Lotus Elise Cup 260 limited edition unveiled

Only thirty examples of the Elise Cup 260 are going to be built. However, with a price tag of £59,500, there probably won't be long queues of prospective customers at Lotus dealers.

For anybody willing and able to spend such an exorbitant amount on an Elise, the reward is an extreme motorsport-inspired car that's based on the current Elise Cup 250.

One of the more obvious changes is an advanced aerodynamics package. Consisting of a redesigned front splitter, unique vents above the front wheels and a huge rear wing, it's claimed to generate up to 180 kg (396 lbs) of downforce.

Lotus Elise Cup 260 (2017) Front Side

Also fitted are numerous carbon fibre components, including the front access panel, engine cover, roll hoop cover and side sill covers. Combined with special two-piece brake discs and a polycarbonate rear window, the result is a serious diet. Indeed, compared to a regular Cup 250, the Cup 260's kerb weight has dropped from 931 kg (2,052 lbs) to just 895 kg (1,973 lbs).

The 1.8 litre, four-cylinder, supercharged engine has received attention too. Thanks to a modified induction system and revised calibration, output is up to 246 bhp (183 kW / 250 PS) with 265 Nm (195 lb/ft) of peak torque.

Although those figures indicate that 'Cup 260' is a misnomer, the Cup 250's 0-62 mph time of 4.3 seconds is reduced slightly to 4.2 seconds. Conversely, the achievable top speed actually decreases from 154 mph (248 km/h) to 151 mph (243 km/h), probably because of the extra drag caused by the enlarged rear aerofoil.

Wider Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R tyres and fully-adjustable Nitron dampers complete the list of Cup 260 upgrades.

Lotus Elise Cup 260 (2017) InteriorLotus Elise Cup 260 (2017) Rear Side

Related posts:
Lotus has updated the Elise Cup 250 for 2017
Lightweight Lotus Elise Sprint unveiled

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