The final iteration of the hardcore Lotus 3-Eleven has surfaced, in the form of the 2018 Lotus 3-Eleven 430.
Just 20 of these will be produced, with special paint, an enhanced aero package, more engine power and enhanced brakes. The Lotus 3-Eleven is already the marque’s quickest ever road car but these enhancements build on that to make it the most focused version yet.
The supercharged and intercooled Toyota 2GR V6 is wound up to 320kW and 440Nm, which means it is capable of 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 290km/h – improvements of 0.1 seconds and 10km/h, respectively.
The 430 features a revised weave for the carbon-composite body, reducing weight to 920kg, for a power:weight ratio of 467hp:tonne. Aerodynamic additions include a straight-cut rear wing, splitter and end plate revisions plus rear diffuser to add 44kg of downforce at top speed, increasing the overall figure to 265kg.
Brakes are care of AP Racing four-piston calipers, both front and rear with J-Hook 332mm discs. Reducing unsprung mass are a set of Lotus forged aluminium wheels, with a choice gloss or satin black finish. Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said :
“The development of the original 3-Eleven focused our thoughts on a Lotus of pure simplicity and advanced our thinking on the sports cars of the future. The 3-Eleven 430 is the ultimate conclusion of that work, a super car killer and something that we’re all immensely proud of.”
