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 to offer 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.”
Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260:
Engine
The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Exige Cup 260 has
a maximum power output of 260 PS (257 hp) at 8000 rpm and a
torque figure of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm. This significant
amount of extra power and torque now available together with the
VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and
linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the
maximum 8000 rpm (8500 rpm transient for 2 seconds). The
Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger(with a sealed-for-life
internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of
the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral
bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under
pressure from the supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air
intercooler (the air enters via the enhanced roof scoop) before
being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has
been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes to
minimise restriction and maximise throttle response and
efficiency. Four high capacity injectors and an uprated fuel
pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or continuous
high speed driving.
A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover
transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64
six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) –with the same
perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. A Torsen type limited
slip differential is fitted as standard, with a plate type
limited slip differential available as an option. Keen to pass
on lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing
programme, Lotus Sport has contributed another important
technology – launchcontrol combined with variable traction
control. This combo has already made its production debut with
the track-oriented Lotus 2-Eleven.
From the driver’s seat the launch control allows you to
determine the number of revs you wish to use during a standing
start. Having programmed that limit, you then hold your foot
down hard on the throttle and sidestep the clutch at departure
from the line time. The clutch damper cushions the severity of
the clutch / transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to
the drivetrain (noting that abusive/ continuous standing start
applications will destroy the drivetrain components). The launch
control also keeps wheelspin at bay until 6 mph, after which the
traction control assumes its duties. As with launch control, you
can control the amount of traction control you require from the
driver’s seats, altering it on the move to suit the
characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction
control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7
percent tyre slip to completely off. The message display in the
new instrument pack displays what degree of traction control you
have currently dialled in. An Accusump (engine oil accumulator
unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir
back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those
conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant.
More than just new dials
The new instrument pack fitted to the whole of the MY2008 Exige
and Elise range is also carried over to the Sport Exige Cup 260.
It is more than just a fresh pair of stylishly back-lit dials.
It also features a high-definition LCD message panel that can
display a scrolling text message with vehicle systems
information. The new instrument pack always displays the fuel
gauge, engine temperature and odometer, however you can select
to display the time, trip distance or a digital read-out of your
speed in the opposite calibration to that of your speedometer
dial – if your dial is in mph, the readout is in km/h and
vice-versa. Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the
instrumentation free from visual clutter and distraction until
absolutely necessary. New gearchange ‘shift’ lights similarly
remain hidden until required. There are three shift up lights,
cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting closer to the
rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to
indicate that you’re almost on the rev limiter so time to change
up a gear!
A “key” issue
In response to forthcoming legislation, the Exige Cup 260 has a
new “Thatcham approved” alarm/immobiliser system. This, in turn,
has enabled the new Lotus design of key that incorporates the
controls for the alarm/immobiliser and central locking functions.
This upmarket key fob features three buttons, the one which
locks the doors and sets the alarm/immobiliser is stylishly
crowned with the famous Lotus roundel. The second button unlocks
the doors and de-actives the alarm/immobiliser, and the final
button is a panic button.
Roof Scoop
The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 retains the full length roof scoop
from the outgoing Sport Exige Cup 255, which improves the
intake ambient air flow rate, so allowing the Exige Cup 260 to
gain a higher charge density in the cylinders.
Wheels and Tyres
16-spoke cast wheels are shod with Lotus specific LTS compound
Yokohama A048R tyres to maximise grip and achieve the ride and
handling targets set by Lotus.
Brakes
The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece
aluminium belled cast iron crossdrilled and ventilated front
discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated discs at the rear,
upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake
calipers (AP Racing two piece radially mounted, 4 piston at the
front and Brembo sliding at the rear), high grade silicone brake
fluid and stainless steel braided brake hoses - all linked to
the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS
system that enhances braking performance and minimizes stopping
distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.
Suspension
Adjustable dampers and a stiffened and adjustable front
anti-roll bar allows customers to tailor the handling
characteristics of the car to their own requirements. As the
Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars are equipped for track use, a
double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with
the expected kerb abuse during racing or hard track day driving.
Safety Equipment
Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars have the safety equipment
expected of a race car, with sports seats, 3-point “Webb Lock”
harnesses (4-point driver and passenger seat belt harnesses are
provided for track use only). The 6-point roll cage is FIA
approved and is provided with the vehicle as a no-cost option
for dealer fit after delivery. Completing the additional safety
equipment is An electronic ignition kill switch with cockpit and
external activation and a plumbed electrically activated fire
extinguisher system, again with cockpit and external panic
switches.
Specification
The standard specification Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is road
legal within the European Union, and can be registered for road
use. The vehicle is supplied with a separate FIA approved
6-point roll cage and 4-point harnesses. These are for track use
only and can be installed by an authorized Lotus dealer at the
request of the customer. Other track options are available from
Lotus Sport that can be fitted during production. Vehicles
fitted with these parts cannot be road registered.
Options (all subject to local taxation rates)
- FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell* - 2,394 Euro
- Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) -
2,127 Euro
- Air conditioning - 1641.17 Euro
- Metallic paint - 776.47 Euro
- Lifestyle paint - 1188.10 Euro
- Race battery and holder - 167 Euro
(*track use only)
Other more hardcore track options are available – prices on
application (ie ‘Level Two’ exhaust with de-cat pipe, dog
gearbox, Recaro/Lotus Sport driver’s seat with 6-point harness
etc).
Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price: 56,034 Euro
