Lotus 340 R User Manual

Lotus Service Notes 340R

340R SUPPLEMENT

Sub-Section Page

Introduction 340R.# 2

Technical Data 340R.TD 2

Chassis 340R.A 3

Body 340R.B 4

Front Suspension 340R.C 8

Rear Suspension 340R.D 9

Engine 340R.E 9

Transmission 340R.F 16

Wheels & Tyres 340R.G 17

Steering 340R.H 18

Braking 340R.J 18

Cooling 340R.K 18

Fuel System 340R.L 18

Electrical 340R.M 19

Maintenance & Lubrication 340R.O 46

Heating 340R.P 50

Clutch 340R.Q 50

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Lotus Service Notes 340R

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 non­structural, 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

ohr2

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Lotus Service Notes 340R

Windscreen frame

Electronics
housing

Access lid

Cockpit tub

Side closing panel

Cockpit side screen

Front splitter/spoiler Front mudguard Rear aerofoil

Rear mudguard

sb38

sb39 Aerofoil support plate Rear shroud

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