Lotus and Spyker Join Forces, Sign New Cooperation Agreement

It’s a cruel business world out there and it’s even nastier if you’re as small as Lotus and Spyker. With that in mind, it comes to no surprise that that the two niche sports carmakers are willing to intensify their bonds by signing a new cooperation agreement that will see models from the Dutch supercar maker use platforms and parts from Lotus. Moreover, under the new agreement Lotus will participate in the design and development of all future Spyker models.

Victor R. Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars comments: “Our company has had a very fruitful cooperation with Lotus, developed over the past four years, relating to engineering services in respect of certain components of our cars, as well as in respect of worldwide certification.” -Continued

“Spyker and Lotus have now come to the conclusion that they need to intensify their cooperation to the point that we intend to share parts and platforms, as well as an agreement on the supply of parts. Moreover, Lotus Engineering has become Spyker’s preferred subcontractor in respect of a number of engineering projects relating to the Spyker C8 Aileron and the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris.”

Michael Kimberley, CEO of Lotus Cars Ltd., added: “Lotus is very pleased to be identified as Spyker’s preferred Engineering supplier for these unique “high Brand Image” ground breaking cars. We look forward to working with Spyker to expand our global business opportunities, projects and interests for our mutually synergistic Products and Technologies”

“Lotus Engineering has a great heritage and solid track record in developing innovative solutions for clients and we look forward to using Lotus’ advanced light weight vehicle know-how and vehicle dynamics technology to enable Spyker to establish itself as a dynamic premium automotive player.”

Lotus Eagle Teaser Picture – Official Debut at British Motor Show

The first all-new model to come out of the Lotus factory in 13 years, the Eagle, will be revealed on July 22 when the British Motor Show in London opens its doors to the members of the press. However, we managed to discover an official teaser image of the mid-engined 2+2 sports car that is rumored to be powered by a modified version of the Toyota Camry’s 3.5 V6 engine that in stock form produces 268Hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm.

Inside sources told Carscoop that the Japanese V6 engine will be offered in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The Eagle will essentially replace the top-of-the-line Esprit that went out of production in 2004 as Lotus will market the 2+2 lightweight coupe above the Elise, Exige and Europa. 

Talking about lightweight construction, the Eagle will utilize the proven technology used in the Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle.

At the Geneva Salon in March, Lotus showcased the front module of the Eagle’s chassis which consist of three distinct parts, with the centre occupant section being the largest. Bolted to this centre section are the rear sub frame to which the engine and rear suspension are attached and the front module that incorporates the bumper beam and side members.

Lotus Eagle: New 2+2 Sportscar with 280Hp 3.5L V6 Toyota Camry Engine

These are the first official images of Lotus’ all-new sports coupe that currently bears the project name “Eagle”. To be fully revealed during at the British Motorshow on 22nd July, the Eagle is not only the first model from Lotus since the Elise in 1995 but it’s also the only mid-engined 2+2 in production. Though we’ll have to wait for Lotus to reveal more images of the Eagle, we can’t help but wonder why the Brits designed their first all new model in 14 years in the likes of a stretched Elise…

Style aside, the Eagle will be powered a modified version of the Toyota Camry’s 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 Hp. Lotus says that early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph or 257 km/h with the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint from standstill estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures). The British sports carmaker plans to hand-build 2,000 units of the Project Eagle each year with sales set to begin in spring 2009. Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultra-high performance two-seater version.

Project Eagle in detail:

Project Eagle is the first of three new models included in the CEO’s (Mike Kimberley) five year strategic business plan initiated in October 2006 to support Lotus’ growth.

Design
Designed in-house by Lotus Design, Head of Design, Russell Carr, explains “Project Eagle’s dynamically sculptured form and dramatic proportions communicate visual drama, speed and agility even when the car is standing still. Sportscars are primarily an emotional rather than a rational purchase and so the design must seduce with its beauty and distinctive character. However, the modern customer also demands that the product offers real-world usability as well as exotic imagery. Therefore every element of the car’s exterior and interior has been carefully designed to create a product that offers comfort and convenience as well as traditional performance car attributes.”

