The Most accomplished Elise racer yet from Hethel is called the Elise Racer 250, and is eligible to race worldwide.

• Most accomplished Elise racer yet from Hethel
• Broad range of track-specific options as standard
• Eligible for race series around the world

The latest race car from Lotus, the new Elise Race 250 distils the famous company’s engineering expertise into one hardcore, track-orientated package.

Eligible for many race series around the world, this sensational new Elise has been developed to meet the high demands of the track, with a raft of performance-orientated features as standard. 

Packing a supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with a 6 speed manual gearbox, the Elise Race 250 boasts 243 hp (246 PS) at 7200 rpm and an impressive 250 Nm of torque between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm.

Delivering a level of ability you’d expect from one of the world’s most famous racing marques, every aspect of the Lotus Elise Race 250 has been optimised to help slash lap times. This covers track-oriented features including Nitron adjustable dampers, uprated brake pads, FIA approved carbon fibre race seat with six-point racing harness, a removable steering wheel and a polycarbonate rear windscreen.

The Lotus Elise Race 250 also features a full aero package, including front splitter, rear diffuser, floor extensions and a rear wing. As a result, the car’s design generates substantial downforce, equal to 66 kg at 100 mph and 155 kg at maximum speed of 154 mph (248 km/h).

As befitting a race car, the cabin of the Elise Race 250 is fitted with an A-Frame harness bar and an FIA compliant front roll-cage section, fire extinguisher, battery isolator and front and rear towing eyes. The front headlamps are replaced with lightweight composite blanking panels.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented, “Lotus was established to build race cars and with 68 years’ experience, no one knows more about extracting the best performance possible. 

The Elise Race 250 is the fastest, most focused Elise we’ve ever produced and, judging by what it’s capable of on track, it looks set to become a favourite with our racers around the world.”

Building the fastest Elise racer yet

The new Elise Race 250 benefits from the continuous design philosophy of Lotus and its perpetual quest to evolve all constituent parts, lightening and optimising them.

At the core of the new car lies the company’s famous Lotus’ aluminium vehicle chassis technology. Employing strong and stiff lightweight extrusions joined by epoxy adhesive, it’s both immensely strong and torsionally stiff yet, the chassis for the Elise Race 250 tips the scales at just 68 kgs.

Specifically developed by Lotus’ famous Motorsport division the car has benefited through the company’s ‘Lightweight Laboratory’, and includes as standard, a Lithium Ion battery saving 10 kg compared to a standard battery, carbon fibre race seats (6 kg lighter than the equivalent composite seats) and ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels. 

Those wanting to cut weight still further, can opt for the Carbon Aero Pack which replaces the standard front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side floor-extensions with lightweight carbon components and reduces mass by a further 10 kg. With these lightweight options, the Elise Race 250 weighs less than 900 kg (dry).

With the new car lapping the company’s Hethel test track in 1 minute 33.5 seconds, the Elise Race 250 is 0.5 seconds quicker than the previous Elise Cup 220 R and represents the fastest recorded lap time for a Lotus developed race-variant of the Elise.

Developed through Lotus’ extensive motorsport experience, the Elise Race 250 features an adjustable front anti-roll bar, Nitron one-way adjustable dampers and Eibach coaxial coil springs and double wishbone suspension providing optimum body and roll control, but not at the expense of composure or turn in and without sacrificing high-speed stability. AP Racing twin-piston front calipers, and Brembo single-piston rear calipers work in conjunction with the ABS system with ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels (16-inch, front and 17-inch rear) with Yokohama AO48 tyres (195/50/16 on the front and 225/45/17 on the rear).

The arrival the new Elise Race 250 coincides with the 50th celebrations for the founding of the famous factory in Hethel, Norfolk, when in 1966, founder Colin Chapman moved Lotus to the purpose-built facility. 

Today, all Lotus cars are developed on the same test track responsible for the company’s famous Grand Prix racers. As the spiritual home of Team Lotus, its heritage includes seven World Constructors' Championship titles and six World Drivers' Championship.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

UK (Including VAT at 20%)	£53,500
UK (Excluding VAT)	£44,583
USA (Excluding local taxes)	$76,200

Lotus dealership offers potential customers the chance to test their new car on the Lotus test track at Hethal.

• Hexagon, London’s official Lotus dealer, now offers potential buyers the chance to test a new Lotus on the legendary Hethel track
• Hexagon sells the full range of Lotus models, from Elise and Exige to Evora, at two central London locations
• This announcement is the latest step in a historic relationship between Hexagon and Lotus, which stretches back to 1964
• As well as new Lotus models, Hexagon sells the finest classic and modern classic cars.

Hexagon, London’s official Lotus dealer, is offering potential buyers the test drive of a lifetime, with the chance to push the limits of a new Lotus on the legendary track at Lotus’ Hethel HQ in Norfolk.

Customers will be given a tour of the Lotus facility, seeing the attention-to-detail that goes into all Lotus models firsthand, before being let loose on the famous 2.2-mile track –where all Lotus road cars and race cars have been developed for the last 50 years – in the model they’re thinking of buying.

Hexagon sells the full range of Lotus cars from two central London locations – East Finchley and South Kensington – making it the only Lotus dealer inside the M25. Buyers can choose from the focused Elise to the flagship high-performance Evora 400.

This announcement is the latest in a long relationship between Hexagon and Lotus. Hexagon was a Lotus dealer from 1964 to 1976, while its East Finchley headquarters, which offers Lotus servicing and aftercare – is also just a stone’s throw from Lotus’ original base in Hornsey, where Colin Chapman and his team built the first models in the ‘50s.

