My2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 Unvealed

[Mark H]

Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2008 Lotus Sport

Exige Cup 260.

 

 

13th February 2008

 

Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2008 Lotus Sport

Exige Cup 260. A direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car, this year’s car has a

revised engine management system to take the maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS),

up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over last year. Bespoke performance enhancements created to

offer a car with even greater levels of handling and acceleration capable of taming Europe’s

most challenging race circuits.

 

The Exige Cup 260, once again represents Lotus’ most radical version of the Exige, with the

track environment being its home and for 2008, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 has full

European homologation for road use (a must have for some competitive environments where

a road legal car has to be entered).

 

There are further product changes: all Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars now have a number

of the 2008 Model year improvements from the road versions of the Elise and Exige, namely:

• Instrument pack with new graphic design and expanded functionality
  
• New alarm/immobiliser + single integrated function key
  
• Variable Lotus Traction Control
  
• Variable Lotus Launch Control
  

In traditional Lotus style, weight saving is paramount. Weighing in at just 928 kg, the power

to weight ratio is an impressive 271 hp / tonne (273 PS / tonne). Such a fantastic power to

weight ratio alone of course does not make a superlative track car, so the Exige Cup 260 has

a formidable list of standard equipment that includes Lotus specific LTS compound

Yokohama A048R tyres, 4-piston AP Racing front brake calipers, adjustable dampers and

anti-roll bar, the latest FIA 6-point roll cage and sports driver and passenger seats. The

options are even more race-focused with slick tyres*, an FIA approved Recaro/Lotus Sport

driver’s seat*, an FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell*, ‘Level Two’ stainless steel sports exhaust with de-cat pipe*, dog gearbox* and a plate type Lotus Sport limited slip differential (*track

use only and special conditions apply).

 

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this

incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg of

downforce at 160 kmh increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of

237 kmh (147 mph) and a zero to 160 kmh (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 kmh in

circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY2008 Exige Cup 260 is the perfect

partner for the serious racer.

 

The Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in mainland Europe at 56,034, exclusive of

local taxes and on the road charges. Mike J Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer Group Lotus plc said:

"In keeping with our racing and high performance sports car heritage, we are very pleased to

launch this exceptionally exciting, phenomenal-handling Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. This is

yet another example of how Lotus Cars and high-tech engineering with Lotus Sport, can

transform an already brilliant road car into an exceptionally high performance product for the

track.”

 

Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260:

 

Engine

The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Exige Cup 260 has a maximum power

output of 260 PS (257 hp) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm.

This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i

variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low

engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm (8500 rpm transient for 2 seconds).

The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning

that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an

integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the

supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler (the air enters via the enhanced roof scoop) before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short

as possible with large diameter pipes to minimise restriction and maximise throttle response

and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors and an uprated fuel pump add additional fuel

under hard acceleration or continuous high speed driving.

 

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque

to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) – with the same

perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. A Torsen type limited slip differential is fitted as

standard, with a plate type limited slip differential available as an option.

Keen to pass on lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus

Sport has contributed another important technology – launch control combined with variable

traction control. This combo has already made its production debut with the track-oriented

Lotus 2-Eleven.

 

From the driver’s seat the launch control allows you to determine the number of revs you

wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, you then hold your foot

down hard on the throttle and sidestep the clutch at departure from the line time. The clutch

damper cushions the severity of the clutch / transmission engagement to minimise the

stresses to the drivetrain (noting that abusive/ continuous standing start applications will

destroy the drivetrain components). The launch control also keeps wheelspin at bay until 6

mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

As with launch control, you can control the amount of traction control you require from the

driver’s seats, altering it on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The

amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent

tyre slip to completely off. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what

degree of traction control you have currently dialled in.

An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil

reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil

pressure remains constant.

 

More than just new dials

The new instrument pack fitted to the whole of the MY2008 Exige and Elise range is also

carried over to the Sport Exige Cup 260. It is more than just a fresh pair of stylishly back-lit

dials. It also features a high-definition LCD message panel that can display a scrolling text

message with vehicle systems information.

The new instrument pack always displays the fuel gauge, engine temperature and odometer,

however you can select to display the time, trip distance or a digital read-out of your speed in

the opposite calibration to that of your speedometer dial – if your dial is in mph, the readout is

in km/h and vice-versa.

Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the instrumentation free from visual clutter and

distraction until absolutely necessary. New gearchange ‘shift’ lights similarly remain hidden

until required. There are three shift up lights, cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting

closer to the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that you’re

almost on the rev limiter so time to change up a gear!

 

A “key” issue

In response to forthcoming legislation, the Exige Cup 260 has a new “Thatcham approved”

alarm/immobiliser system. This, in turn, has enabled the new Lotus design of key that

incorporates the controls for the alarm/immobiliser and central locking functions. This

upmarket key fob features three buttons, the one which locks the doors and sets the

alarm/immobiliser is stylishly crowned with the famous Lotus roundel. The second button

unlocks the doors and de-actives the alarm/immobiliser, and the final button is a panic

button.

 

Roof Scoop

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 retains the full length roof scoop from the outgoing Sport

Exige Cup 255, which improves the intake ambient air flow rate, so allowing the Exige Cup

260 to gain a higher charge density in the cylinders.

Wheels and Tyres

16-spoke cast wheels are shod with Lotus specific LTS compound Yokohama A048R tyres to

maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

 

Brakes

The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece aluminium belled cast iron crossdrilled

and ventilated front discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated discs at the rear,

upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (AP Racing two piece

radially mounted, 4 piston at the front and Brembo sliding at the rear), high grade silicone

brake fluid and stainless steel braided brake hoses - all linked to the proven Lotus track

tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and

minimizes stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

 

Suspension

Adjustable dampers and a stiffened and adjustable front anti-roll bar allows customers to

tailor the handling characteristics of the car to their own requirements.

As the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars are equipped for track use, a double shear track

control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during racing or hard

track day driving.

 

Safety Equipment

Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars have the safety equipment expected of a race car, with

sports seats, 3-point “Webb Lock” harnesses (4-point driver and passenger seat belt

harnesses are provided for track use only). The 6-point roll cage is FIA approved and is

provided with the vehicle as a no-cost option for dealer fit after delivery. Completing the

additional safety equipment is An electronic ignition kill switch with cockpit and external

activation and a plumbed electrically activated fire extinguisher system, again with cockpit

and external panic switches.

 

Specification

The standard specification Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is road legal within the European Union,

and can be registered for road use. The vehicle is supplied with a separate FIA approved 6-

point roll cage and 4-point harnesses. These are for track use only and can be installed by an

authorized Lotus dealer at the request of the customer. Other track options are available from

Lotus Sport that can be fitted during production. Vehicles fitted with these parts cannot be road

registered.

Options (all subject to local taxation rates)

• FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell* - 2,394 Euro
  
• Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) - 2,127 Euro
  
• Air conditioning - 1641.17 Euro
  
• Metallic paint - 776.47 Euro
  
• Lifestyle paint - 1188.10 Euro
  
• Race battery and holder - 167 Euro
  

(*track use only)

Other more hardcore track options are available – prices on application (ie ‘Level Two’ exhaust

with de-cat pipe, dog gearbox, Recaro/Lotus Sport driver’s seat with 6-point harness etc).

 

Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price: 56,034 Euro

 

(subject to local taxation rates)

 

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