Lotus Elise Service Notes page 535

Lotus Service Notes 340 H
340R.# - INTRODUCTION
The Elise 340R made its debut at the 1998 Birmingham Motor Show as a radical lightweight sportscar
concept, focused on pure driving pleasure. Minimal changes were required to meet European homologation
regulations, and the car commenced production in January 2000.
The car is based on the standard Elise chassis, but uses completely different bodywork and interior, and
a road going version of the Rover VHPD powertrain. The car embodies the original philosophy of the Elise,
with performance achieved through light weight and efficiency, but is taken to a further extreme to focus on
driving pleasure, and is aimed at the enthusiast driver and for occasional circuit use. Features include a non-
structural, minimalist body without doors or roof structure, combined with separate close fitting carbon fibre
mudguards, translucent body side panels, a carbon fibre rear aerofoil mounted on alloy side plates, and a
special oval section steel roll over bar. Sport suspension is fitted, complete with the uprated and adjustable
front anti-roll bar.
The vehicle has proven to be an extremely rare phenomenon within the motor industry, as it is virtually
unknown for a concept vehicle to be productionised without drastic modification. The styling concepts first
shown at the 1998 International Motor Show at the Birmingham N.E.C. have remained true to their ideals in
production form. In fact, its uniqueness continues through to the rigouress acceptance criteria of the European
Whole Vehicle type approval authorities, no mean feat for a vehicle with these features.
340R.TD - TECHNICAL DATA
Dimensions
Overall length
3620 mm
Overall width
1702 mm
Overall height (at kerb weight) 1080 mm
Wheelbase 2300 mm
Track - front 1432 mm
- rear 1459 mm
Ground clearance (at kerb weight) 110 mm
Approach angle 12.4°
Departure angle
28°
Unladen weight - total
701 kg
> inc. full
- front
278 kg
>
fuel tank
- rear
423 kg
>
Maximum weight - total 928 kg
}
incl.
- front 387 kg
}
occupants
- rear
541 kg
}
& luggage
Trailer towing Not permissible
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