Lotus 340R

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}

{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}{{Infobox automobile

| name = Lotus 340R

| image = Lotus 340R-01.jpg

| caption = Two 340Rs

| manufacturer = Lotus Cars

| aka =

| production = 2000

| model_years =

| assembly = United Kingdom: Hethel, Norfolk, England

| designer =

| class =

| body_style =

| layout = MR layout

| platform =

| related = Lotus Elise

| engine = 1.8L Rover K Series I4

| transmission = Rover 5 speed PG1 Close Ratio Gearbox

| propulsion =

| wheelbase =

| length = 142.2 in (3.61 m)

| width =

| height =

| weight = {{convert|701|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}

| predecessor =

| successor = Lotus 2-Eleven

| sp = uk

}}__NOTOC__

The Lotus 340R is a limited edition sports car manufactured by Lotus Cars in 2000 at their Hethel factory.

Overview

Originally introduced as a concept car at the 1998 Birmingham Motor Show, the 340R is a special edition of the Lotus Elise. 340 were built, and all were sold before they were manufactured. It uses a custom built bodyshell with no roof or doors. All cars came with a silver and black colour scheme although some of them were painted in several OEM colours. Special A038R tyres were developed for the 340R in collaboration with Yokohama.

While road-legal in the UK and Europe,{{Cite web|url=https://jalopnik.com/the-lotus-340r-is-still-one-of-the-most-extreme-cars-pu-1823308270|title=The Lotus 340R Is Still One Of The Most Extreme Cars Put Into Production|website=Jalopnik|date=25 February 2018 |language=en-us|access-date=2019-11-24}} most of the surviving cars are only used for racing, track use, or demonstrations.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

Engine

File:Lotus 340R-03.jpg

The engine is a four-cylinder version of the 1.8L Rover K-Series engine called VHPD (Very High Power Derivative) used in the regular Elise which produces {{convert|177|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} at 7800 rpm and {{convert|172|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 6750 rpm as standard, or {{convert|187|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} at 7500 rpm and {{convert|189|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 5600 rpm with optional Lotus accessories. The former can accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of {{Convert|133|mph|0|abbr=on}}.2000 Lotus 340R | Top Speed[https://www.topspeed.com/cars/lotus/2000-lotus-340r/][http://www.metaris.com/hp-relations.php]{{Cite web|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/77874/this-rare-lotus-340r-lives-in-the-usa-and-its-for-sale/|title=This Rare Lotus 340R Lives in the USA, and It's for Sale|last=Lotus|website=Motor1.com|language=en|access-date=2019-11-24}}

Specifications

  • 0-{{convert|160|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}} 10.7 sec
  • Power-to-weight ratio: {{convert|{{#expr:177/.701 round 1}}|bhp|abbr=on}}/Ton or {{convert|{{#expr:701/177 round 2}}|kg|2|abbr=on}}/bhp
  • Price: £35,000

References

{{reflist}}