Would you like to ride my paper plane?

When you say “entry-level”, it is usually a euphemism for cheap. Play around with this for a while, it suggests, until you’re ready for a grown-up one that your ignorance won’t break after 15 clumsy minutes. Mobile phones, computers, possibly MP3 players can all come in robust plastic models described as “entry-level”. But a Lotus? One of the most famous names in motoring, whose reputation for compact and desperately chic sports cars has survived at least three generations, shouldn’t have “entry-level” anything. Unless it’s a sign on the factory floor-plan.

 

But this year, Lotus has revealed this little gem – and they call it an “entry-level” 2-Eleven Sport. Which, even though it bares the illustrious Lotus logo, is little more than a really, really nice go-kart. But in no way do we mean that as a criticism. Basically, this is a high-performance track car that you can also drive home after you’re done with racing lines, rear-end slides and fourth-gear hair-pins.

 

The Lotus 2-Eleven (we’re still trying to work out why it’s got that name) made it’s concept debut last year, and the company’s CEO Mike Kimberley has been prring with cash-lined pockets ever since. “It’s been exceptionally well received,” he said, grinning like a Lottery winner receiving his cheque from a beauty queen with loose morals, “which has provided Lotus with a significant challenge to keep pace with demand… It is very encouraging to hear all the incredibly positive feedback from people enjoying the 2-Eleven's fantastic performance.”

 

There is, let’s be honest, plenty to enjoy. The 252bhp, 4-cylinder engine can scream around any track at 240kmh, and rocket from 0-100 in around four seconds. All in a package smaller than the last thing you posted by DHL. And this is where we say something about it being more than entry-level fun. Which rounds this piece off nicely. 

 

It may look like a slightly beefier coat-hanger, but it still houses a 2-litre, 4-cylinder Lotus Elise 255PS. Which usually powers extremely fine road cars.

 

The rear wing, part of the car’s Aero Pack, can be moved to generate additional downforce – at its maximum, it can generate  more than 10 per cent of the vehicle’s weight at 160kmh. 

 

As this is a sports car, and as Lotus are all enamoured with their “performance through lightweight” design, this weighs just 720kgs – or a big polar bear.

 

Although the top speed in the Lotus 2-Eleven is a highly creditable 240kmh, the acceleration is where this car really excels – reaching 100kmh in a shade over 4 seconds.

 

The carbon-fibre body comes ina shade of colours that wouldn’t look out of place on a carton of fruit juice – choose from Red Scorpion, Orange Bobcat, Yellow Hornet and Green Dragon.

 

The best things about this car, though, is it’s price. Owning your own mini F1 car can, depending where you live, costs as little as $52,000.