In the real world the Carlton's handling contains this power punch extremely well thanks to substantial suspension modification (including a Lotus-developed multi-link rear axle and twin-tube dampers), meaty Goodyear Eagle tyres (265/40 rear, 235/45 front) and massive ventilated disc brakes (330mm diameter fronts are clasped by four-pot calipers). True to Lotus tradition, ride quality is also impressive, combining fair suppleness with brilliantly tuned damping.
Grip and balance are superb in the dry, allowing undramatic cornering at outrageous speeds. The nose turns in eagerly and, through bends, the tail sits confidently with appropriate throttle pressure. Too much power through faster corners induces safe understeer, although, predictably, a bootful in a slow corner will kick the tail wide. As I found in a down-pour, cornering behaviour on wet roads becomes intimidating: a car that can spin its back wheels at 100mph in third gear demands great respect.
