Lotus reveals limited-run Elise Cup 260

Lotus has pulled the covers off a hardcore, extremely exclusive version of its popular Elise sports car.

The new Elise Cup 260 will be limited to just 30 examples worldwide, and draws heavily upon the track-only Elise Race 250 to produce “one of the most accomplished cars” the British manufacturer has produced.

Power comes from a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 250bhp and 250Nm of torque, allowing the Elise Cup 260 to complete the sprint from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 151mph.

While power is only up 10bhp on the Elise Cup 250, the new model has superior aerodynamics, with a lightweigh front clam panel with wider apertures, carbon front splitter, oversized rear wing and rear diffuser all helping to generate 180kg of downforce at 151mph.

Together, these changes contribute to a lap time around Lotus’ Hethel test track of 1 minute 32 seconds – which is 2.5 seconds faster than the Elise Cup 250.

Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and director of Classic Team Lotus, said: “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.

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

The Elise Cup 260 is priced at £59,500 in the UK.