The ultimate Elise, the Cup 250 is the best the Elise has ever been, its got great quality too.

• Fastest, most focused four-cylinder Lotus sports car ever
• 0-60 mph in 3.9 secs, 243 hp & from 283 hp per tonne
• Concentrates spirit of latest Elise for new Cup variant
• Advanced lightweight materials cut weight to 860 kg
• Available to order from Lotus dealers now

Punching well above its weight, the new Lotus Elise Cup 250 offers a scintillating blend of purity of purpose with performance at the apex of the recently revised Elise range.

Supercharged, lightweight and distilled from Lotus’ extensive motorsport knowhow, the new model packs 243 hp into a chassis designed to deliver the benchmark in responsive handling and haptic feedback. The car’s enhanced aerodynamics come from a number of additions including a new lightweight rear wing, front splitter, bargeboards and rear diffuser contributing to 125 kg of downforce at 140 mph.

As the latest car to receive the Cup treatment, the new Lotus Elise Cup 250 bridges the gap between road and track to offer racecar capabilities in a package that can be used every day. Focused on cutting weight and boosting performance, Lotus’ development team has built on the significant updates introduced for the latest Elise, which has already been hailed as a five-star car by the international motoring press. 

Dry weight has been reduced to just 884 kg (or 860 kg with all lightweight options) and the adoption of advanced lightweight materials including carbon fibre, titanium and aluminium has helped to cut kilos from crucial areas leading to a 0-60 mph in 3.9 secs and a power to weight of 283 hp per tonne.

The Elise Cup 250 carries the new visual identity, first introduced on the new Elise Sport and Sprint models. Changes to the body include a redesigned lightweight front clam panel with wider radiator apertures and mesh pattern grille, and a new design of rear transom panel featuring two light clusters, rather than four, visually enhancing the design.

The Elise Cup 250 also includes a number of high-performance additions unique to this model. These include revised dampers and ultra-lightweight forged wheels with Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tyres – 225/45 ZR17 at the rear and 195/50 ZR16 at the front.

Announcing the new car, Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “The Elise Cup 250 is the latest edition in an exciting period for the company which has seen us launch a number of very special new cars across our entire range. We know what existing Lotus enthusiasts demand from our cars and we are also bringing in many new customers who can see clearly that we offer an unrivalled combination of performance, styling, dynamics and value for money. A Lotus rewards like no other car, with sharp handling, tremendous speed and a pure, undiluted driving experience. The power and aerodynamic prowess of the new Elise Cup 250 has taken the fight beyond the reach of lesser rivals and, at just 860 kg, it shows that we are ahead of the curve in delivering lightweight, intelligently engineered sports cars.”

The best Elise yet

Cementing its reputation as a purebred driver’s car, the new Elise Cup 250 sets the standard for two-seater sports cars thanks to its winning combination of efficient engineering, agility, grip and speed. Cut from the same cloth as the recently released Exige Cup 380, it’s every inch a track car – but with road-going manners.

Reserved for only the most focused models, the Cup moniker distinguishes Hethel’s highest-evolved sports cars from their stable mates, with the Cup editions sure to become iconic and collectable models in the years to come. Expounding the company’s “simplify, then add lightness” mantra to the next level – it eradicates all but the essential from each model to produce a reference point for handling and performance.

Launched to the media earlier this year, the latest version of the Lotus Elise has retained its trademark handling, but added a number of enhancements which have been rolled out across the range. In addition to the redesigned lightweight clam panels front and rear, the Elise Cup 250’s aerodynamic changes modify airflow over, under and around the car to increase downforce, equivalent to 125 kg at 140 mph, allowing harder and faster cornering and more stability.

Providing 243 hp, the Elise’s all-alloy 1.8-litre engine with chargecooled supercharger, allows the Cup 250 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 secs before reaching its top speed of 154 mph. Helping amplify the driving experience, Hethel’s acoustic engineers have further improved the exhaust note, so the Elise Cup 250 now features a stunning soundtrack as standard. An optional full exhaust system in titanium is available which removes a further 7 kg from beyond the rear axle.

Perfectly complementing the car’s personality, the Elise’s slick six-speed manual gearbox uses Lotus’ beautifully detailed open-gate design. First introduced on the Exige Sport 350, but optimised for the Elise, it provides a much more positive and direct operation – giving faster, cleaner gear changes.

