New Lotus Elise Race 250
Engineered to conquer different race
tracks from all over the world, the new Elise Race 250 lapped the company's
Hethel test track half a second quicker than the Elise Cup 220 R, thus becoming
the fastest Lotus developed race-variant of the Elise.
It packs a 246 PS 1.8-liter
4-cylinder engine to go with its 6-speed manual gearbox, responsible for
putting down its 250 Nm of peak torque, available between 3,500 rpm
and 5,500 rpm.
Visually, its full aero package is made
up of a front splitter, rear diffuser, floor extensions and a rear wing. All of
this translates into 66 kg's worth of downforce at 160 km/h and 155 kg's worth at its top speed of 248 km/h.
The Elise Race 250's performance
optimizations don't stop there however. Lotus made sure to add track-oriented
features such as Nitron adjustable dampers, uprated brake pads, an FIA approved
carbon fiber race seat with six-point racing harness, a removable steering
wheel and a polycarbonate rear windscreen. Even its front headlamps have been
replaced with lightweight composite blanking panels.
In order for this car to beat the Cup
220 R's time around the Hethel test track, further weight-saving measures had
to be taken. This is why the chassis of the Elise Race 250 tips the scales at
just 68 kg and the whole car weighs less than 900 kg dry.
The Lotus Elise Race 250 will cost UK
buyers £ 53,500 including VAT at 20% (£ 44,583 excluding VAT), whereas US
customers will need to spend US$ 76,200 excluding any local taxes.
