► It’s the fastest Lotus Elise in history
► Cup 250 does 0-60mph in 3.9sec
► £45,600 for the privilege though
Like the Lotus Elise but find it a bit, well, slow? Help is on hand at the 2016 Geneva motor show, in the shape of the new Elise Cup 250.
It’s the fastest Elise in history, capable of sprinting past 60mph in just 3.9sec and on to a distinctly un-Elise-like 154mph at the top end. No wonder it’s just set the fastest Hethel laptime record for the diminutive two-seater, at 1min 34sec.
What makes the Lotus Elise Cup 250?
It’s powered by the familiar 16-valve 1.8-litre Toyota four-cylinder engine slung amidships and supercharged here for a fulsome 243bhp (up 26 ponies on usual). That would provide electric performance in any Elise, but the Cup has been sent on the Hethel Diet, which means it’s lost a further 21kg.
Carbonfibre seats, lithium-ion battery and forged alloy wheels take weight down to 931kg – but diehard Lotus fans (are there any other sort?) can spec the Carbon Aero Pack, as fitted to the car pictured here, to trim a further 10 kilos.
Click here for all our Lotus Elise reviews.
Prices, specs
Just 200 models will be built globally each year, replacing the Lotus Elise Cup 220 in the range. All will be roadsters as standard, but buyers can pick a hard top as an optional extra. Other highlights include:
- Engine 243bhp @ 7200rpm, 184lb ft @ 3500-5500rpm
- Suspension Adjustable front anti-rollbar, Bilstein dampers
- Brakes Track-spec AP Racing and Brembo callipers, ABS
- Tyres Yokohama AO48, 195/50 R16 front, 225/45 R17 rear
- Aero pack 66kg of downforce at 100mph, 155kg flat-out
Sales start in April 2016, priced from £45,600 in the UK.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus, said, ‘The Lotus Elise has long set the benchmark in its class, yet we’ve been able to hone its straight-line performance and handling. Yes, it is capable of amazing things on a track, but it also retains its road manners and is perfectly composed for day-to-day driving. No rival offers this level of performance and accessibility.’
Read more of CAR’s 2016 Geneva motor show coverage here
Click here for CAR’s A-Z guide to the 2016 Geneva motor show
