Lotus Introduces Its Fastest Four-Cylinder Model Ever

Lotus has just announced a new Elise Cup 250 model that goes zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

The British sports car maker says its latest Elise model is the “fastest, most focused four-cylinder Lotus sports car ever,” powered by a 1.8-liter supercharged engine providing 243 horsepower. Like other recent new Lotus models, the Elise Cup 250 focuses on being lightweight, with dry weight coming in at 1,949 pounds (884 kilograms), although buyers can choose all the lightweight options to bring that down to 1,896 lbs (860 kg). As a result, the sports car has a power-to-weight ratio of 283 hp per ton.

There are also quite a few aerodynamic enhancements including a new lightweight rear wing, front splitter, bargeboards, and rear diffuser. Lotus says they all contribute to 275 lbs (125 kg) of downforce at 140 mph. The suspension has been updated with revised dampers, while ultra-lightweight forged wheels are wrapped with Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tires sized 195/50/16 up front and 225/45/17 in the rear.

The powerplant is paired to a six-speed manual transmission, the same gearbox first introduced on the Exige Sport 350. It has, however, been optimized for the Elise for faster, cleaner gear changes. Braking performance is impressive as well, thanks to AP Racing twin-piston front and Brembo single-piston rear calipers, combined with cross drilled and ventilated brake discs.

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Buyers can even splurge for a bit of luxury inside the interior, with options including an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and sill covers, leather or tartan trim packs, bodywork keyed color inserts for the sports seats, transmission console, and HVAC surround, as well as additional weight saving carbon components. Lotus has also equipped it with a new in-car entertainment system that includes iPod connectivity and Bluetooth functionality.

Unfortunately, the Elise Cup 250 isn’t heading to the U.S., but it will be available in the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and Japan.

“The Elise Cup 250 is the latest edition in an exciting period for the company which has seen us launch a number of very special new cars across our entire range,” said Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales. “We know what existing Lotus enthusiasts demand from our cars and we are also bringing in many new customers who can see clearly that we offer an unrivalled combination of performance, styling, dynamics and value for money. A Lotus rewards like no other car, with sharp handling, tremendous speed and a pure, undiluted driving experience. The power and aerodynamic prowess of the new Elise Cup 250 has taken the fight beyond the reach of lesser rivals and, at just 860 kg, it shows that we are ahead of the curve in delivering lightweight, intelligently engineered sports cars.”

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