres optional on the Road car but standard on the Race car. At the front 225/40 ZR18 tyres are fitted, and to help transfer the 3-Eleven’s considerable power and torque to the road, the rear tyres have 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-piece grooved and vented brake discs (332 mm front and rear). Upgraded brake pads are fitted to the Race version. The Road car has a Lotus HANS compatible composite driver’s sport seat and 4-point harness as standard with an opportunity to upgrade to the lightweight FIA Carbon driver seat as fitted to the Race car. A removable steering wheel fitted to the Race version is an option on the Road car. Passenger seats with a 4-point harness can be fitted to both cars with two versions available: either the Sport seat which weighs 7 kg, or the lightweight carbon seat which weighs just 5.3 kg. The exterior of the 3-Eleven will have the standard base paint with Metallic paint and a Black Pack as options where key elements of the bodywork finished in matt black. There are four bespoke colour schemes for the 3-Eleven; Metallic Green with Metallic Yellow stripes, Metallic Black with Metallic Gold stripes, Metallic Red with Metallic Gold stripes and Matt Black with Metallic Black stripes. View attachment: 73427_Lotus_3-Eleven_Road_Front_3QTRS_1024x736.jpg

The all new Lotus 3-Eleven • The quickest production Lotus road car ever • Dramatic, all-new lightweight composite body • Two versions, Road and Race, both developed through Lotus Motorsport Heralding a new generation of Lotus high performance sports cars, today saw the unveiling of 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 is focused on providing 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 dramatic new vehicle 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 900 kg (Race version), the 3-Eleven offers an enviable power to weight ratio, in excess of 500 hp per tonne, 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, and is perfectly in keeping with our brand values.” Jean-Marc Gales continued, “This new car is a giant slayer, capable of embarrassing far more expensive rivals. It condenses our engineering know-how into one, hard-core package, and is so focused that it won’t suit everyone. This is a perfect demonstration of the faster and lighter concept, something which will be crucial to all Lotus cars in the future.” The new Lotus 3-Eleven will enter 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). The Lotus 3-Eleven in more detail: 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, 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 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 Tyres • 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 tyres 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 tyres. 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. Official fuel consumption figures and CO 2 emissions figures for the Lotus 3-Eleven are not available at the time of going to press. They will be provided on the Lotus website www.lotuscars.com as soon as they are available. View attachment: 20150626104447-1769dbdf.jpg View attachment: 20150626104448-a0315b9d.jpg