Lotus Debuts High-Performance Version of Elise Cup 220

Lotus has just launched the high performance Cup version of the famous Elise Cup 220. In comparison to the Elise Cup 220, the new Elise Cup 250 is lighter by 21 kg and is more with a gain of 26 hp. The car goes from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and weighs only 931 kg, and capable of 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. It is the fastest road version of the Lotus Elise and stays true to the ‘light is right’ with all the components being optimized to lend the vehicle speed and lightness. Designed in the company’s ‘Lightweight Laboratory’, the team there trimmed 10 kg with a Lithium-ion battery while the carbon fiber seats slashed the weight by another 6 kg and the ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels took another 1.5 kg off the final weight.

Meant for fans of sports cars, the Lotus Elise Cup 250 will be available for the first time as a roadster with an optional hard top available. A Carbon Aero pack which can cut the weight by another 10 kg by replacing the standard front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side-floor extensions with lightweight carbon components is available for those who want to reduce the weight even more and thus boost performance.

Commenting on the new model, Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc said that the Lotus Elise has long been a trendsetter in its category but the company has been able to further refine its handling and performance to create the new model. In addition to an outstanding performance on track, the Lotus Elise Cup 250 is just as suitable for use on the road. There is no other model in this segment that can match it in terms of performance and accessibility.

The new car completed a circuit of Lotus’s Hethel test track in 1 minute 34 seconds, with the new engineering adaptions in the Elise Cup 250 taking four seconds off the record achieved by the Elise Cup 220. In fact, it is the fastest recorded lap time for a production Elise.

Based on the ompany’s continuous improvement design philosophy, every aspect of the new Elise Cup 250 has been carefully optimized and lightened from the recalibrated ignition system to the wider 195/50 R16 front tires to make them more responsive to the steering.

The new higher-output version of the supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine produces 243 hp (246 PS). Using the Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) motorists can switch to the Sport’ mode for a higher throttle response, lower traction slip thresholds and for removing understeer recognition, giving them greater control before the system intervenes..

A few aspects that have been retained from the Elise Cup 220 include its motorsport-derived suspension , braking components, double wishbone suspension, an adjustable front anti-roll bar, Bilstein sports dampers and Eibach coaxial coil springs. The ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels (16 inch, front and 17 inch rear) are fitted with Yokohama AO48 tires (195/50/16 on the front and 225/45/17 on the rear) are particularly impressive.

When it comes to the interiors, the Elise Cup 250 has full Alcantara® seats in red or black, with an optional Leather Pack available. Users can opt for iPod connectivity and Bluetooth functionality. Full carpets and enhanced sound insulation are also available as optional extras.

A wide array of ten paint choices are available for customers, with two of them being no-cost options. Of the balance eight, seven are metallic and one is the Signature Grey option. Buyers can choose to personalize their new Elise Cup 250 through the Lotus Exclusive program which was launched recently.

The Lotus Elise Cup 250 goes on sale in all major markets, excluding North America, from April 2016.