Lotus 3-Eleven

Track-focused weapon gains 430 badge

- Matt Bird

WITH A DEBUT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2015, the Lotus 3-Eleven has been with us for less than three years. Now, with the 311-car production run coming to an end, Lotus has saved what should be the very best until last: the 3-Eleven 430.

If you’re familiar with Lotus nomenclature then you will recognise the ‘430’ tag and know it denotes a maximum power output of 430bhp (321kW), making all three models with this version of the supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 the fastest of their respective ranges. For the 3-Eleven, it makes for the quickest Lotus ever produced. That power gain – plus a torque increase to 440Nm – tells only part of the story, though. The weight reduction for this 430 is just a bit-part player, too, because it’s 5kg (thanks to new brakes and wheels).

The key advantage that this 3-Eleven holds, over both the ‘standard’ car and many others, is in aerodynamics. With the rear wing now mounted 50mm higher than before and including re-profiled end plates, plus the addition of a more aggressive front splitter, maximum downforce at the 290km/h top speed is up 44kg to 265kg.