Benefiting from the recent weight savings delivered across the Elise range, the Elise Cup 250 is a significant 14 kg lighter than its predecessor. As standard, the Lotus Elise Cup 250 includes a Lithium-Ion battery, Lotus’ hand crafted carbon race seats, ultra-lightweight motorsport forged alloy wheels and a polycarbonate rear screen, all of which combine with optional weight-saving components to deliver a benchmark power to weight ratio of 283 hp per tonne.

The Elise Cup 250 features fully independent double wishbone suspension and a front anti-roll bar, coupled with Bilstein high-performance dampers and Eibach coaxial coil springs front and rear. Compared to the Elise Sport and Sprint models, damper rates for the Elise Cup 250 are higher (compression: 12% front / 9% rear and rebound: 20% front / 30% rear).

AP Racing twin-piston front and Brembo single-piston rear calipers with cross drilled and ventilated 288 mm diameter brake discs, front and rear, provide stopping power, with new optional lightweight two-piece brake discs providing the opportunity to save a further 4 kg. Like the other 1.8-litre Elise models, the Cup 250 benefits from driver selectable ESP driving modes (Drive / Sport / Off). To maximise traction, and to make the most of the aerodynamic downforce and firmer damping, the Elise Cup 250 uses Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tyres which are equally suited to both road and track and provide phenomenal grip and under a broad range of temperatures and conditions.

Adding to the Elise’s strong and torsionally stiff chassis architecture, the Cup 250 also features a T45 steel roll over bar as standard.

The Elise Cup 250’s cabin bears the hallmarks of a beautifully handcrafted high-performance sports car, including Lotus’ in-house manufactured carbon race seats, clad in black Alcantara® with contrast red or yellow stitching; the trim design is carried through to the door panels and face-level vents, complementing the exposed aluminium and carbon fibre elements of the Elise Cup 250’s cabin.

Interior options include an Alcantara trimmed steering wheel and sill covers, leather or tartan trim packs, bodywork keyed colour inserts for the sports seats, transmission console and HVAC surround, and additional weight saving carbon components including face-level vents (-0.3 kg), HVAC surrounds (-0.1 kg), and sill covers (-0.8 kg). As well as saving weight, the optional, lightweight carbon fibre sill covers provide easier ingress and egress thanks to a 10mm lower profile.

Buyers wanting to extract extra kilos from the car can select the beautifully finished optional Carbon Aero Pack, which adds a composite front splitter, rear wing and side boards (saving 3.7 kg), whilst further weight savings can come from separately specified carbon items including a hard-top (-3 kg), front access panel (-1.1 kg), roll-over hoop cover (-0.7 kg) and engine cover (-3.3 kg).

The Elise’s instrument panel features new graphics, making it easier to read, and a new in-car entertainment system, including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality and uprated speakers, can also be selected when ordering.

Every new Lotus Elise Cup 250 customer can personalise their vehicle through the Lotus Exclusive programme. Developed by the Lotus Design team, it combines traditional British craftsmanship with the best of modern design. Conceived to inspire customers, allowing them to tailor vehicles to their personal taste, it offers a comprehensive array of options and provides an alluring alternative to an off-the-peg sports car.

ELISE CUP 250 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

PERFORMANCE	ELISE CUP 250
Max power	243 hp at 7200 rpm (246 PS) (181 kW)
Max torque	184 lbft at 3500-5500 rpm (250 Nm)
0-60 mph	3.9 seconds
0-100 km/h	4.3 seconds
Max speed	154 mph (248 km/h)
Fuel Consumption mpg (l/100 km)
Urban Extra Urban Combined	28.0 (10.1) 47.1 (6.0) 37.7 (7.5)
CO2 emissions	175 g/km
Kerb weight	917 kg
Dry weight	884 kg
Lightest possible dry weight	860 kg

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

All alloy, 1.8 litre DOHC 4 cylinder, dual VVT-i, 16-valve with chargecooled supercharger

Mid mounted, transverse, rear wheel drive

6 speed manual gearbox with sports ratios

Electronic Differential Lock

CHASSIS AND BODY

Lightweight, extruded aluminium bonded chassis structure

T45 motorsport hoop

Fully independent double wishbone sports suspension with adjustable front anti-roll bar

Bilstein high performance dampers, front and rear

Eibach springs, front and rear

AP Racing twin-piston front calipers and single-piston rear calipers

ABS system

Driver selectable ESP modes

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Lightweight lithium-ion battery