A design language of dynamic lines and fluid surfaces that flow from the ‘Lotus –mouth’ and over the length the cars toned form are unmistakably ‘modern Lotus’. They instantly convey a sense of agility and athleticism that is intrinsic to the car’s driving persona. On Project Eagle they are complemented by the distinctive wraparound visor screen but have been subtly tailored to suit the more sophisticated character of the car, optimise high-speed aerodynamics and artfully disguise the unique 2+2 layout. The cab forward proportion combines with muscular haunches and optimised intake detailing to instantly inform the viewer that this is a serious mid-engine sportscar. Elsewhere a Lotus philosophy for combining function with beauty is evident in the downforce generating, top exit radiator vent, rear diffuser and rear wing.

Inside the car the forms echo the exterior with fast moving surfaces that wrap around the cockpit cosseting the occupants, the contrast colour band that flows from the instrument cluster and sweeps around the cabin highlights this theme. “We recognise that ‘touch’ not only assists with driving enjoyment but also conveys messages about quality and therefore great attention has been paid to all the areas where the driver interfaces with the car.” Carr explains. Figure hugging adjustable sports seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel instantly communicate the driving potential of the car. Project Eagle employs premium quality material and finishes to create an exclusive, British handcrafted ambience that is unique in this price segment. Modern, precision-engineered aluminium inserts and hi-fi quality, edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed against the traditional contrast stitched leather panels.

Everyday convenience is catered for through ergonomically located touch screen SAT NAV, remote release glove box, storage bins and integrated “cup holders”.

Technology
In a world launch by partners Alpine, Project Eagle boasts a truly cutting edge in-car entertainment and navigation system. The multi-media system features a 7in touch-screen providing advanced audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for Project Eagle’s optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system has a removable hard-drive, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your home or use it as a roaming satellite navigation unit and MP3 player.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, it is able to cancel out imbalances in the sound caused by different areas of the cabin – window glass, for instance, creates echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.

A bespoke progressive air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all models, while on-board tyre pressure monitoring will be either standard or optional depending on model and market. And in deference to the American market in particular, a module in the headlining will accommodate automatic garage and gate opening remote controls.

Interior space and accommodation
The rear seats of 2+2 versions of Project Eagle are intended for children or smaller adults on short journeys. To maximise comfort in the rear, there is foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings for secure child seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area for briefcases and jackets, adding to Project Eagle’s appeal as an everyday car. The boot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of heat ingress from the engine bay, will accommodate a set of golf clubs.

A two-seater derivative of Project Eagle is planned and will have a luggage shelf in the back replacing the two rear seats.

Safety
Lotus’ Project Eagle conforms to all regulatory standards and in addition boasts additional safety features; Lotus aluminium chassis technology applied to Project Eagle’s provides the car with immense inherent strength, particularly in regard to side impacts and a tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame that also acts as a rollover structure.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as are traction and stability controls; these systems have been specially developed in co-operation with Bosch to provide enhanced safety features whilst maintaining performance characteristics.

Under the bonnet
Lotus continues its excellent working relationship with Toyota, world leaders in engine development and manufacture and Formular1 competitors. For Project Eagle Lotus has modified Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6, with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing) for optimum performance.

Performance
At the time of unveiling, full performance figures for the new Lotus will not have been compiled on a production specification car, however Lotus has a further 6 months of development time to conduct these before Project Eagle is available to test drive.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the 0-60 mph sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).

Lotus Evora in Gallery Show

Lotus to name new 2+2 Coupe “Evora”

Though this has not been officially confirmed, CarScoop has been tipped off that the all-new Lotus 2+2 Coupe, currently known as the project Eagle, will be named “Evora” when it makes its world debut at next week’s British Motor Show in London. The Evora will be available for order from spring 2009 as a 2+2 as well as a 2-seater. The basic versions will be equipped with a modified Toyota Camry 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 Hp. Click here to read more details on the new Lotus coupe.

