Lotus has posted detailed spec information for the Elise S Cup R – a new variant of Elise based on the Elise S but with equipment aimed at motor sport competition.
The supercharged 2ZR-FE engine, displacing 1.8 litres, gains performance through a new engine control module (ECM) an aerodynamically enhanced body kit (comprising front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing). Kerb mass remains 924kg, despite the extra equipment. With power to weight ratio unaffected and the body kit also providing more aero downforce, Lotus makes the claim that the lap times around a 5km circuit are reduced by four seconds a lap, measured against the road-going Elise S. Also lending effort to the faster lap time is the car's adjustable spring and damper set-up.
Around the world the Elise S Cup R can enter production class in the 2014 Lotus Cup Series. Events take place in the UK, continental Europe, Italy, the USA, Japan, Thailand and China. Vehicles eligible include: Elise, Exige, Evora, 340R and 2-Eleven.
Lotus will deliver Elise S Cup R to owners with an FIA-compliant roll case and fire extinguisher. Other standard equipment will include the 'Motorsport Mapped ECU', Electronic Battery Isolator, six-point race harness for the driver's seat, HANS-compliant driver's seat, track specification front tow eyes, quick release steering wheel, brake pad upgrade, single way adjustable dampers, hard-top roof, motorsport-specification triple-pass radiator, polycarbonate rear screen and forged alloy wheels. Air conditioning, a race-ready passenger seat with four-point harness, ultra-light wheels and an FIA fuel cell are available as extra-cost options.
The four-cylinder DOHC engine is sourced from Toyota and features dual variable-valve intake timing and a supercharger to produce 250Nm. Drive is taken via a six-speed manual transmission to the forged alloy 17-inch wheels at the rear. Tyres are Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS, measuring 175/55 R16 at the front and 225/45 R17 at the rear. Twin-piston fixed front callipers clamp down on 288x26mm ventilated and cross-drilled rotors. Rear discs measure the same dimensions, but the callipers are single-piston/sliding type.
Lotus has the Elise S Cup R "under evaluation" for the Australian market, said Glen Sealey, General Manager for Lotus Australia. The local distributor is obtaining feedback from owners and teams operating Lotus sports cars in homegrown competition before making a decision.
Sealey advised too that the Elise S Cup R might yield some performance bits for a road-registerable Elise developed specifically for Australia.
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