2018 Lotus 3-Eleven 430 revealed

Lotus has shown off its fastest street-legal machine to date: the 3-Eleven 430.

Unveiling the new model ahead of its anticipated debut at the Geneva motor show next month, the British marque confirmed just 20 examples of the all-conquering two-door would be produced.

Each is based on the existing 3-Eleven sports car not sold in Australia, and employs a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine producing 321kW (or 430hp) and 400Nm.

The engine sends drive to the rear wheels via an open-gate six-speed manual transmission, says Lotus, the pair enabling an official 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h. The 430 weighs only 920kg.

Those credentials would put the Lotus in some serious company, supporting claims the regular 3-Eleven is quicker than a Porsche 918 Spyder around Germany’s Hockenheim.

The added firepower is aided by fitment of sticky Micheline Cup 2 rubber wrapping forged alloys, four-piston AP Racing brakes front and rear, a 50mm-higher rear wing and new aero components including a flat floor with rear diffuser, longer front splitter and lip spoiler.

Lotus claims the changes, punctuated by the addition of carbon-composite body work, increase downforce by 44kg, to 265kg at maximum speed.

Lotus Australia has been contacted for comment.

Given the hurdle of ADR compliance with the regular 3-Eleven sports car, it is unlikely any of the 20 3-Eleven 430s will make it to local showrooms.

The track warrior will see out manufacturing of the 3-Eleven, whose production run is coming to an end.