Lotus Evora in Aqua Blue Colour

When we first laid eyes on the new Lotus Evora in silver colour (see here), we can’t say that we were won over by the 2+2 coupe’s styling. And even though we still aren’t totally convinced, we must admit that this new image of the Evora in an aqua-blue colour made us have second thoughts about the coupe’s appearance.

Lotus Believes the Evora is the Vital Accessory for the Modern Woman…

Unless modern women have changed so much these days that they prefer hopping into a sportscar for an exhilarating drive on the race track or a nice twisty B-road over shopping at the mall, we fail to see the reason why Lotus thinks that its new mid-engined 2+2 Coupe is the “vital accessory for a modern woman” in its secondary press release on the Evora.

The only reasonable answer we can find is that the new press release is aimed towards female lifestyle magazines – you know, the kind that believe that Sarah Jessica Parker doesn’t look like a starved horse. However, even if that’s the case, we’re still trying to figure out how the Evora is a “cool and eco-friendly alternative to gas-guzzling 4×4’s…

Press Release

The vital accessory for the modern woman is the new, seductive sportscar from Lotus.

The Lotus Evora is sleek, sophisticated and socially aware. Coupling stunning looks and agile performance its impressive green credentials, prove that Evora is a cool and eco-friendly alternative to gas-guzzling 4×4’s. Emissions for the brand-new sportscar are on target to beat the 225 grams of CO2 per kilometre threshold above which UK road tax rapidly increases.

Presenting the best of British design, the Evora is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Combining 60 years of sportscar expertise and beautifully crafted with fluid lines, the Evora has both power under the bonnet and looks to kill. This combination is fast positioning the Evora as a must have item, but you won’t be able to get your hands on one until spring 2009 when the car goes on sale in the UK.

Each car is hand built in Norfolk, UK and with Lotus’s anticipated production of only 2000 Evora’s each year the exclusive and unique nature of this stunning car is rousing extraordinary interest with many A-listers lining-up to drive the car, including Kelly Rowland and Charlotte Church.

Inside the Evora the new Lotus is both stunning and luxurious and provides drivers with high quality tactile materials and thoughtful details. Its elegantly styled cabin is sumptuously trimmed with rich leather and features contemporary brushed aluminium surfaces, whilst the latest in-car entertainment equipment adds comfort to style for optimum driver indulgence. A 2+2 passenger configuration, children can sit comfortably in the rear of the Evora and the boot is large enough for the weekly shop or a couple of overnight bags perfect for a business trip or a weekend away at the latest boutique hotel.

The Evora is not just a practical, ecological, stunning car – it’s a true sportscar with power and speed. It’s a car for girls who want to have serious, sophisticated fun and the instant antidote to the stresses everyday life throws at today’s professional, stylish woman. Driving this car gives you an instant and addictive buzz, the commute has never been so much fun!

Lotus Evora: Project Eagle in Detail with 23 High Res Photos

s we first informed you a couple of days ago, Lotus’ Project Eagle sportscar will bear the name Evora. Unveiled to the public for the first time at the British Motor Show in London, the Evora is a 2+2 coupe fitted with a mid-mounted Toyota sourced 3.5L V6 engine optimized to deliver 280 PS. While Lotus hasn’t announced official performance figures, the Brits support that the rear-wheel drive coupe which weighs in at 1,350 kg or 2,976 lbs will be able to sprint from 0 to 60mph (96 km/h) in under 5.0 sec and achieve a top speed of 160 mph or 257 km/h.

Maybe even more importantly, the Evora not only features the most inviting interior you’ve ever seen in a Lotus but in the company’s own words, the cabin “will accommodate two 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.” Is there some particular reason that Lotus decided to use American males as an example for the Evora’s spaciousness?

