Lotus reveals full specs for Elise Cup 250

Lotus has announced full specs overnight for its latest Elise variant, the Elise Cup 250 – a model that carries the mantle of the fastest four-cylinder Lotus sports car ever to hit the road.

According to the specs, the Elise Cup 250 takes just 4.3 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h run, thanks to its 860kg kerb mass and engine output – 181kW and 250Nm.

Displacing 1.8 litres, the supercharged all-alloy four-cylinder powerplant drives through a six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels and has been fettled for a sportier exhaust note. There's an optional exhaust system also available for an even more thrilling aural experience. This optional exhaust also reduces the weight by a further 7kg.

Other weight-reduction measures include a lithium-ion battery, carbon-fibre race seats, ultra-lightweight motorsport forged alloy wheels and a polycarbonate rear screen.

Lotus has developed new aero aids for the Elise Cup 250, including a lighter rear wing, front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser. The optional body kit generates 125kg of downforce at 140mph (225km/h). In addition to the aero kit, the Elise Cup 250 gains new styling cues to distinguish it from other Elise variants. These include mesh grilles in the wider intake apertures at the front plus a rear apron with two tail light clusters rather than four.

Yokohama Advan A048 tyres measure 225/45 ZR17 at the rear and 195/50 ZR16 at the front, and Bilstein dampers combined with Eibach coaxial coil springs ensure the Elise Cup 250 delivers optimal grip. Lotus claims the damper rates have been improved by as much as 12 per cent front and nine per cent rear, with rebound improved 20 per cent front and 30 per cent rear. Braking is handled by AP Racing twin-piston front and Brembo single-piston rear callipers, with the 288mm brake discs cross-drilled and ventilated.

"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," says 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."

Inside the Elise Cup 250 there's a standard steel roll-over bar, revised graphics for the instruments, and the carbon-fibre seats upholstered in black Alcantara with contrasting red or yellow stitching. Lotus offers numerous trim options for the cabin of the Elise Cup 250 as well, including Alcantara-bound steering wheel/sill covers, leather or tartan trim packs and body-coloured inserts for the seats, transmission console and climate control panel.

In Australia the Elise Cup 250 is priced from $104,990.