Lotus Elise S Cup is Just Around the Corner

Following extensive testing, Lotus has honed the ever-popular Elise S into a Cup variant. Visual appeal has been bolstered with the striking addition of a front splitter, with end winglets, lateral bargeboards, a fixed roof, tail wing and a purposeful rear diffuser.

These combined aerodynamic benefits increase downforce to a staggering 66kg at 100mph and 125kg at the 140mph top speed. This improved grip in the corners leads to a dramatic 3 second reduction in lap time at the Lotus test track.

Put into perspective, this 66kg downforce at 100mph would equate to a stack of £1 coins over 21 metres high, compared to a measly 1.66 metre stack generated by the regular Elise S at the same speed.

The equivalent weight in 24 carat gold bullion would add up to £1.5m, but this isn't reflected in the price, with UK cars starting at just £43,500.

The 'fresh out of the box' appeal, allied to Lotus's attention to detail, means that the Elise S Cup can be driven back from work on Friday and raced on Saturday, such is its dual-nature character. To create the transition from road to thoroughly focussed track car, the Elise S Cup is equipped with a competition specification roll-hoop, which also provides fixing points for competition safety harnesses.

The first Elise S Cups will be coming off the line and onto the road (and track) at the start of January. Orders can be placed now: http://www.lotuscars.com/gb/racing/elise-s-cup-motorsport

Or sign up for a test drive early in the New Year: http://www.purelot.us/test-drive