Geneva Preview: Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel

As its name suggests, the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel is equipped with a 1.8-liter supercharged engine that can run any mixture of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol. Using a development of the supercharger and intercooler package from the Exige S, the Exige 270E Tri-fuel has peak power of 270 hp at 8000 rpm, 184 lb/ft (260 Nm) of torque at 5500 rpm, up by 51 hp or 19% and 25 lb/ft 45 Nm or 14% over the standard gasoline Exige S.

That makes the Exige 270E Tri-fuel the most powerful road version of the Exige range. According to the British carmaker, the Exige 270E can go from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.9 sec and on to a top speed of 158 mph or 255 km/h

Lotus to Show Eagle Sportscar Chassis in Geneva

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Press Release:

First Glimpse of Project Eagle

Group Lotus plc unveiled the first glimpse of the eagerly awaited Project Eagle at the 78th annual Geneva International Motor Show. This exhibition showcases part of the advanced technology being utilised for Project Eagle and the latest development of the innovative Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA). This first glimpse is the front module of the chassis, which is shown prior to the full unveiling of Project Eagle at the British Motor Show in July 2008.

Project Eagle is the code name for the new higher specification addition to the Lotus product range entering the market above the Elise, Exige and Europa. Going into production at the beginning of next year, Project Eagle draws heavily on the proven technology used in the iconic Lotus Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle. Project Eagle will be an all new fantastic Lotus sports car, which illustrates Lotus Engineering’s ability to create innovative and exciting high performance niche car products.

Mike Kimberley CEO of Group Lotus plc said: “I am delighted with the exceptional “fast-track” progress of Project Eagle -the project is hitting key gateway, timing and technical objectives. The project utilises our core competencies in aluminium, and composite body engineering, jointing techniques, and vehicle systems integration. Lotus Engineering is a world leader in niche vehicle design, manufacture and global sales and Project Eagle is a prime example of this technological competence, which will build upon this reputation”.

Mike Kimberley added, “This is a very exciting period for us at Lotus and the whole company is enjoying the challenge of delivering such an exceptional new Lotus car. By showing this front module at Geneva, we are proving that the new Lotus is a reality and that VVA is an advanced ecological technology from which further Lotus models will be produced, thus giving Lotus a true “multi-platform” line up over the next 5 years”.

Versatile Vehicle Architecture

The innovative Lotus Engineering VVA technology offers a fast-to-market, cost-effective approach to differentiated niche products by spreading the development, investment and the bill of materials burden across a range of vehicle variants, without the compromise that stems from conventional ‘platform sharing’. The philosophy is based on the commonality and versatility of key elements of the vehicle structure and body systems across a ‘family’ of niche vehicle variants that meet all world homologation and safety requirements.

Richard Rackham, Vehicle Architect of Lotus Engineering, said “Producing a bespoke low-volume platform using normal methods is uneconomical, whilst sharing a mainstream platform normally results in compromises in performance and design. Traditionally car manufacturers seeking to gain competitive advantage through exciting niche vehicles have to either design a new platform or share one already available. The great advantage of this VVA technology is that it can be used by one car manufacturer looking to develop a range of niche products, or by a group of car manufacturers looking to share investment, but still retain a high degree of end product separation.”

The Project Eagle chassis is an evolution of the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept vehicle previously showcased at Geneva, and allows for the development of a range of vehicles up to a gross vehicle weight of 1,900 kg. This architecture has been designed to be more applicable to mid-volume applications by utilising low capital investment manufacturing processes. The Project Eagle structure progresses the Lotus bonded technology used in the Elise family of vehicles with unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providing contemporary ease of ingress/egress, build modularity and improved, lower cost repairability.

The Low Volume VVA architecture has been designed so that it can be stretched in width, length and height. The strength and stiffness of the low volume VVA chassis can be modified cost effectively by varying the wall thickness of the extrusions, without altering the exterior dimensions. Combining the ability to lengthen or shorten extrusions with the option to tailor the chassis stiffness, vastly increases the number of vehicles that could be developed from this vehicle architecture. Front and mid engine installations have been considered, as well as hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) applications.

