2 Lotus 2008-Eleven Review
And the absence of the latter leads to a truly enormous amount of the former. With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.9kg per kilowatt and performance that surpasses price tag supercars, the $127,500 Lotus seems modest.
3.9 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h and 8.9 seconds to 160 km/h, it will be faster than all of them here in Oran Park.
Having driven in a straight line last week, even this most cautious race driver felt how easy it was to exceed this speed. The bare numbers tell a story, but fail to capture the feeling of experiencing them in this open windowless topper. Incredibly agile, instantly responsive and fully engaged; 2-Eleven is everything you love about Lotus, only more.
It takes someone as big as our host, Dean Evans, to demonstrate the dynamic power of a car.
However, even for a comparative newbie who hasn't previously enjoyed Oran in its full openness, Lotus is a toy for complete enjoyment, completely accessible and exhilarating.
Even the impromptu spin that results from the dizziness and clumsiness of the legs only serves to underline the 2-Eleven's general tolerance for rider lethargy.
Settling into something close to the right lines, the adjustable traction control set to indulgence, we stay on the third gear of the six-speed gearbox all the way through, using the supercharged 1.8-liter engine's handling.
The fourth only stops when the rev warning light flashes, the tachometer approaches 8000 rpm and the speedometer 180 km/h.
If you've never tried a Lotus, you should, if only for the steering. Most manufacturers treat wheel spinning as a chore, and by lightening the effort, they invariably reduce the sensation.
The 2-Eleven's steering is literally bursting with sensation. Clear of help, it's saber-sharp and almost discouragingly straight, but full of joy.
If only you could take him shopping. Sorry, but you'll have to keep the Europa on the side because 2-Elevens are track-only licensed (and a full-face helmet is an absolutely essential accessory). First seen by most at the Australian International Motor Show, the 2-Eleven is the fastest production car in the marque's rich history.
Only 100 cars will be built each year, ensuring that track days will attract attention. Based on a modified Exige S chassis, the 2-Eleven is powered by a Toyota-derived 1.8-liter 16-valve DOHC supercharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and lift.
Tuned to develop 188 kW at 8000 rpm, it is 16% more powerful than the street-ready Exige S and 20% lighter. It's also more docile, with increased torque of 242Nm so the drive comes hot and strong and in a linear fashion. Launch and thrust control are handled by the same system, the former providing variable speed launches, the latter offering a choice of 18 levels of electronic intervention from dictatorial to do-and-damn.
We've said it before (and it's unlikely we'll say it again), there's nothing better than Lotus.