EXTERIOR SPECIFICATION

Aerodynamically optimised rear wing, front splitter, rear diffuser and side floor-extensions

Matt Black painted front access panel, mirror plinths, mirror caps, roll hoop cover and transom panel

Ultra lightweight black forged alloy wheels (16” front and 17” rear)

Front Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tyres 195/50 ZR16

Rear Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tyres 225/45 ZR17

Servo assisted, cross drilled and ventilated brake discs, 288 mm x 26 mm, front and rear

Polycarbonate backlight glass

Black soft-top

Clear sill stone chip protection film

INTERIOR SPECIFICATION

Black Alcantara® trim, with contrast red or yellow stitch including seats, door panels and face-level vents

Carbon fibre sports seats

Black leather trimmed steering wheel

Black leather trimmed sill covers

Exposed gearshift design

Polished aluminum gear knob and leather handbrake sleeve

Engine start push button

Driver and passenger airbags

Tyre puncture repair kit

OPTIONS: INTERIOR AND TRIM	UK RETAIL PRICE	DE RETAIL PRICE
Leather Trim Pack – Black leather, with contrast red or yellow stitch (including seats, door panels and face-level vents)	£1,000	€ 1,400
Tartan Trim Pack – Yellow or Red tartan inserts, with contrast red or yellow stitching (including seats and door panels)	£1,000	€ 1,400
Black Alcantara® trimmed sill covers	£200	€ 270
Black Alcantara® trimmed steering wheel	£300	€ 400
Interior Colour Pack – Seat eyelets, centre console surround, HVAC surround and window lift switch bezel painted in red, yellow, silver, orange, black or white	£400	€ 560
Full carpet	£350	€ 490
Floor mats	£100	€ 140

OPTIONS: EXTERIOR AND BODY	UK RETAIL PRICE	DE RETAIL PRICE
Matt Black painted hard-top	£1,000	€ 1,400
Red painted brakes callipers (from August 2017)	£350	€ 490
Ultra lightweight silver forged alloy wheels (16” front and 17” rear)	NCO	NCO

OPTIONS: COMFORT AND COMMUNICATION	UK RETAIL PRICE	DE RETAIL PRICE
Air conditioning	£1,250	€ 1,650
Bluetooth enabled stereo plus two front mounted speakers	£400	€ 560
Sound insulation	£350	€ 490
Cruise control	£110	€ 150
Standard battery	NCO	NCO

OPTIONS: LIGHTWEIGHT AND PERFORMANCE	WEIGHT SAVING	UK RETAIL PRICE	DE RETAIL PRICE
Carbon Aero Pack – Front splitter, rear wing and side boards in carbon fibre	3.7kg	£3,400	€ 4,700
Carbon fibre hard-top	3 kg	£3,000	€ 4,000
Carbon fibre access panel	1.1 kg	£900	€ 1,250
Carbon fibre engine cover	3.3 kg	£1,600	€ 2,200
Carbon fibre roll-hoop cover	0.7 kg	£1,000	€ 1,400
Carbon fibre sill covers	0.8 kg	£1,200	€ 1,680
Carbon fibre face-level vents	0.3 kg	£1,400	€ 1,950
Carbon fibre HVAC surround	0.1 kg	£400	€ 550
Titanium exhaust	7 kg	£4,000	€ 5,500
Two-piece high-performance brake discs	4 kg	£1,500	€ 2,000
Airbag deletion and non-airbag steering wheel	-	£1,000	€ 1,400
Harness cross bar and 4 point harness [only in combination with airbag deletion] (4 point harness supplied via Lotus Aftersales for dealer fitment post registration)	-	£1,600	€ 2,200
Fire extinguisher and battery isolator	-	£2,800	€ 3,900
Front and rear towing eyes (supplied via Lotus Aftersales for dealer fitment post registration)	-	£295	€ 420

PAINT OPTIONS	UK RETAIL PRICE	DE RETAIL PRICE
Signature paint	£825	€ 1,155
Metallic paint	£825	€ 1,155

LOTUS EXCLUSIVE OPTIONS	UK RETAIL PRICE	DE RETAIL PRICE
Exclusive Paint: Alternative metallic colours	£1,860	€ 2,600
Exclusive Paint: Alternative pearlescent colours	£2,850	€ 4,000
Exclusive Paint: Custom colour choice	POA	POA
Exclusive Leather: Alternative colour	£2,250	€ 3,000
Exclusive Stitch: Alternative colour	£300	€ 400
The above options represent just a sample of what is available through Lotus Exclusive. Further information on the Lotus Exclusive programme, including a comprehensive list of the available customisation options can be found at:

ELISE CUP 250 – VEHICLE PRICING

MARKET	RETAIL PRICE
UK	£47,400 (incl. VAT at 20%)
Germany	€62,600 (incl. VAT at 19%)
France	€63,130 (incl. VAT at 20%)
Italy	€66,540 (incl. VAT at 22%)
Japan	¥9,150,000 (incl. VAT at 8%)

Lotus celebrates 50 years at Hethel with the Elise 250 Special Edition, low weight, high power makes great fun.

