2000 Lotus 340R Roadster

Based on the Elise platform, the extreme Lotus 340R was a limited production, lightweight roadster intended for either road or track use and first broke cover in 1998, with production commencing in early 2000. With no doors, roof or side windows, the new 340R offered minimal passenger comfort and maximum driving involvement, taking the Elise to new performance levels. Powering the 340R was a revised version of the Elise's K-Series engine, known as the VHPD, with 177 bp at 7800 rpm and 127 lb/ft of torque at 6750 rpm in standard guise. Various upgrades were offered to customers wanting even more power. With just 701 kgs to shift, the 340R offered impressive power to weight (272 bhp per ton) and this, combined with a close-ratio Rover five-speed PG1 gearbox, resulted in amazing performance figures; the 340R was capable of reaching 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The 340R utilized the bigger brakes and stiffer suspension components from the Elise 190 Sport, and had ultra lightweight magnesium wheels shod with unique Yokohama A038R tyres specially developed for the Lotus. All 340 made were finished in silver and black, with 120 sold in the UK and the remainder going to Europe or Japan. Combining Formula One-inspired styling with a minimalist, race-bred philosophy emphasising power-to-weight over brute power, the 340R became the inspiration for a new breed of sports cars. With so few made, and even fewer surviving, the car has very real potential to climb in value in years to come, but that's missing the point - it was built to be driven.