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Proving that less is more, Lotus\u2019 high performance Cup version of the famous Elise has shed 21\u00a0kg and gained 26 hp. Weighing in at 931 kg, and capable of 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Elise\u00a0Cup 250 is the fastest road-going Lotus Elise ever.<\/p>\n
Replacing the acclaimed Elise Cup 220, the new Elise Cup 250 perfectly demonstrates the Lotus\u00a0\u2018light is right\u2019 mantra as all vehicle components were optimised to add lightness and speed.<\/p>\n
Delivered to the marque\u2019s now famous \u2018Lightweight Laboratory\u2019, it emerged with a range of\u00a0features, including a Lithium-ion battery which slashes 10 kg of the weight, carbon fibre seats,\u00a0reducing the weight by 6 kg, and ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, saving a further 1.5 kg.<\/p>\n
Designed to suit all sports car fans, the Lotus Elise Cup 250 is available for the first time as a\u00a0roadster as standard with a hard top available as an option. For those wanting to cut the car\u2019s\u00a0weight still further, and so boost performance, a Carbon Aero Pack is available, which cuts an\u00a0extra 10 kg, reducing the mass to just 921kg.<\/p>\n
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented, \u201cThe Lotus Elise has long set the\u00a0benchmark in its class, yet we\u2019ve been able to hone its straight-line performance and handling.\u00a0Yes, it is capable of amazing things on a track, but it also retains its road manners and is perfectly\u00a0composed for day-to-day driving. No rival offers this level of performance and accessibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
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With the new car lapping the company\u2019s Hethel test track in 1 minute 34 seconds, the changes\u00a0and engineering adaptions to the Elise Cup 250 have taken an impressive four seconds off the\u00a0previous Elise Cup 220\u2019s best time and represent the fastest recorded lap time for a production\u00a0Elise.<\/p>\n
The new Elise Cup 250 benefits from the continuous improvement design philosophy of Lotus and\u00a0its perpetual quest to evolve all constituent parts, lightening and optimising them. Every aspect of\u00a0the car has been carefully considered: from the recalibrated ignition system, right down to the\u00a0wider 195\/50 R16 front tyres to give sharper, more-responsive steering.<\/p>\n
Powered by a new higher-output version of the supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Elise \u00a0Cup 250 boasts 243 hp (246 PS) at 7200 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm.<\/p>\n
Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) provides a \u2018Sport\u2019 mode, increasing throttle\u00a0response, lowering traction slip thresholds and removing understeer recognition, allowing\u00a0enhanced control before the system intervenes.<\/p>\n
The aerodynamically optimised body kit provides 66kg of downforce at 100mph and an\u00a0impressive 155 kg at maximum velocity of 154 mph. Shaping and working airflow over and around\u00a0the bodywork has been key to delivering the car\u2019s extremely focused handling. An optional\u00a0Carbon Aero pack replaces the standard front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side floor extensions\u00a0with lightweight carbon components and reduces mass by a further 10 kg.<\/p>\n
The Elise Cup 250 carries over the motorsport-derived suspension and braking components from\u00a0the 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\u00a0Brembo single-piston rear calipers work in conjunction with the track-tuned ABS system with ultralightweight\u00a0forged alloy wheels (16 inch, front and 17 inch rear) are fitted with Yokohama AO48\u00a0tyres (195\/50\/16 on the front and 225\/45\/17 on the rear).<\/p>\n
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New larger switches with improved haptics have been introduced for the Lotus Dynamic\u00a0Performance Management System (with Sport setting), headlights and rear fog lights, mounted\u00a0together with the vehicle\u2019s new engine start button.<\/p>\n
As standard, the Elise Cup 250 comes with a full Alcantara\u00ae interior in red or black, with an\u00a0optional Leather Pack available. An integrated in-car entertainment system can also be specified,\u00a0including iPod\u00ae connectivity and Bluetooth\u00ae functionality along with full carpets and enhanced\u00a0sound insulation.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0through the recently launched Lotus Exclusive programme. Combining traditional British\u00a0craftsmanship with modern design, the service inspires customers to spend time tailoring the\u00a0character of their Lotus with a comprehensive array of options.<\/p>\n
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The Lotus Elise Cup 250 goes on sale in all major markets, excluding North America, from April\u00a02016.<\/p>\n