Project Eagle employs a composite roof as a stressed structural member to give an exceptional vehicle stiffness of 26,000 Nm per degree. To deliver this high performance structure, bonded and riveted high grade aluminium extrusions and simple and elegant folded sheet elements are used in the lower structure, building upon award winning research projects in this field. Lotus pioneered the aerospace technology of bonded aluminium extrusions for use in road vehicles and has successfully developed high performance cars for global engineering clients using this approach.

Project Eagle Front Module

The innovative VVA architecture for Project Eagle consists of three distinct parts, with the centre occupant section being the largest. Bolted to this centre section are the rear sub frame to which the engine and rear suspension are attached and the front module that incorporates the bumper beam and side members that progressively absorb crash energy. Practicality has been a major consideration with in-built serviceability factored into the design. Various systems attach to the front module including the suspension, cooling pack, HVAC and body. The aluminium front module on its own measures 938 mm long, 864 mm wide and 387 mm tall and weighs in at a featherweight 25 kg, again ‘ecologically’ biased.

Project Eagle suspension wishbones are forged from aluminium to reduce the unsprung mass. These are similar in weight to the steel items found on the much smaller Elise, Exige and Europa vehicle, but have a far higher vehicle weight capability. They attach to the front module via bespoke lightweight bushes. All Lotus cars have to be fun to drive and deliver a sensational, class leading driving experience. Project Eagle will be using Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs with unique dual path top mounts for optimised vehicle refinement. The high performance bespoke Lotus AP Racing 4 pot callipers work in tandem with ventilated cross-drilled 350mm diameter brake discs to ensure phenomenal stopping power. Hydraulically assisted power steering will be employed with a TRW steering rack.

Project Eagle

The development of Project Eagle is advancing rapidly, with engineering prototypes already conducting testing in Northern Europe and at Lotus’ headquarters at Hethel, England. The ride and handling and cold weather testing currently being undertaken forms an early part of the demanding worldwide industry standard vehicle development programme for Project Eagle. One of Lotus Engineering’s strengths is its ability to streamline design and development, thereby reducing time to production and project costs.

2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260

The most radical version of the Lotus Exige, the track-ready Sport Exige Cup has been revised for the MY2008 with a series of mechanical updates the most important being the new engine management system that boosts maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS), up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over the MY2007 Sport Exige Cup. According to the British firm, the 2008 model achieves a top speed of 247 kmh (147 mph) and a 0 to 160 kmh (100 mph) time of 9.9 sec and 0 to 100 kmh of 4.1 sec (0 to 60 mph in 4 sec).

Additional improvements on the 2008 Model year include the new graphics on the instrument panel, the variable traction and launch control and the new alarm/immobilizer system

Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260.

20th February 2008

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 / tonne (273 PS / tonne). 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 tyres, 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 car can also be ordered as a Track version for track use only. The Track Version comes pre-fitted with an FIA approved 6-point roll cage, and 4-point harnesses. In addition, a wide range of motorsport specific options are also available with this version.

70 litre fuel cell (FIA approved)

Yokohama A005 racing slick tyres with Hi-Power silver 5-spoke ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels

C64 6-speed gearbox with dog engagement and revised ratios

1.5-way adjustable plate-type limited slip differential

Race specification battery with battery tray

De-cat pipe

Level 2 stainless steel sports exhaust – 104.0 dB(A)

Black race seat – driver only (FIA approved)

Black 6-point harnesses – driver only (FIA approved)

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 247 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. Combined Fuel Consumption is 9.1 l/100km and the CO2 emissions 216 g/km.

The Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in mainland Europe at €56,034, exclusive of local taxes and on the road charges. You will find the individual retail prices for some major European markets in a separate list at the end of this release.

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 b

ack-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 cross-drilled 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 (track use only)

• Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type)

• Air conditioning

• Metallic paint

• Lifestyle paint

• Race battery and holder

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).