Lotus unveils its new track star

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.