Yahoo Autos This Lotus 2-Eleven GT4 Is the Perfect Track Toy
Since the debut of the first Elise, the modern incarnation of Lotus has been a company built around returning to its roots in building cars that put lightness above all else. That has produced relatively simple and relatively light classics across a variety of segments, but none come lighter than the Lotus 2-Eleven. It makes a compelling case for the title of ultimate modern Lotus, which makes it one of the most interesting track day cars you can buy today.
Lotus has moved on to the heavier and more powerful 3-Eleven, though, so any interest in its lighter predecessor is going to have to come on the collector car market. There are still 2-Elevens to be found, like this particular green-and-yellow example currently listed on Bring a Trailer.
This 2-Eleven is a GT4 Supersport, meaning it was built initially to GT4 racing specifications and upgraded with the optional Supersport aerodynamic and roll cage upgrades. It still weighs in around the all-important 1500 pounds, it still features no discernible windscreen, and it still comes with racing-level safety systems installed by default.
The weight savings over the newer 3-Eleven are in part due to the 2-Eleven's commitment to 4-cylinder power. While the V-6 powered 3-Eleven pushes 430 horsepower, the 2-Eleven's 1.8-liter supercharged Toyota engine puts out a modest 266 hp. That power is delivered through a sequential six-speed gearbox. In keeping with the visceral feeling of the rest of the car, those gears are selected through a massive stick rather than more modern paddles.
The auction continues for a full week, but bidding is only up to $5500 right now. The last Lotus 2-Eleven to sell on Bring a Trailer went for $55,000 in 2020, so expect that number to climb significantly.
Bring a Trailer is also owned by Road & Track's parent company, Hearst Autos.
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