|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
1.8
liter inline-4 |
Weight |
1962
lbs |
|
Aspiration |
supercharger & intercooler |
Torque |
174
lb-ft @ 6000 rpm |
|
HP |
257
hp @ 8000 rpm |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
-- |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
4.1
seconds |
Top Speed |
-- |
(from Lotus Press
Release) Increased specification, improved efficiency and
enhanced handling
The track focussed
homologated-for-the-road 2010 Model Year Lotus Exige Cup 260 takes
design clues and technical innovations from the Lotus Exige GT3
racecar and combines with class leading emissions of just 199 g/km
CO2 and exhilarating performance of 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
• Extensive use of
carbon fibre
• Motorsport lightweight wheels
• Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers
• Rear chassis stiffness increased by 30%
The Lotus Exige Cup has
developed a cult following and a dedicated fan base since the first
Lotus Exige Cup 240 was unveiled in 2006. Over the last 4 model
years several hundred Exige Cup Cars have been sold, either
specifically for race and track use or for a pure road going driving
experience. The latest Exige Cup 260, with 260 PS, takes the 38 kg
weight savings introduced in the last years model, combines them
with the extensive body and aerodynamic improvements and revisions
introduced on the 2010 Exige in March 2009 and tops them off with
new components and technologies to produce the most focused and pure
Exige yet.
Roger Becker, Director
of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus said, “The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is
the epitome of the Lotus brand philosophy of performance through
lightweight. Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus, once said “Adding
power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes
you faster everywhere” and the Exige Cup 260 totally proves this,
being one of the most exhilarating, focussed and pure sportscars on
the road today.”
The 2010 Model Year
Exige Cup 260 is fully homologated for road use in Europe and key
markets in Asia and North America - a must have for many race
competition programmes where a road legal car has to be entered. The
Lotus Exige Cup 260 is also eligible to compete in the Lotus Cup
Europe race series, organized and run by LoTRDC.
The 2010 Model Year
Exige Cup 260 takes the design and aerodynamic changes first
introduced on the Exige S earlier this year to enhance the look and
improve aerodynamic performance.
The lightweight,
unpainted carbon chord composite rear wing is based on the design
from the Exige GT3 road car concept shown at the Geneva Motorshow in
2007. Compared to the 2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260 tailgate-mounted
wing, it is 181 mm wider and mounted 46 mm higher and 61 mm further
back. It is attached to the rear bodyshell clam via rear end plates
which not only increases the stiffness of the whole structure but
also ensures that as much of the airflow as possible passes over the
rear wing. This careful airflow management increases stability,
reduces drag and, most importantly, maintains the impressive
downforce figures of 42 kg at 160 km/h.
The restyled front end
includes a larger, more angular air intake to help funnel more air
through the radiator, to improve the efficiency of the engine. Ahead
of the front wheels on either side of the main aperture, two larger
air intakes increase the airflow to the twin oil coolers. Horizontal
vanes, made from lightweight carbon fibre bisect these oil cooler
air-intakes to stabilise the airflow to further increase the cooling
efficiency.
Mounted below the three
air intakes is a new aerodynamic splitter for the 2010 Model Year
Exige. Made from lightweight carbon chord composite, the splitter is
extended to wrap around the whole of the front end and chiseled side
lips are raised to deflect air around the tyres to reduce drag.
Rear chassis stiffness increases
by 30%
The Exige Cup 260 now
has an evolution of the rear diffuser and structural shear panel
based on the version developed for the Exige GT3 race car, which
increases the lateral stiffness of the rear subframe by 30% further
enhancing its outstanding handling.
The rear diffuser and
structural shear panel links the subframe to the main chassis to
give greatly increased lateral stiffness to the rear subframe
suspension pickup points, resulting in better tyre contact patch
control.
This stiffness is also
more applicable to those drivers who race or take part in track days
using slick tyres that can also be fitted to the Exige Cup 260.
Ohlins two-way
adjustable dampers are now fitted as standard, adding even more
personalisation of the driving characteristics so the driver can
tune the Exige Cup 260 to their driving style and road or track
conditions.
A restyled front end and
new larger, rear wing that not only reduces drag, but also gives a
more muscular stance enhancing the lightweight shrink-wrapped look
of the whole car.
