Alweer een Special Edition Lotus Exige

Lotus maakt bijna meer Special Editions dan dat ze überhaupt auto’s produceren. De allernieuwste is de Exige Sport Cup 260 die nog meer op het circuit is toegespitst dan de normale Exige.

De nieuwe spoilers genereren meer downforce die oploopt tot 40 kilo bij een snelheid van 160 kilometer per uur. Aan downforce heb je niks als je toch niet hard gaat dus is ook de motor licht aangepast. Door een aanpassing in het motormanagement en een compressor propt de kleine 1,8-liter Toyotamotor er nu 260 pk uit. Hierdoor zit je in 4.1 seconden op de 100 en binnen 9,9 seconden op de 160 km/u.

Verder krijg je een rolkooi, variabele tractiecontrole en lauch control. Ook heeft de Sport Cup 260 nieuwe 16-inch velgen en extra grote schijfremmen. Bij een circuitwagen mogen eigenlijk slicks en Recaro-racestoelen niet ontbreken maar helaas moet je hiervoor bijbetalen net als voor een grotere benzinetank. Standaard kost dit karretje 56.000 euro excl. belastingen en BPM.

Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. A direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car, this year’s car has a revised engine management system to take the maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS), up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over last year. Bespoke performance enhancements created tooffer a car with even greater levels of handling and acceleration capable of taming Europe’s
most challenging race circuits.

The Exige Cup 260, once again represents Lotus’ most radical version of the Exige, with the track environment being its home and for 2008, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 has full European homologation for road use (a must have for some competitive environments where a road legal car has to be entered).

There are further product changes: all Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars now have a number of the 2008 Model year improvements from the road versions of the Elise and Exige, namely:

Instrument pack with new graphic design and expanded functionality
New alarm/immobiliser + single integrated function key
Variable Lotus Traction Control
Variable Lotus Launch Control

In traditional Lotus style, weight saving is paramount. Weighing in at just 928 kg, the power to weight ratio is an impressive 271 hp / tonne (273 PS / tonne). Such a fantastic power to weight ratio alone of course does not make a superlative track car, so the Exige Cup 260 has a formidable list of standard equipment that includes Lotus specific LTS compound Yokohama A048R tyres, 4-piston AP Racing front brake calipers, adjustable dampers and anti-roll bar, the latest FIA 6-point roll cage and sports driver and passenger seats. The
options are even more race-focused with slick tyres*, an FIA approved Recaro/Lotus Sport driver’s seat*, an FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell*, ‘Level Two’ stainless steel sports exhaust with de-cat pipe*, dog gearbox* and a plate type Lotus Sport limited slip differential (*track use only and special conditions apply).

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg of downforce at 160 kmh increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of 237 kmh (147 mph) and a zero to 160 kmh (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 kmh in circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY2008 Exige Cup 260 is the perfect partner for the serious racer.

The Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in mainland Europe at 56,034, exclusive of local taxes and on the road charges. Mike J Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer Group Lotus plc said: “In keeping with our racing and high performance sports car heritage, we are very pleased to launch this exceptionally exciting, phenomenal-handling Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. This is yet another example of how Lotus Cars and high-tech engineering with Lotus Sport, can transform an already brilliant road car into an exceptionally high performance product for the track.”