What's all this about?

It's another Lotus special edition with a particular bent towards going very, very quickly on track. Just 50 of these Exige 360 Cup models will be built.

What's so special about it?

The 360 takes the 'regular' Exige Cup - itself a more focused version of the pretty ballistic Exige V6 - and adds some unique styling, in the form of the lightweight matt black roof, front access panel and louvred tailgate. It also has Motorsport Red alloy wheels. Choose from four metallic finishes - white, grey, black and silver - and enjoy a car that weighs just 1,130kg and can generate 42kg of downforce at 100mph.

How does the cabin look?

A build plaque marks out which of the 50 your Exige 360 Cup is, while both the seats and the dash panel are embroidered. Track-lovers' options include a new, red Alcantara interior, FIA carbon seats, air conditioning, a removable steering wheel and a fire extinguisher coupled to an electrical cut-off.

Are the mechanicals different?

Thanks to freer flowing induction and a sports exhaust system - which also makes it sound a little fruitier - the 360 Cup is up 10hp on a regular Exige Cup at 360hp all-in, hence its name. Two-way adjustable suspension, a four-setting dynamic driving modes system with launch control and grooved brake discs are the standard kit, although you can opt for adjustable anti-roll bars and Öhlins race dampers too.

And the cost of all this added lightness and sharpness?

The Exige 360 Cup is on sale now, for £62,995. As with all Lotus Motorsport Cup models, the Exige 360 is eligible for the Lotus Cup race series.

Matt Robinson - 14 Aug 2015