Lotus unveil Elise Cup 250 the fastest Elise ever: 0-60 mph in 3.9 secs, 154 mph top speed

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 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.

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 floor-extensions 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 callipers, and Brembo single-piston rear callipers work in conjunction with the track-tuned ABS system with ultra-lightweight 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.

Pricing for Elise Cup 250
UK (Pound Sterling) £45,600
Germany (Euros) €61,100
France (Euros) €61,620
Italy(Euros) €65,010
Japan (¥ Yen) ¥8.930m

Elise Cup 250 – Where and how

The Lotus Elise Cup 250 goes on sale in all major markets, excluding North America, from April 2016.