Model Year 2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 255

[Mark H]

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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[Snapper]

I bet the 240r owners are even more chuffed to see this, when they thought that they was buying something rather special that was only going to be a limited edition.

 

Ever felt cheated. That must be another £ 5k off their residuals

[GCCK]

4-pot calipers - new for 2007 but too late for Simon D

[Steve J]

I'm not sure the 4 pots will cure the braking problems on the 240R. I thought it was more to do with the quality of the disks and general cooling. I have standard calipers but better disks and don't get brake fade or rumble. Perhaps I'm not braking hard enough? I'll have to stamp on the peddle with both feet next time

 

I think Lotus will have to rethink it's marketing strategy. If they produced cars (Like the 240R) but didn't say it was limited, and didn't promise it wouldn't be superceded, they wouldn't piss purchasers off.

[chris_h]

The full lotus PR release says that this car is not available in the uk market. pressumably doesn't meet emissions test.

These were the brake disks/calipers i was talking about at the pub meet on thursday.

Think i'm going to get them. I'm quite dissapointed with my current brakes at these should sort it out. £1500 from lotus sport. As i need my current disks an pads replacing its the best time to do it.

 

Not sure if anyone will buy my old calipers to off set the price a bit