The company spent two weeks testing at the Nordschleife circuit, covering a collective distance of more than 2,000 km (1,243 miles). Unfortunately there were other vehicles on the track at the same time, but the car’s data-logging system recorded a total lap time of seven minutes and six seconds, combining the quickest sector times during the fastest two laps.
“I can say that the 3-Eleven is the perfect car for a fast lap here. It is so sharp and so focussed; a true weapon!” said Lotus driver Marc Basseng. “This was proven in the sector times set and I’m sure, with the track completely to itself, the car could push towards a 7min flat lap time.”
The 3-Eleven is the most powerful road car in Lotus’ lineup, boasting 450 horsepower from its supercharged V6 powerplant. Consistent with the company’s “faster and lighter” mantra, it is also features composite body panels and an open-top body to keep weight down.
“We’ve always said that to make a car faster you must make it lighter and this new car carries that philosophy to a new level,” said Lotus chief Jean-Marc Gales. “The 3-Eleven achieved one of the fastest ever lap times around the Nürburgring for any class of car and faster than many other supercars.”
The company will have to wait if it wants to set an official time at the Green Hell, as track management is still restricting speeds through certain sections due to a spectator death. Speed limits will eventually be lifted, but not before several sections are resurfaced and more spectator protections are installed.
Live images by Ben Hsu.
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