Light Speed - The Lotus Elise Cup 250

[Mark H]

• Fastest Elise ever: 0-60 mph in 3.9 secs, 154 mph top speed
• 243 hp and in excess of 261 hp/tonne
• Available as a roadster as standard
• Carbon Aero Pack option saving a further 10 kg
• The global production run of the Elise Cup 250 will be limited to
two-hundred vehicles per year

Proving that less is more, Lotus’ high performance Cup version of the famous Elise has shed 21
kg and gained 26 hp. Weighing in at 931 kg, and capable of 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Elise
Cup 250 is the fastest road-going Lotus Elise ever.
Replacing the acclaimed Elise Cup 220, the new Elise Cup 250 perfectly demonstrates the Lotus
‘light is right’ mantra as all vehicle components were optimised to add lightness and speed.

Delivered to the marque’s now famous ‘Lightweight Laboratory’, it emerged with a range of
features, including a Lithium-ion battery which slashes 10 kg of the weight, carbon fibre seats,
reducing the weight by 6 kg, and ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, saving a further 1.5 kg.
Designed to suit all sports car fans, the Lotus Elise Cup 250 is available for the first time as a
roadster as standard with a hard top available as an option. For those wanting to cut the car’s
weight still further, and so boost performance, a Carbon Aero Pack is available, which cuts an
extra 10 kg, reducing the mass to just 921kg.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented, “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. No rival offers this level of performance and accessibility.”

With the new car lapping the company’s Hethel test track in 1 minute 34 seconds, the changes
and engineering adaptions to the Elise Cup 250 have taken an impressive four seconds off the
previous Elise Cup 220’s best time and represent the fastest recorded lap time for a production
Elise.
The new Elise Cup 250 benefits from the continuous improvement design philosophy of Lotus and

its perpetual quest to evolve all constituent parts, lightening and optimising them. Every aspect of
the car has been carefully considered: from the recalibrated ignition system, right down to the
wider 195/50 R16 front tyres to give sharper, more-responsive steering.
Powered by a new higher-output version of the supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Elise
Cup 250 boasts 243 hp (246 PS) at 7200 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 3500 rpm and 5500
rpm.
Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) provides a ‘Sport’ mode, increasing throttle
response, lowering traction slip thresholds and removing understeer recognition, allowing
enhanced control before the system intervenes.
The aerodynamically optimised body kit provides 66kg of downforce at 100mph and an
impressive 155 kg at maximum velocity of 154 mph. Shaping and working airflow over and around
the bodywork has been key to delivering the car’s extremely focused handling. An optional
Carbon Aero pack replaces the standard front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side floorextensions
with lightweight carbon components and reduces mass by a further 10 kg.

The Elise Cup 250 carries over the motorsport-derived suspension and braking components from
the Elise Cup 220, including an adjustable front anti-roll bar, Bilstein sports dampers and Eibach
coaxial coil springs and double wishbone suspension. AP Racing twin-piston front calipers, and

Brembo single-piston rear calipers work in conjunction with the track-tuned ABS system with ultralightweight
forged alloy wheels (16 inch, front and 17 inch rear) are fitted with Yokohama AO48
tyres (195/50/16 on the front and 225/45/17 on the rear)

New larger switches with improved haptics have been introduced for the Lotus Dynamic
Performance Management System (with Sport setting), headlights and rear fog lights, mounted
together with the vehicle’s new engine start button.
As standard, the Elise Cup 250 comes with a full Alcantara® interior in red or black, with an
optional Leather Pack available. An integrated in-car entertainment system can also be specified,
including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality along with full carpets and enhanced
sound insulation.
A total of ten paint choices are available for the Cup 250: two are no-cost options, seven are
metallic and one is the Signature Grey option. The new Elise Cup 250 can also be personalised
through the recently launched Lotus Exclusive programme. Combining traditional British
craftsmanship with modern design, the service inspires customers to spend time tailoring the
character of their Lotus with a comprehensive array of options.

The Lotus Elise Cup 250 goes on sale in all major markets, excluding North America, from April
2016.
Those wishing to register their interest in the new Lotus Elise Cup 250 should visit:
http://www.lotuscars.com/lotus-elise-range

 

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[Mark H]

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