For those of you who are into racing, want to get into racing, or are racing already, Lotus has a cool announcement. Debuting at AutoSport 2014, the Elise S Cup R is a new race-ready car that fits beneath the larger Exige V6 and Exige Cup R as well as the Evora GT4 as the latest addition to the Lotus Motorsports family.
Taken almost directly from the road-going Elise S, the mid-mounted, transverse, 1.8 litre Elise S Cup R boasts bespoke livery and aerodynamic body kit. The Elise S Cup R is a race-ready stance on the iconic Elise aesthetic.
From the release:
The Elise S Cup R’s motorsport-specific map in the engine control module (ECM) and CFD proven aero pack ensure the Elise’s small physique packs a mighty punch! With revised front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing, clever manipulation of air-flow creates extra downforce – and combined with adjustable dampers and springs, lap times are reduced by circa 4 seconds on a 2.2 mile lap over the standard Elise S.
Rupert Manwaring, Head of Lotus Motorsport commented, “Developing the Elise S Cup R was a natural step following the success of the Exige V6 Cup R; with so many new markets becoming interested in motorsport, the Elise S Cup R gives us the perfect entry level track-car. Whether the focus is racing or simply developing your driving skills on a race circuit and having fun, the incredible handling and ease of use with low running costs make the Elise S Cup R an intelligent choice”.
No further data has been given on the new little Lotus, but the single photo included with the release says it all.
