With the Exige having grown and spawned its own
V6 Cup
variant, there was a gap in the Lotus line-up where the
Exige Cup 260
used to reside. Here then is the Elise S Cup R.
As the name implies, the Cup is mechanically based on the
Elise S
we were so beguiled by back in 2012. Power from the Toyota 2ZR-FE is unchanged at 220hp, torque is down a touch at 181lb ft (compared to 184), but Lotus is claiming an uplift in performance thanks to a 'motorsport-specific engine control module'.
There are gains too from Lotus Motorsport's aero work. The Cup R's bodykit includes a front splitter, 'barge boards', a diffuser and rear spoiler. Despite this and the hardtop, Lotus claims an identical kerbweight to the road car at 924kg. An official downforce figure hasn't been released, but Lotus has said the Cup R is four seconds a lap faster round a 5km circuit than the Elise S.
Also contributing to the performance increase are tweaks to the suspension and brakes. Given how capable the standard car is on track, it's not hugely surprising to find the changes aren't huge. The Cup R comes with adjustable TCA springs and dampers, some upgraded braked pads and forged wheels. The tyres are Yokohama Advan Neova AD07s.
... and add a bit of this for Elise S Cup R
As befits the Cup R's racer status, the interior is prepped for the track. There's an FIA-spec roll cage and fire extinguished, six-point harnesses and a HANS device for the seat, a quick release steering wheel and a battery isolator switch.
Options for the Cup R include an FIA-spec fuel cell, air-con for the softies and 'ultra-lightweight' motorsport wheels for those wanting to eke out the last tenth.
The Elise Cup R is eligible for entry in the production class of the 2014 Lotus Cup, against various other Elises, Exiges, Evoras, 340Rs and 2-Elevens. Lotus Design will even paint it in a racy livery for you, for a total of £39,125 plus VAT.
