Lotus 340R
A doorless, roofless distillation of the Lotus lightweight philosophy.
- Power
- 177 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 4.4 s
- Top speed
- 133 mph
- Est. value
- $65k–$130k
About the Lotus 340R
The Lotus 340R is a radical, open-wheeled derivative of the Series 1 Elise, designed to be the ultimate expression of Colin Chapman's 'add lightness' mantra. Originally a concept car, overwhelming public demand led to a strictly limited production run of 340 units, all finished in a signature silver and black livery. It features a bonded aluminium chassis and a mid-mounted Rover K-Series VHPD engine, delivering a raw and visceral driving experience without the interference of doors, a roof, or even a windscreen. Its handling is legendary, offering race-car levels of agility and feedback that remain a benchmark for track-focused road cars.
Lotus 340R specs
The Lotus 340R produces 177 bhp (132 kW) and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 133 mph (214 km/h).
| Make | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Model | 340R |
| Trim | 1.8 |
| Years | 2000 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 340 built |
| Engine | 1.8-litre Rover K-Series VHPD I4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc (1.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 177 bhp (132 kW) at 7,800 rpm |
| Torque | 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,600 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 4.4 s |
| Top speed | 133 mph (214 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 701 kg (1,545 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 252 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Lotus 340R worth?
A typical Lotus 340R is estimated to be worth $65,000 – $130,000 (about £48,000 – £97,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Lotus 340R rarity in CarSpot
The Lotus 340R is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Lotus 340R fun facts
- The name 340R originally referred to the project's target power-to-weight ratio of 340 bhp per tonne, though the production car fell slightly short of this mark.
- Yokohama developed the A038R semi-slick tyre specifically for the 340R, featuring a unique tread pattern designed to work with the car's ultra-low weight.
- Because it lacks doors, the only way to enter the cockpit is to step over the high-sided sills of the aluminium tub.
