Following the Exige V6 Cup R, Lotus has revealed another track-only car, the Elise S Cup R. The model is the first Elise-based Cup variant to use the supercharged 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE engine from Toyota. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the unit produces 217hp (220PS) and 250 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque.
Compared to the street-legal Elise S, the S Cup R comes with a bespoke livery and aerodynamic body kit to maximize performance on track. The CFD-proved aero pack includes a front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing.
The Elise S Cup R also has a motorsport-specific engine control module (ECM), adjustable damper and springs, and a clever manipulation of air-flow to create extra downforce. All these upgrades make the Elise S Cup R 4 seconds faster on a 5-km (3.1-mile) lap over the standard Elise S.
Despite the extra body kit and race-ready additions (roll-cage, fire extinguisher, race seats and more) Lotus Motorsport has managed to maintain the road car’s light weight of 924 kg (2,037 lbs).
The car is eligible for entry to the production class in the 2014 Lotus Cup series which include Lotus Cup UK, Lotus Cup Europe, Lotus Cup Italia, Lotus Cup USA, Lotus Cup Japan, Lotus Cup Thailand, Lotus Cup China and Lotus Ladies Cup.
The Lotus Cup is open to all Lotus owners and their Elise, Exige, Evora, 340R and 2-Eleven. The Elise S Cup R has a selection of bespoke color and trim options, courtesy of the Lotus Design team.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
