Racing News

23-Nov-08

Lotus 2-Eleven GT4 test

Last week I was fortunate to be offered a test in the new Lotus 2-Eleven GT4 racer around Silverstone GP. Unfortunately I didn’t get many laps as a young journalist had a run first splitting the session. The fact he climbed out of the car shaking confirmed the character of this machine.

The GT4 is intended for the new FIA GT4 category which allow Lotus to compete in European and all national GT series around the world from British GT to Dutch Super Cars with anything in between. At £80,000 its not a cheap initial purchase until you look into the other manufacturer packages available then suddenly it makes total sense. Viewed as a two or 3 year investment this car offers serious value specially for anyone aiming at the more prestigious GT packages. The running costs are as cheap as GT cars can ever get because the car is predominantly “off the shelf” and perhaps best of all, unlike... say a Porsche Cup I don’t believe the 2-11 will need a highly specialised team to get the best from it. Only 10 of these cars are planned.

I can honestly say it’s the most fun car I’ve driven in years and it's spec guarantees the 2-Eleven will be competitive. Its balance of speed and grin factor is just perfect for new racers and semi pro’s alike. With an awesome sounding whine and induction draw coming from the supercharged 275bhp engine revving to over 8500rpm in combination with its 6 speed sequential gearbox this car is nothing short of “grin tastic”. Into and out of corners it will humble a Porsche 997 but then it is 400kgs lighter!!

Now I just have to find a way to race one… Ho hum.