Overall rating:

Lotus takes its already hardcore V6 Exige and adds even more focus in the Cup specification. Pop on some slicks, add some numbers and get in your Nomex race suit and lid and you'll have a front-running racer that's also useable on the road.

Key Facts

Pricing: £52,495
Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged petrol V6
Transmission: rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Body style: two-door coupé
Rivals: Caterham 620R, Porsche 911 GT3, Radical RXC
CO₂ emissions: 236g/km
Combined economy: 28.0mpg
Top speed: 170mph
0-62mph: 3.8 seconds
Power: 350hp at 7,000rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 4,500rpm

In the Metal:

It is pretty difficult to add any further drama to the way the Lotus Exige S looks but the new Cup manages that somehow. The addition of an electrical cut-out and extinguisher caps behind the cabin - plus the front and rear towing eyes in red - leave little doubt the Cup's a bit more extreme. Add some V6 Cup decals on the lower sills (these not only shouting the model designation, but visually adding width to the Exige's muscular shape) and some contrasting black trim and the Cup looks sensational.

If the exterior somehow left you in any doubt as to the Cup's more extreme nature the interior drives it home. The usual Lotus stark simplicity is furnished with some multi-point race harnesses. They strap you tightly into a figure-hugging Alcantara-clad and FIA-approved bucket seat, while the radio is replaced by a panel with an extinguisher button and on/off button. Pure race car then, though if you're planning on using your Cup on the road don't select the optional front roll cage.

Driving it:

Pirelli Corsa tyres, a lot of rain (this is the UK after all) and as a result lots of standing water makes meaningful comparison over the standard Exige S tricky. Certainly it'd be an easier drive on track in such conditions with less focused rubber and slightly more compliant suspension, but it remains a hugely quick and capable machine regardless of the conditions. The V6's power makes light work of the Exige's mass, and the supercharged unit's ample torque and linear delivery prove useful in such conditions; the Exige Cup's tyres manage to find traction and grip despite the less than perfect weather.

Cups come with Lotus's DPM 4 traction and stability control system, which from experience works brilliantly in the dry and is invaluable in the wet. It offers four modes and includes a launch control system, though it's the system's ability to help maintain progress and control by working almost imperceptibly to keep you and the Cup pointing the right way that impresses most. There's 60kg less mass to deal with in Cup guise, which allows a brisker 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds. Some of that weight loss means there's less sound deadening, but it's no hardship listening to the V6 over your shoulder as it reaches the redline. If there's a weak link in the Cup's make-up it remains the gearbox. While we're delighted it's a manual unit it suffers from the same less-than-accurate shift across its gate as other cars in the line-up, and the throw is relatively long as well.

The suspension remains essentially the same as the standard Exige S's, though two-way adjustable dampers and firmer spring rates do give better control on track, without compromising the Exige's fine ride and comfort balance on road. The unassisted steering is heavy for manoeuvring, but as soon as the Cup is moving it lightens up, and the speed and accuracy on offer are among the best out there, with plenty of feel at the rim. If you like driving you'll love the V6 Cup.

What you get for your Money:

The Cup comes in under the standard S in the price range, but with a few choice options it's possible to spend significantly more. Don't, as the Cup comes perfectly specified as standard for its intended purpose, but you might want a radio if you're using it on the road. Lotus dealer Bell & Covill offers a special edition Cup if you do want a fully-loaded version. Its sinister-looking Black Edition adds matte and gloss black paint, red contrast stitching inside, bespoke decals, a unique Bell & Covill exhaust and air conditioning. It's limited to just 10 cars at £67,995.

Worth Noting

Should the Cup not be extreme enough for you, and you're happy to trailer your car to and from track days and races, then Lotus can sell you the Cup R. It takes the ethos even further, with more weight loss, an optional Xtrac six-speed close-ratio sequential gearbox with paddle shifters, extended aero kit, a quick release steering wheel and an FIA-approved roll cage and seats - all for £10k more than the road version.

Summary

This Exige is a Porsche 911 GT3 rival at around half the price, yet with performance to rival supercars. Take the Cup to the track and it'll monster pretty much everything around it, yet it remains a useable road car - albeit with a few compromises. They're worth it though, as the Exige Cup is a hugely appealing revision of an already highly competitive package - even if you don't plan on taking it racing.