What's the news?
Lotus Motorsport is to expand its model catalogue this year with the introduction of the Elise S Cup R - an even more stripped out and race-ready version of the already lightweight, road-going track car. It's set to make its world debut at Autosport 2014.
Elise S Cup R
The differences from the standard Elise are clear. The revised aero kit comprises a new front splitter, barge boards, floor extensions, large diffuser and rear wing; all designed to give the Elise S Cup R some pretty planted handling. Coupled with the adjustable dampers and springs, Lotus claims that the race-spec Cup R can manage a 2.2-mile circuit four seconds quicker than the equivalent road-ready Elise S.
Of course, it isn't just handling that achieves these quicker lap times - the engine has been tweaked, too. Powering the Cup R is the same 1.8-litre unit found in the road car; however this version comes complete with a racing remap. Output figures have yet to be announced for this uprated power plant, but we'd expect to find it sitting around 230hp - a figure that will certainly make a difference to the standard car's 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds.
Other 2014 Lotus Racers
With such a deep motorsport heritage, the Elise S Cup R won't be going into battle alone, as the Lotus stand at Autosport will also play host to the Exige V6 Cup and Cup R as well as the Evora GT4.
The Exige V6 Cup is the next stage up once the Elise S Cup R has hooked you onto the racetrack. As well as the usual aero tweaks, the Exige Cup comes with an FIA-approved fire suppression system, two-piece brake discs and a quick-release steering wheel to name but a few modifications. The Exige V6 Cup R turns the volume up to 11 however, with an FIA-spec roll cage, fuel tank and racing seat, as well as a racing rear wing and competition suspension included in its upgrades.
Sitting proudly at the top of the tree is the Evora GT4 - a no-holds-barred racer that currently gains entry to 12 of the world's leading GT Series competitions. Its 360hp, Cosworth developed V6 engine sends its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed racing sequential gearbox, while a team of technical partners have developed a body kit to keep things quick through the bends. As such, the model currently holds the Austrian GT4 title, with its sights firmly set on more in 2014.
Anything else?
All racers on display at Lotus' Autosport stand are eligible to be entered in the 2014 Lotus Cup Series, with competitions taking place all over the world including Italy, Japan and Thailand.
James Giddings - 6 Jan 2014