What's the news?
At the start of the year Lotus announced the Elise S Cup R, a racing version of the Elise road car, and now it has completed the latest round of testing on the road-going version of the race car: the Elise S Cup. Development work has been undertaken at the company's test track in Norfolk and at the Nürburgring in Germany.
Interior
Standard equipment includes a competition specification roll hoop, while there are options for road and track use. It is even possible to fit a fire extinguisher system and electrical kill switch for owners who plan to adapt the car for racing; which would make it a racing version of a road version of a racing version of a road car...
Mechanicals
The S Cup is apparently designed for people who want a road legal car that can be taken on track days and features the same aerodynamic package as the 'R' version. It gets a fixed roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear wing. These parts aren't just for show either, as they are claimed to generate 66kg of downforce at 100mph and 125kg at the car's top speed. At the Lotus test track the Cup version is said to be three seconds a lap faster than the Elise S.
Anything else?
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said, "The Lotus Elise S Cup is all about the pure driving experience with the Lotus attributes of high performance, light weight and excellent ride and handling. It is perfect for the driver who desires a quick, authentic, desirable and competitive sports car."
John Lambert - 11 Sep 2014