Lotus Elise Cup 260 revealed

Lotus has revealed its latest special edition car, the Elise Cup 260, which it claims is the ‘ultimate’ Elise.

With a claimed 0-97km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a kerb weight of 902kg, the Cup 260 makes a Cup 220 look dreadfully sluggish.

This is thanks to its 1.8-litre supercharged four pot being bestowed an extra 24kW and 5Nm over the Elise Cup 220 for a total of 186kW and 255Nm.

In addition, the Cup 260 is 41kg lighter when compared to the Lotus Elise Cup 220.

To illustrate the specifics of weight reduction techniques employed in the 260, Lotus lists a few examples.

“The large rear wing and the front access panel save 1.1kg, the engine cover saves 3.3kg, the roll hoop cover, 0.7kg and the side sill covers, 0.8kg.

“Ultra-efficient and lightweight two-piece brake discs save a further 4 kg.”

The seats which are found in the Cup 260 weigh only 5kg each, while its battery is lightweight lithium-ion.

At its top speed of 243km/h, the Elise’s wing, splitter, and diffuser create 180kg of downforce.

Clive Chapman, Classic Team Lotus director and son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, says the basic sportscar ideals his father built the company with so many years ago is still alive, and that the Lotus Elise Cup 260 is a perfect embodiment of that.

“Each and every one of the sports cars produced by Group Lotus today carries the true spirit of Lotus, laid down by my father nearly 70 years ago,” Chapman says.

“I am extremely proud that his legacy and achievements are being acknowledged and celebrated in this iconic version of the Elise.”