Like the 2010 Model Year
Lotus Exige S, the 2010 Model Year Exige Cup 260 exploits the Lotus
philosophy of using weight reduction to increase performance and
reduce emissions. Fuel economy is impressive with an Official
European Combined Cycle figure of 8.5 litres / 100 km (reduced from
9.1 litres / 100 km (combined) for the 2009 Model Year Exige Cup
260), a frugal 6.5 litres/100 km on the Official European Extra
Urban Cycle and just 199 g/km of CO2 (reduced from 216 g/km of CO2
for the 2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260). Continuous engineering
improvements over the last year including careful whole vehicle
optimisation has enabled this sportscar to be even better for fuel
economy and emissions.
Luke Bennett, Operations
Director for Lotus Cars said, “The best thing about the Lotus Exige
Cup 260 is its performance, on the track it’s sensationally quick in
a straight line and attacks corners with razor-sharp precision. With
the lightness and agility you’d expect from a Lotus and the almost
telepathic feedback to the driver, this car produces an outrageously
fun drive.”
The Exige Cup 260
follows this lightweight philosophy closely. Taking the already
lightweight Lotus Exige S, the weight saving programme has looked at
all areas of the car where components can be replaced with a lighter
version (without pushing the costs beyond the reach of the serious
track day driver or clubman racer) or where components can be
removed completely without detracting from the purity of the driving
experience:
Carbon fibre (resulting
in a weight saving of 12kg):-
• Roof Panel
• FIA and HANS compliant driver and passenger seats*
• One piece carbon fibre dash top panel
• Rear tailgate
• Centre tunnel
• Front access panels
• Front splitter (carbon chord)
• Side air intake ducts
• Rear spoiler (carbon chord)
(* The seats are FIA compliant when fitted in conjunction with
fixed seat runners that are available as a track only dealer fit
option).
Lightweight components (resulting in a further weight saving
of 22kg):-
• Lightweight 'motorsport' battery
• Ultra-light five spoke forged alloy wheels
• Revised rear engine subframe with lightweight coating
• Lightweight fly wheel
• Lightweight composite bulkhead panel replaces rear window
• Alloy supercharger U-bend pipes
Removing some other non
essential components and equipment such as the interior and boot
carpets, front mudflaps, battery cover, interior mirror, sunvisors,
rear tailgate gas strut, results in a further weight saving of 4kg.
However, as optional
extras should a customer wish, air conditioning and an interior
noise reduction pack are available, together with the complete range
of Lotus metallic, lifestyle and premium paint colours
The MY2010 Exige Cup 260
weighs in at just 890 kg, giving an impressive power to weight ratio
of 288 hp / tonne (291 PS / tonne). But, of course, power to weight
alone does not make a highly competitive race or track car, so in
addition, the Exige Cup 260 has a formidable list of standard
performance focused equipment, as follows:-
Lotus Launch Control
and Lotus Traction Control – additions recommended for track
driving
Lotus Launch Control and Lotus Traction Control was originally
developed for the Lotus Exige GT3 racing programme
The launch control
allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use
during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver
then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps
the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The
clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch to transmission
engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain. The launch
control also keeps wheel-spin at bay until 10 km/h (6 mph), after
which the traction control assumes its duties.
As with launch control,
the amount of traction control required can be dialled in from the
driver’s seat and altered 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
inactive. The message display in the new instrument pack displays
what degree of traction control is being currently utilised.
Wheels and Tyres
All new Lotus Sport
lightweight forged alloy wheels, thought to be the lightest original
equipment wheels in the world, weigh just 5.65 kg (front) and 7.75
kg (rear). These ultra lightweight wheels reduce the unsprung mass
therefore further improving the handling and contribute a weight
saving of approximately 800 g over the already super light forged
2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260 wheels. The wheels are shod with Lotus
specific LTS construction and compound Yokohama A048 tyres† to
maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus
engineers.
† For GCC States
Yokohama A048 LTS tyres are replaced with Toyo Proxes R888 tyres.
Safety Equipment
Lotus Exige Cup 260 cars
have the safety equipment expected of a race car, with FIA and HANS
compliant carbon fibre lightweight sports seats*, normal 3-point
“Webb Lock” harnesses (four or six point driver and passenger seat
belt harnesses are available for track use only).
