The Elise and Exige are excellent bits of kit, but Lotus is now set to unveil the ultimate expression of its plastic fantastic.
Say hello to the 2-Eleven, a pumped-up, stripped-down tearaway that promises to wreak havoc at track days.
Due to make its maiden public appearance at the imminent Geneva motor show, the wild-looking open-topped car will begin rolling out of Lotus's Hethel factory in April. And word has it this OTT three-tone colour-scheme will be the only one offered.
The 2-Eleven ramps up performance via a 1.8-litre supercharged engine that belts out 188kW at a free-spinning 8000rpm, while peak torque of 243Nm arrives at 7000rpm.
Add to this the fact that the 2-Eleven tips the scales at a waif-like 670kg and you get a power-to-weight ratio that matches a 1960s Formula One car, according to Lotus.
The mid-mounted powerplant is hooked up to the same close-ratio six-speed gearbox as the Exige S.
Stopping power should be formidable thanks to race-spec brakes -- AP at the front and Brembo at the rear -- and it rides on black five-spoke lightweight alloys shod with Yokohama tyres.
The bodywork is bolted on for easier swaps (in the event of inevitable 'racing incidents'), and the chassis is a derivative of the Exige's, with epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions and high sides for added protection.
Adding to its motorsport credentials is an FIA-compliant six-point rollover structure with integral harness mounts.
The 2-Eleven will be offered in two variants: there's a 'Road Going Version', which comes equipped with front and rear lights, an exhaust catalyst, rear wing and a few other bits to meet UK road regs; and there's also a 'Track Only Version', which dispenses with any items that don't help it go faster.
In keeping with its job designation, the Track version has an enhanced aerodynamics package comprising a carbonfibre rear wing and front splitter -- which combine to generate high downforce. The track tearaway also scores brake lights and rear indicators and FIA approved driver's race seat.
Sadly, the road-going car will be offered only in the UK (priced at the equivalent of $101,870), while the track version will cost $99,143. The latter will be exported to selected offshore markets, so if you pester your Lotus dealer, he might see fit to order one for you.