Hexagon chairman Paul Michaels said: “Lotus cars feel completely at home on the track, thanks to their light weight, pin-sharp steering and peerless chassis tuning. That’s why we’re proud to have partnered with Lotus on this ultimate test drive opportunity; anyone thinking of buying a Lotus with us will surely be convinced within a few laps of the famous Hethel track.”

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, said: “Hethel is the home of Lotus. Seeing our range of cars being handbuilt by Lotus craftsmen and women and then taking to the challenging Hethel test track to put a car through its paces is an opportunity that just can’t be missed.”

With over 50 years of experience selling the finest road cars from brands such as Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Porsche, Hexagon offers all Lotus customers the very best in sales, service knowledge and aftercare.

Lotus has developed a range of interior and exterior options to boost personalisation of your new or old Lotus.

• Tailor made Lotus cars to individual customer requirements
• Created by the Lotus Design team & available for both new and pre-owned cars
• Exciting interior and exterior options, from subtle details to extensive personalisation

Letting Lotus owners set the tone, the new personalisation service Lotus Exclusive offers sports car fans a unique ownership proposition. 

Combining traditional British craftsmanship with modern design and exhilarating performance, the service allows a comprehensive array of personalisation covering everything from colour coding through to race car preparation.

Developed by the Lotus Design team, the Lotus Exclusive scheme has been conceived to inspire customers to further personalise the character of their Lotus cars. With the ability to tailor vehicles to their personal taste, it provides an alluring alternative to an off-the-peg sports car.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, “In the past we have created a number of cars personalised to the specific requests of individual customers. 

These stunning cars were produced by a team of skilled craftsmen and women, using their expertise to create something exceptional and unique for the customer. Now all our customers will be offered this service, to create their own personalised car through Lotus Exclusive.”

Existing Lotus owners, as well as new car customers, can take advantage of Lotus Exclusive during the ordering process at their local Lotus dealership. Examples of what can be ordered will be on hand, providing inspiration and highlighting the areas of the car that can be personalised. 

Each customer’s requirements from minor details, for a subtle personal touch, to extensive customisation are then reviewed by the Lotus dealer and developed in conjunction with the Lotus Exclusive team at Lotus headquarters.

Key areas where Lotus Exclusive can provide customisation and personalisation:

Lotus Exclusive – Body Colours

As the starting point for personalisation, the colour of any Lotus is an important decision. Lotus Exclusive offers a range of heritage and race themed body colours to provide a modern finish to all its cars. 

These colours include Essex Blue, used first on the Essex Commemorative Lotus Esprit Turbo of 1980 and corresponding Lotus F1 cars in 1980 and 1981 and Motorsport Black, which debuted on the limited edition Lotus Sport Exige 240R, a car which introduced supercharging to Lotus road cars in 2005.

In addition to the headline colours, Lotus Exclusive provides customers with a colour matching service to personalise a body colour in matt, gloss, metallic or pearlescent, providing a vast palette of possible body colours. 

Lotus Exclusive - Body decals

Highlighting key components, such as door mirrors, sills, wings or spoilers, body work decals can be chosen in white, yellow, red or black colours. Race Stripes, again in the four key gloss colours are available in three styles (twin, single or asymmetric) and add a competition feel to any Lotus sports car.

The roof panel and mirror caps can be given larger graphics with national flags, including the Union Jack, giving an iconic look to the car.

Lotus Exclusive – Interior Trim

All Lotus cars interiors are skilfully hand sewn at the Lotus headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk. Five suggested leather colours and four stitch colours available on all models.

Market Availability

Lotus Exclusive is available on all Lotus cars including the new Lotus 3-Eleven, the latest road and race car from Lotus, which will include a full range of performance options making it truly made to measure. Lotus Exclusive is available for all Lotus customers in Europe through the Lotus dealer network, with expansion into other regions later in 2016.

The revised Lotus Exige Sport 350, Lighter, Faster, leaner and a better all round driving experience.

·  51 kg lighter than previous Exige S

·  345 hp and in excess of 300 hp/tonne

·  60 mph in 3.7 Seconds and top speed of 170 mph

· Heritage Tartan interior and new colour and trim options

As the ultimate incarnation of the world famous Exige, Lotus has revealed the Sport 350, the latest version of the class-leading and award winning sports car, that’s lighter and faster than ever before. 

The 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine generates 345 hp and 295lbft of torque at 4500rpm, offering scintillating, progressive power to the road, while revised suspension tuning and wheel geometry contribute to un-matched vehicle dynamics and steering precision. 

Coupled with the car’s lower mass, this power and torque enables the Lotus Exige Sport 350 to accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds) before reaching a top speed of 170 mph (274 km/h).

The new Exige Sport 350 is the next model in the range to mark the reintroduction of the renowned ‘Sport’ naming designation. It joins the recently announced Lotus Elise Sport and Elise Sport 220 – delivering a lighter and even more performance-focused driving experience.

A product of Lotus’ ‘Lightweight Laboratory’, the Exige Sport 350 weighs just 1125 kg and has shed 51 kg compared to the previous model Exige S. This reduction in mass is the result of a thorough re-evaluation designed to deliver a pure driving experience.

Fuel Consumption mpg (l/100 km)	MANUAL	AUTOMATIC
Urban Extra Urban Combined	19.5 (14.5) 37.2 (7.6) 28.0 (10.1)	21.1 (13.4) 39.8 (7.1) 30.1 (9.4)
CO2 emissions	235 g/km	219 g/km