(* The seats are FIA compliant when fitted in conjunction with fixed
seat runners that are available as a track only dealer fit option).
A high tensile steel
roll over hoop is now fitted with a body coloured Lotus Sport
A-Frame as standard and the chassis is already pre-drilled to fit a
full front roll cage – a simple dealer fit process involving just
the removal of the roof panel for access prior to fitting.
Completing the additional safety equipment is a FIA compliant
electronic ignition kill switch, with cockpit and external
activation, and a FIA compliant plumbed electrically activated fire
extinguisher system, again with cockpit and external switches.
Like all current Lotus
cars, the Exige Cup 260 is built around a very strong extruded and
bonded aluminium chassis tub. Attached to the chassis is a
sacrificial energy absorbing composite front structure designed to
help absorb crash energy in the event of impact.
Suspension
To suit individual
driving styles and road conditions, drivers will now be able to tune
the Exige suspension with the Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers
(which have 60 compression and 22 rebound settings) and ride height
adjustment to reduce the ride height from 130 mm to 120 mm. An
adjustable front anti-roll bar allows customers to tailor the
handling characteristics of the car to their own requirements.
As the 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 track
racing or hard track day driving.
Brakes
The brake system
includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece 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), 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.
Performance, Economy and Emissions
The Exige Cup 260 is one
of the quickest road cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible
track performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces 42 kg
of downforce at 160 km/h (100 mph) increasing grip and stability at
higher speeds. With a top speed of circa 245 km/h (152 mph) and a
zero to 160 km/h (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 km/h in
circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY2010 Exige
Cup 260 is the perfect partner for the serious racer. Combined Fuel
Consumption is 8.5 l/100km and the CO2 emissions 199 g/km.
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 delivery 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 – only on
the track of course!
A lightweight flywheel
is fitted (giving even greater flexibility and response to the gear
change), 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 torque-sensing limited
slip differential is fitted as standard, with a plate type limited
slip differential available as an option. 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.
Electrical supply is
provided by a lightweight motorsport battery which saves a massive 5
kg of weight sitting behind the rear axle – again weight saving is
not just the removal of mass but ensuring that this mass is removed
where it most affects performance and handling.
Roof Scoop
The Lotus Sport Exige
Cup 260 has a high flow, full-length carbon roof scoop as part of
the lightweight carbon roof panel, which not only saves 4 kg but
also ensures efficient cooling through the intercooler, which in
turn allows the Exige Cup 260 to gain a higher charge density in the
cylinders improving efficiency further.
Specification
The standard
specification Lotus Exige Cup 260 is road legal within the European
Union, and can be registered for road use.
The Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in Europe. Individual
recommended retail prices for some major European markets are listed
below:
Recommended retail prices of the standard road specification Lotus
Exige Cup 260
UK (MSRP)
Recommended retail price (including VAT) is £45,000, (an additional
£950 is charged for on the road costs. These include delivery, PDI,
first service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12
months Road Fund Licence and a full tank of fuel.
Recommended retail prices of the standard road specification Lotus
Exige Cup 260 for the following markets (MSRP) (including transport,
delivery, local taxes and first service (but excluding registration,
license plates and or a full tank of fuel):
Belgium € 64.825
France € 64.200,--
Italy € 64.900,--
Switzerland CHF 94.700,--
Recommended retail prices for the following markets (MSRP)
(including local taxes (excluding transport, registration, license
plates and or a full tank of fuel):
Germany € 62.950,--
Recommended retail
prices for Euro Zone Countries (MSRP) (excluding local taxes,
transport, registration, license plates and or a full tank of fuel):
Euro Zone € 52.899,--
Warranty
The Lotus Exige Cup 260
will have a limited manufacturer’s warranty. The manufacturer’s
warranty will be void if the car has ever been used on road or on
track with “slick” or equivalent racing tyres. If the launch control
facility is utilized, the warranty on related powertrain components
is void. Clutch assembly and brake discs are excluded from the
manufacturer’s warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty will not apply
to any car which is subjected to race or competition use including
but not limited to timed runs or laps. Purchaser’s Statutory rights
are not affected.
Official European
Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5
mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.9 litre/100 km (23.7 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2
