Lotus Exige Cup 430: Unlimited Edition announced

With 303kW per tonne, the Lotus Exige Cup 430: Unlimited Edition claims to be a bona fide supercar killer.

Its new engine, a 3.5-litre V6, scores 321kW/440Nm thanks to the assistance of an Edelbrock supercharger.

That’s 63kW/40Nm more than the Exige 350, and it even weighs 32kg less at just 1093kg.

It also comes hooked up to a 6-speed manual. There is no other gearbox option.

A kerb weight of 1093kg also means the track-focused two-seater is light and nimble, with 220kg of downforce keeping it stable at its top speed of 290km/h.

It reaches 100km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds, with a lightweight Lotus ‘precision shift aluminium mechanism’ helping keep gear changes fast.

Its body is made from lightweight aluminium and is fitted to a riveted high-stiffness chassis, with unequal length double wishbone suspension underneath.

Lotus Group CEO Jean-Marc Gales is confident that the abilities of the Unlimited Edition will exeed expectiations.

“This is the car that we have always wanted to build, and I am sure that all Lotus enthusiasts will be delighted with the end product,” Gales says.

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“As well as a significant power hike, the Cup 430 has benefited from extensive development in areas essential to Lotus’ DNA, in order to ensure that the full potential of the Exige’s incredible chassis can be exploited.

“This car has no rivals – inside or outside of its price bracket - and it’s no exaggeration when we say that nothing can keep up with this Exige on the road or track.”