Lotus 2-Eleven s/c (2008) CAR review

Sounds thrilling

Thrilling? The Lotus 2-Eleven injects pure adrenaline directly into your jugular. Few cars react as quickly to driver inputs and reward with such extreme layers of feedback. The acceleration is instant – no lag, no pause, just immediate throttle response and an even spread of power up to 8000rpm. Play with the launch control and the 2-Eleven juggles revs and wheelspin in a brutal spectacle of raw acceleration. There was some resistance within Lotus to the idea of launch control (and indeed traction control), but while the launch system is rather gimmicky the fully switchable and adjustable traction control is a massive advantage. Operated via a rotary knob, the traction control gives the driver a multitude of traction levels - and indeed sideways angles.

It’s a Lotus right? So I presume it handles?

Oh yes. One of the 2-Eleven’s many USPs is that is makes the driver feel instantly comfortable. The driving position is suitably low, there’s plenty of elbow room (Caterham, take note) and the steering delivers such instant feel from the even the lowest speeds that you’re never unsure of how much grip there is on the nose.

And it's these factors that make the 2-Eleven so exploitable. You can drive up to, and then nibble that entertainment zone just over the limit without fear of having a huge prang. It’s simply beautifully resolved, adjustable, compliant, and most importantly: fun.

Verdict

Very, very few. The 2-Eleven can’t hold a candle to the (admittedly more expensive) KTM X-Bow in terms of visual drama and carbon loveliness, and the Ariel Atom and Caterham R500 are more visceral (i.e. scary) rides. There’s an enemy within too: while not ultimately as fast, the Lotus Exige S delivers gorgeous prototype-chic styling plus the option of a roof and air-con for a similar price. However, for now the 2-Eleven is the ultimate Lotus. 

Which would you have - a Lotus, Caterham, KTM or Ariel? Click 'Add your comment' below and have your say