• 50th anniversary edition celebrates founding of Hethel site
• Hand finished, with lightweight carbon components as standard
• 899 kg kerb weight delivers pure and precise driving experience

In a celebration of style and lightweight performance, and helping mark the 50th anniversary of the company’s famous Hethel site, Lotus has revealed the latest addition to its collection: the exclusive Elise 250 Special Edition.

Based on the critically acclaimed Elise Cup 250 launched earlier this year, but featuring a raft of exclusive components as standard, the new Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition offers an outstanding combination of performance and panache. 

With a supercharged 243 hp engine, a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds, and a unique, hand-finished interior, it perfectly defines the quintessential British sportscar in this celebration year.

As an antidote to sterilised and staid modern cars, Lotus’ approach continues to deliver the purest, undiluted driving experience. Tipping the scales at just 899 kg, through the utilisation of advanced materials including carbon fibre and aluminium, the Elise 250 Special Edition remains true to the company’s philosophy of ‘Light is Right’ and is capable of humbling far more common, yet expensive, rivals.

Powered by a high-output, supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Elise 250 Special Edition boasts 243 hp (246 PS) at 7200 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm. This, along with the car’s 899kg kerb weight, contributes to the impressive 270 hp/tonne headline figure.

However, far from being solely performance orientated, the Elise 250 Special Edition is designed to appeal aesthetically as well as dynamically. A selection of beautifully finished carbon-fibre components come as standard, including a front splitter, rear wing, tailgate and front access panel, all giving the car considerable kerb appeal.

Drawing inspiration from some of the company’s most alluring models, the new Elise is the perfect blend of both style and substance. As befitting a hand-built sports car from one of the world’s most famous marques, it’s beautifully detailed and conceived as a tribute to one of countless Lotus fans’ favourite cars. The Lotus Elan, launched in 1963, established itself as one of the icons of 60’s motoring and even became a star of screen in hit TV shows of the time, including the classic series The Avengers.

Draped in a composite body and finished in one of four of the firm’s favourite colours, the Elise 250 Special Edition is limited to just 50 examples. With a high specification as standard, it combines traditional British craftsmanship with the best of contemporary design. From the hand-made carbon components, to the hand-finished leather seats, it sets the benchmark for exclusive sports cars.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented, “When we first introduced the Elise, it redefined how involving and exciting, yet civilised, a sports car could be. As the Elise was conceived, designed, engineered and is built at Hethel, we wanted a 50^th tribute that’s even lighter than the fastest road-going Elise we’ve ever produced. The new Elise 250 Special Edition achieves that, so it’s supremely quick and agile, but it’s also wonderfully finished and stunning to look at.”

Helping celebrate the company’s 50 years in Norfolk, the car is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Elise 250 Special Edition is the latest in a series of unique products marking this significant milestone in the company’s history.

The performance and handling characteristics of every Lotus are developed on the famous site’s test track. Over the last 50 years it’s been responsible for honing all the company’s historic models, including the Elan, and Esprit, as well its fastest ever cars, the amazing Evora 400 and ballistic 3-Eleven.

Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition

The Elise 250 Special Edition is available in choice of four colours, each a long-standing favourite over the last 50 years. Classic metallic blue, red, yellow and white finishes are all complemented by ultralight forged wheels in silver, or black as an option. An optional carbon fibre hardtop roof panel is also available.

The same attention to detail continues inside, with the carbon-fibre sports seats finished in either dark blue or dark grey leather, and stitched with a choice of contrasting colours. The car’s door trim is afforded the same hand-stitched finish.

