What's the news?

Lotus has launched a new track-only variant of the Elise that it has called the 'S Cup R'. The new model combines the platform from the existing road car with a bespoke body kit, distinctive liveries and extra grunt to create an even more handling-focused machine.

Exterior

As you look at the latest Elise, the first thing to stand out is the colour that sits boldly against the car's new aero kit. These additions comprise of a front splitter, winglets, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear wing in order to generate significantly more downforce over the version you see on the road. In order to comply with racing regulations, Lotus has installed a track-specification front towing eye as well. Despite all the extra bodywork on the outside, Lotus has managed to retain the road car's weight of just 924kg; helped in no doubt by the lightweight, forged alloy wheels that replace the standard items. For those who want even less weight, lighter alloys can be specified instead.

Interior

More weight saving measures can be seen when you step inside - not that there was much to play with in the first place. In place of the standard-issue driver's seat is a Hans-compliant racing item complete with six-point harness; and the passenger seat has been replaced by air... A full rollcage has also been installed along with a fire extinguisher and a quick release steering wheel. Unlike many lightweight track-only cars, the Elise S Cup R does come with the option of reinstalling a passenger seat - albeit a racing version with harnesses - as well as an air conditioning unit.

Mechanicals

Powering the Elise S Cup R is Lotus' supercharged 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE engine that throws 217hp and 250Nm of torque at the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Acceleration and top speed figures have yet to be confirmed, but we do know that when this extra power is combined with the aero kit, the adjustable dampers and race springs, the S Cup R will complete a three-mile circuit four seconds quicker than a road-going Elise S. Other enhancements include a remapped ECU, a motorsport-spec radiator and uprated brake pads.

Anything else?

The Lotus Elise S Cup R comes to market with a price tag of £39,125 before VAT - not a small figure for a track-only car. The model has also been launched in time for the worldwide 2014 Lotus Cup race series that sees participation in places ranging from Europe and North America to China and Thailand.

James Giddings - 15 Nov 2013