Latest Track Car From Lotus Offers
'Straight Out Of The Box' Thrills
Model Year 2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 255
Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2007 Lotus Sport
Exige Cup 255. Unveiled at the Essen Motorshow, the Exige Cup 255 is powered by a 1796
cc supercharged engine developing 252 bhp (255 PS) driving through a 6-speed close ratio
C64 gearbox. Bespoke performance enhancements designed exclusively by Lotus Sport raise
power and torque levels substantially to offer a car with levels of handling and acceleration
capable of taming Europe's most challenging race circuits.
Building upon the success enjoyed by the Exige Cup 240 during the 2006 season, the Exige
Cup 255 presents Lotus' most radical 'road to track' offering yet with a visually striking new
roof design which gives it true standout appeal.
In traditional Lotus style, weight saving is paramount. Weighing in at sub 950 kg, the already
significant power to weight ratio has been further enhanced by increasing the power output
from 243 bhp to 252 bhp. Such a fantastic power to weight ratio alone of course does not a
superlative track car make, so the Exige Cup 255 has a list of standard equipment that
includes LTS branded Yokohama A048R tyres, new for 2007 uprated 4-piston front brakes,
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 255 is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this
incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg at 160 kph
increasing grip and ultimately safety at higher speeds. With a top speed of close to 260 kph
and a zero to 160 kph slingshot in just less than 9.8 seconds (the 100 kph sprint takes just
under 3.9 seconds), the MY2007 Exige Cup is the perfect partner for the serious racer. At a
MRSP of 56,034.48 (exclusive of local taxes and on the road charges), customers will have
to queue on a first ordered, first delivered basis.
Said Mike J Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer Group Lotus plc:
"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 255. This is
yet another example of how Lotus Cars and high-tech engineering – our Lotus Sport division -
can transform an already brilliant road car into an exceptionally high performance product for
the track."
Note: the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 255 is not available in the UK market.
Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 255:
Engine
The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Exige Cup 255 has a maximum power output
of 252 bhp at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 179 lb-ft at 7000 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. 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 ensure that the bends
in these ducts are not too tight, to the benefit of throttle response and efficiency. Four high
capacity injectors and an uprated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or 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 plate type limited slip differential is fitted as an option. The
Lotus switchable traction control system (LTCS) is standard and works through the engine,
reducing power to maintain traction; it is active above 8 kph and reacts much more quickly
than many brake-based systems.
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.
Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain.
Roof Scoop
This panel has been designed to provide an increased intake flow area. An increase of over
50% has been achieved over the standard Exige S roof, feeding a new enlarged 2-row 50mm
intercooler which, in turn, provides additional power. This new roof scoop improves the intake
ambient air flow rate, so allowing the Exige Cup 255 to gain a higher charge density in the
cylinders.
Wheels and Tyres
16-spoke cast wheels are shod with LTS branded 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 cross-drilled 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 servoassisted
four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and minimizes
stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.
Suspension
Suspension is provided by Öhlins springs and two-way adjustable dampers (which boast 22
bump and 60 rebound settings) and an adjustable front anti-roll bar (five settings). Full
instructions and recommended settings are provided to allow customers to tailor the handling
characteristics of the car to their own requirements.
As the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 255 cars are modified 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 255 cars have the safety equipment expected of a race car, with sports
seats and 4-point driver and passenger seat belt harnesses. The 6-point roll cage is FIA
approved and completing the additional safety equipment is a mechanical ignition kill switch
with cockpit and external activation and a plumbed electrical fire extinguisher system, again
with cockpit and external activation.
Exhaust System
A 'Level One' stainless steel sports exhaust is fitted with the bifurcated exhaust pipes exiting
from the centre of the anodized-finished 3-piece rear diffuser. A 'Level Two' stainless steel
exhaust with de-cat pipe is available as an option.
Options (all subject to local taxation rates)
FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell* - 2812.87
Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) - 2499.46
Air conditioning - 1641.17
Metallic paint - 776.47
Lifestyle paint - 1188.10
Race battery and holder - 195.88
(*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).
http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/uploa...pr_download.pdf
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