Lotus launches extreme Exige Cup 430
Latest instalment of ultra-lightweight sports car gets Evora GT430 engine; now hits 100km/h in just 3.2secLotus has pulled the drapes off what it says is the "most extreme Exige ever conceived".
Called the Exige Cup 430, the small Lotus gets the latest engine updates from its bigger brother, the Evora GT430.
That means the Toyota-sourced supercharged 3.5-litre V6 has had power and torque boosted to a mighty 316kW/440Nm.
There's just one transmission option -- a close ratio six-speed manual 'box.
Weighing in at just 1056kg, the extreme Exige comes with supercar-bothering levels of performance.
For the 0-100km/h sprint, the Exige takes just 3.2 seconds, while top speed has been raised to 290km/h.
To help cope with the extra performance, Lotus claims there's been some significant aero tweaks to deal with the higher speeds capable of being reached.
These include a revised ultra-light front clam panel that now has redesigned carbon-fibre air intakes and wider radiators.
Look closer and you might also spot a redesigned front splitter and a new mesh grille that helps channel air to new curtains.
At the rear of the car there's a huge spoiler to maximise downforce. Cleverly, engineers managed to introduce the new wing without adding any more additional drag.
A revised rear clam panel, meanwhile, helps slash weight. Factor the weight savings from the new front panel and total body weight reduces by 6.8kg.
To help reign in the performance large AP Racing brake have been added that are claimed to deliver powerful fade-free braking on track.
Other parts unique to the Exige Cup 430 include a new roll bar, revised seatbelt anchorage points and a standard front towing eye.
Options include a dull FIA roll cage, fire extinguisher and non-airbag removable steering wheel.
Proving its performance advantage, Lotus says the new Exige Cup 430 set a 1:24.8sec time round its Hethel circuit -- 1.2 seconds faster than the track-biased Lotus 3-Eleven on road tyres could manage.
Pricing for the Exige Cup 430 begins at £99,000 ($A170,000).
It's not yet known if the fastest-ever Exige Cup 430 is destined for Australia.
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