Lotus has unveiled a track-only variant of the mid-engined Elise sports car. Called Elise S Cup R, the racer is eligible to participate in the miscellaneous Lotus Cup events held around the world.
The Elise S Cup R is powered by a 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine that spins the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance specifications are not available but Lotus promises the Cup R will be considerably quicker than a stock Elise S thanks in part to a low weight of just 2,037 pounds and a track-mapped ECU.
The extra power is kept in check by an upgraded suspension system and beefier brakes on all four corners.
Interior pictures are not available but Lotus promises the car offers a minimalist, track-focused cockpit with a full roll cage, a fire extinguisher, a six-point racing harness for the driver and a quick-release steering wheel.
Outside, the Cup R wears a full body kit consisting of a front splitter, side skirts, an air diffuser integrated into the front bumper and a rear spoiler. Forged alloy wheels mounted on race-spec tires and a polycarbonate rear window help reduce weight.
On-sale now, the Lotus Elise S Cup R carries a base price of £39,125 (about $63,000) before taxes are factored in. The list of options includes air-conditioning, a FIA-approved fuel cell, a passenger seat and ultra-lightweight wheels.
Lotus has not announced if the car will go on sale in the United States. The Elise is no longer street legal on this side of the pond but the Cup R can circumvent EPA regulations because it is not designed to be driven on a public street.
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