Despite its sophistication, the Elise 250 Special Edition is just at home on the track as it is on Bond Street. The new car laps the company’s Hethel test circuit in 1 minute 34 seconds, the fastest recorded time for a production road-going Elise. The car carries over the same suspension and braking components from the Elise Cup 250, including Bilstein sports dampers and Eibach coaxial coil springs and double wishbone suspension. AP Racing twin-piston front calipers, and Brembo single-piston rear calipers work in conjunction with the track-tuned ABS system.

Fitted with a slick, six-speed manual gearbox, the Elise 250 Special Edition includes an Electronic Differential Lock as standard to give better traction and faster exit speeds when cornering.

The new Elise also features driver selectable ESP modes, providing ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings. Proportionally increasing throttle response, lowering traction slip thresholds and removing understeer recognition, it allows enhanced control before the system intervenes.

An integrated in-car entertainment system can also be specified, including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality, along with air conditioning, cruise control, auxiliary driving lights, full carpets, floor mats and enhanced sound insulation.

The new Elise 250 Special Edition can also be personalised through the Lotus Exclusive programme. Combining craftsmanship with modern design, the service inspires customers to spend time tailoring the character of their Lotus with a comprehensive array of options to suit any budget.

News of the special edition follows the Lotus Elise’s success as Readers’ Champion at the prestigious Autocar Awards. From a starting roster of 50, tens of thousands of motoring fans voted for the iconic car as part of an online competition.

The hand-built sports car from Norfolk has long been regarded as a benchmark within the industry, providing a level of precision and driver involvement that rivals can’t match. Perfectly tuned for British roads the Lotus Elise, intelligently equipped and surprisingly usable, allows owners to enjoy driving day in, day out.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

UK (Pound Sterling)	£47,900
Germany (Euros)	€64,000
France (Euros)	€64,540
Italy (Euros)	€67,980
Japan (¥ Yen)	¥9.4m

Technical Specification:

PERFORMANCE	Elise 250
Max power	243 hp at 7200 rpm (246 PS) (181 kW)
Max torque	250 Nm between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm (184 lbft)
0-60 mph	3.9 seconds
0-100 km/h	4.3 seconds
Max speed	154 mph (248 km/h)
Fuel Consumption mpg (l/100 km)
Urban Extra Urban Combined	28.0 (10.1) 47.1 (6.0) 37.7 (7.5)
CO2 emissions	175 g/km
Unladen weight	899 kg

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

All alloy, 1.8 litre DOHC 4-cylinder, dual VVT-i, 16-valve with chargecooled Magnuson R900 supercharger utilising Eaton TVSTM technology

Mid mounted, transverse, rear wheel drive

Multi-point sequential fuel injection and direct ignition system

Lotus Electronic Throttle Control system

6 speed manual gearbox with sports ratios

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

CHASSIS AND BODY

Lightweight, extruded aluminium bonded chassis structure

T45 motorsport hoop

Fully independent double wishbone suspension, with adjustable front anti-roll bar

Bilstein high performance gas dampers, front and rear

Eibach coaxial coil springs, front and rear

AP-Racing twin-piston front calipers and single piston rear calipers

Servo assisted, cross drilled and ventilated brake discs, 288 mm diameter, front and rear

Track-tuned ABS system

Driver selectable ESP modes

Lightweight lithium-ion battery

EXTERIOR SPECIFICATION

Classic Blue, Yellow, Red or White metallic paint finish

Carbon fibre front splitter, rear wing, tailgate and front access panel

Roll hoop cover, wing mirror caps, rear transom panel and wing uprights in silver finish

Rear diffuser in silver finish

Ultra-lightweight silver forged alloy wheels (16” front and 17” rear)

Yokohama AO48 LTS tyres 195/50 ZR16 (front) 225/45 ZR17 (rear)

Halogen front main and dip lights with integrated direction indicators

LED rear lamps with integrated direction indicators

Black soft-top

Clear sill stone chip protection film

INTERIOR SPECIFICATION

A choice of dark blue or dark grey leather trim with contrast stitching

Carbon fibre sports seats trimmed in leather with contrast stitching

Black leather trimmed steering wheel

Black leather trimmed sills with contrast stitching

Polished aluminium gear knob

Engine start push button

Driver and passenger airbags

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Carbon fibre hard top

Air conditioning

Ultra-lightweight black forged alloy wheels (16” front and 17” rear)

Black Pack, including roll hoop cover, wing mirror caps, rear transom panel, rear diffuser and wing uprights painted in matt black

Cruise control

Integrated in-car entertainment system, including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth®

Full carpet

Floor mats

Sound insulation

Auxiliary driving lights