Lotus has launched yesterday the 2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260, which now has a revised engine management system that takes the power output up to 257 hp (260 PS) at 8000 rpm and 236 Nm (174 lb.ft.) of torque at 6000 rpm. With a top speed of 237 km/h the 2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 4.1 seconds and from 0 to 160 km/h (100 mph) in around 9.9 seconds. The 2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 price starts at 56,034 Euros without tax.
Lotus Press Release:
Latest Track Car From Lotus Offers ‘Straight Out Of The Box’ Thrills Model Year 2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260
Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. A direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car, this year’s car has a revised engine management system to take the maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS), up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over last year. Bespoke performance enhancements created to offer a car with even greater levels of handling and acceleration capable of taming Europe’s most challenging race circuits.
The Exige Cup 260, once again represents Lotus’ most radical version of the Exige, with the track
environment being its home and for 2008, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 has full European homologation for road use (a must have for some competitive environments where a road legal car has to be entered).
There are further product changes: all Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars now have a number of the 2008 Model year improvements from the road versions of the Elise and Exige, namely:
· Instrument pack with new graphic design and expanded functionality
· New alarm/immobiliser + single integrated function key
· Variable Lotus Traction Control
· Variable Lotus Launch Control
In traditional Lotus style, weight saving is paramount. Weighing in at just 928 kg, the power to weight ratio is an impressive 271 hp / tone (273 PS / tone). Such a fantastic power to weight ratio alone of course does not make a superlative track car, so the Exige Cup 260 has a formidable list of standard equipment that includes Lotus specific LTS compound Yokohama A048R tires,
4-piston AP Racing front brake calipers, adjustable dampers and anti-roll bar, the latest FIA 6-point roll cage and sports driver and passenger seats.
The options are even more race-focused with slick tires, an FIA approved Recaro/Lotus Sport driver’s seat*, an FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell*, ‘Level Two’ stainless steel sports exhaust with de-cat pipe*, dog gearbox* and a plate type Lotus Sport limited slip differential (*track use only and special conditions apply).
The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg of downforce at 160 kmh increasing grip and stability at
higher speeds. With a top speed of 237 kmh (147 mph) and a zero to 160 kmh (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 kmh in circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY2008 Exige Cup 260 is the perfect partner for the serious racer.
The Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in mainland Europe at 56,034, exclusive of local taxes and on the road charges.
Mike J Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer Group Lotus plc said:\
"In keeping with our racing and high performance sports car heritage, we are very pleased to launch this exceptionally exciting, phenomenal-handling Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. This is yet another example of how Lotus Cars and high-tech engineering with Lotus Sport, can transform an already brilliant road car into an exceptionally high performance product for the track.”
Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260:
Engine
The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Exige Cup 260 has a maximum power
output of 260 PS (257 hp) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm.
This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i
variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low
engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm (8500 rpm transient for 2 seconds).
The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning
that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an
integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the
supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler (the air enters via the enhanced roof scoop) before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short
as possible with large diameter pipes to minimise restriction and maximise throttle response
and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors and an uprated fuel pump add additional fuel
under hard acceleration or continuous high speed driving.
A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque
to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) – with the same
perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. A Torsen type limited slip differential is fitted as
standard, with a plate type limited slip differential available as an option.
Keen to pass on lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus
Sport has contributed another important technology – launch control combined with variable
traction control. This combo has already made its production debut with the track-oriented
Lotus 2-Eleven.
From the driver’s seat the launch control allows you to determine the number of revs you
wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, you then hold your foot
down hard on the throttle and sidestep the clutch at departure from the line time. The clutch
damper cushions the severity of the clutch / transmission engagement to minimise the
stresses to the drivetrain (noting that abusive/ continuous standing start applications will
destroy the drivetrain components). The launch control also keeps wheelspin at bay until 6
mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.
\
As with launch control, you can control the amount of traction control you require from the
driver’s seats, altering it on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The
amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent
tyre slip to completely off. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what
degree of traction control you have currently dialled in.
An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil
reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil
pressure remains constant.
More than just new dials
The new instrument pack fitted to the whole of the MY2008 Exige and Elise range is also
carried over to the Sport Exige Cup 260. It is more than just a fresh pair of stylishly back-lit
dials. It also features a high-definition LCD message panel that can display a scrolling text
message with vehicle systems information.
The new instrument pack always displays the fuel gauge, engine temperature and odometer,
however you can select to display the time, trip distance or a digital read-out of your speed in
the opposite calibration to that of your speedometer dial – if your dial is in mph, the readout is
in km/h and vice-versa.
Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the instrumentation free from visual clutter and
distraction until absolutely necessary. New gearchange ‘shift’ lights similarly remain hidden
until required. There are three shift up lights, cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting
closer to the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that you’re
almost on the rev limiter so time to change up a gear!
A “key” issue
In response to forthcoming legislation, the Exige Cup 260 has a new “Thatcham approved”
alarm/immobiliser system. This, in turn, has enabled the new Lotus design of key that
incorporates the controls for the alarm/immobiliser and central locking functions. This
upmarket key fob features three buttons, the one which locks the doors and sets the
alarm/immobiliser is stylishly crowned with the famous Lotus roundel. The second button
unlocks the doors and de-actives the alarm/immobiliser, and the final button is a panic
button.
Roof Scoop
The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 retains the full length roof scoop from the outgoing Sport
Exige Cup 255, which improves the intake ambient air flow rate, so allowing the Exige Cup
260 to gain a higher charge density in the cylinders.
Wheels and Tyres
16-spoke cast wheels are shod with Lotus specific LTS compound Yokohama A048R tyres to
maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus.
Brakes
The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece aluminium belled cast iron crossdrilled
and ventilated front discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated discs at the rear,
upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (AP Racing two piece
radially mounted, 4 piston at the front and Brembo sliding at the rear), high grade silicone
brake fluid and stainless steel braided brake hoses - all linked to the proven Lotus track
tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and
minimizes stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.
Suspension
Adjustable dampers and a stiffened and adjustable front anti-roll bar allows customers to
tailor the handling characteristics of the car to their own requirements.
As the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars are equipped for track use, a double shear track
control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during racing or hard
track day driving.
Safety Equipment
Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars have the safety equipment expected of a race car, with
sports seats, 3-point “Webb Lock” harnesses (4-point driver and passenger seat belt
harnesses are provided for track use only). The 6-point roll cage is FIA approved and is
provided with the vehicle as a no-cost option for dealer fit after delivery. Completing the
additional safety equipment is An electronic ignition kill switch with cockpit and external
activation and a plumbed electrically activated fire extinguisher system, again with cockpit
and external panic switches.
Specification
The standard specification Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is road legal within the European Union,
and can be registered for road use. The vehicle is supplied with a separate FIA approved 6-
point roll cage and 4-point harnesses. These are for track use only and can be installed by an
authorized Lotus dealer at the request of the customer. Other track options are available from
Lotus Sport that can be fitted during production. Vehicles fitted with these parts cannot be road
registered.
Options (all subject to local taxation rates)
· FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell* - 2,394 Euros
· Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) - 2,127 Euros
· Air conditioning - 1641.17 Euros
· Metallic paint - 776.47 Euros
· Lifestyle paint - 1188.10 Euros
· Race battery and holder - 167 Euros
(*track use only)
Other more hardcore track options are available – prices on application (ie ‘Level Two’ exhaust
with de-cat pipe, dog gearbox, Recaro/Lotus Sport driver’s seat with 6-point harness etc).