Engineered to conquer different race tracks from all over the world, the new Elise Race 250 lapped the company’s Hethel test track half a second quicker than the Elise Cup 220 R, thus becoming the fastest Lotus developed race-variant of the Elise.
It packs a 246 PS (243 HP) 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine to go with its 6-speed manual gearbox, responsible for putting down its 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of peak torque, available between 3,500 rpm and 5,500 rpm.
Visually, its full aero package is made up of a front splitter, rear diffuser, floor extensions and a rear wing. All of this translates into 66 kg’s (145 lbs) worth of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h) and 155 kg’s worth (341 lbs) at its top speed of 154 mph (248 km/h).
The Elise Race 250’s performance optimizations don’t stop there however. Lotus made sure to add track-oriented features such as Nitron adjustable dampers, uprated brake pads, an FIA approved carbon fiber race seat with six-point racing harness, a removable steering wheel and a polycarbonate rear windscreen. Even its front headlamps have been replaced with lightweight composite blanking panels.
“Lotus was established to build race cars and with 68 years experience, no one knows more about extracting the best performance possible,” said Jean-Marc Gales, company CEO. “The Elise Race 250 is the fastest, most focused Elise we’ve ever produced and, judging by what it’s capable of on track, it looks set to become a favorite with our racers around the world.”
In order for this car to beat the Cup 220 R’s time around the Hethel test track, further weight-saving measures had to be taken. This is why the chassis of the Elise Race 250 tips the scales at just 68 kg (150 kg) and the whole car weighs less than 900 kg (1,984 lbs) dry.
The Lotus Elise Race 250 will cost UK buyers £53,500 including VAT at 20% (£44,583 excluding VAT), whereas US customers will need to spend $76,200 excluding any local taxes.
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