Doing what it does best.
Lotus is doing Lotus, lately. The new Lotus Elise Cup 250 is just another example of how the British automaker is cutting weight, upping power, and honing in aerodynamics and handling. The result is an evolutionary step that is faster, lighter, quicker, and more fun to drive.
The new Lotus Elise Cup 250 replaces the outgoing Elise Cup 220 and has gone through the brand’s ‘Lightweight Laboratory’ where engineers took every opportunity to reduce weight. A new lithium-ion battery cuts 22 lbs., carbon fiber seats shed 13 lbs., and new forged wheels drop another 3.3 lbs. In total, the standard Lotus Elise 250 Cup tips the scales at just 2,052 lbs. Tack on the optional Carbon Aero Pack, and that brings it down to a feather light 2,030 lbs.
“The Lotus Elise has long set the benchmark in its class, yet we’ve been able to hone its straight-line performance and handling. Yes, it is capable of amazing things on a track, but it also retains its road manners and is perfectly composed for day-to-day driving,” said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc. “No rival offers this level of performance and accessibility.”
Sitting behind the cockpit is a more powerful version of the supercharged 1.8-liter inline-four found in the previous-generation model. A total of 243 horsepower at 7,200 RPM and 184 lb-ft. from 3,500 to 5,500 RPM gives the lightweight Lotus Elise Cup 250 a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a 154 mph top speed.
The new Lotus Elise Cup 250 was also able to lap the Hethel test track in an impressive 1-minute, 34-seconds, making it the fastest production Elise ever. The time also put it 4.0-seconds faster than the Elise Cup 220.
Part what allowed the new Lotus Elise Cup 250 to achieve such a superb lap time was its upgraded chassis. Motorsport-derived parts such as the suspension and brakes were carried over from the Elise Cup 220 along with the adjustable anti-roll bar up front, Bilstein sports dampers, and Eibach coil springs and double-wishbone setup.
Bringing the lightweight Elise Cup 250 to a halt are AP Racing two-piston front calipers and Brembo single-piston rear calipers controlled by a track-spec ABS system. The 16-inch front and 17-inch rear ultra-lightweight forged wheels are shod in 195/50/16 and 225/45/17 Yokohama AO48 tires that achieve even more grip.
The Lotus Elise Cup 250 features aerodynamics that are designed for maximum stability and downforce, generating 145 lbs. at 100 mph and 342 lbs. at 154 mph of the good stuff. As an option, the weight-cutting Carbon Aero Pack adds a new front splitter, rear spoiler wing, diffuser, and side floor extensions.
Inside, a full grippy Alcantara interior comes standard in your choice of red or black while a Leather Pack is also available as an option. New switches for the Lotus Dynamic Performance Management System, lighting, and more are now mounted by the new engine start button. Customers can also opt for an in-car entertainment system, full carpeting, and sound insulation.
A total of ten colors will be available for the Lotus Elise 250 Cup, two of which are no-cost options. Customers that want to create a truly unique vehicle can utilize the Lotus Exclusive program to specifically tailor their sports car.
The new Lotus Elise Cup 250 will go on sale in April of 2016 in all of the major markets except for North America.
Lotus Elise Cup 250 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 1.8 liters
Number of Cylidners: Inline-four
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Horsepower: 243 / 246 PS / 181 kW at 7,200 RPM
Maximum Torque: 184 lb-ft. / 250 Nm from 3,500 to 5,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual with sport ratios
Drive: Rear-wheel
Differential: BOSCH Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.3 seconds
Top Speed: 154 mph / 248 km/h
Lotus Elise Cup 250 Gallery
Source: Lotus
Is the new Lotus Elise Cup 250 your choice to slice and dice a racetrack?
