The new Elise Cup 260 is a limited edition model
from Lotus, with just 30 examples to be sold worldwide. According to the
British sports car-maker, the Cup 260 is the ultimate Elise, built with racing
in mind. Its advanced aerodynamics generate up to 180 kg of
downforce, while lightweight carbon fiber components are fitted as standard.
Visually, the Elise Cup 260 features a laurel wreath
decal on the left buttress, and the Union Jack on both rear wing end plates. Finally,
customers can have the car finish in iconic Championship Gold.
Not only is this the lightest Elise ever produced,
but also the heaviest at speed - thanks to the 180 kg of downforce
produced at 243 km/h. The car includes nearly all Elise Cup options
as standard, such as the sill covers, roll hoop cover, front access panel and
engine cover, as well as the two-piece brake discs. It's also the first Elise
to feature two way adjustable Nitron dampers.
Performance-wise, it can lap the Hethel track in
just 1 minute and 32 seconds, approximately 2.5 seconds faster than the Elise
Cup 250. Aerodynamics have a lot to do with that, obviously, specifically the
new motorsport-derived rear wing, developed from the Lotus 3-Eleven.
In its lightest possible configuration, the Elise
Cup 260 weighs just 862 kg, and with a power-to-weight ratio of 290
HP/tonne, it can get from 0 to 96 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Power and torque output figures sit at 253 PS and 255 Nm.
As for the interior, there's the in-house
manufactured carbon race seats trimmed in black Alcantara (with contrast red or
yellow stitching), exposed aluminum and carbon fiber elements, plus a new
carbon fiber instrument binnacle cover. Options include the Alcantara steering
wheel and sill covers, leather or tartan trim packs for seats or door panels,
and an in-car entertainment system featuring iPod connectivity and Bluetooth
functionality.
This exact car was painted Championship Gold to
commemorate the automaker's forthcoming 70th anniversary. Customers can however
get this color on any model through Lotus' Exclusive program.
