Lotus announces race-ready Exige V6 Cup and Cup R

Fri, 11 Jan 2013

Lotus has pulled off the wraps on two new versions of the Exige: the V6 Cup and the V6 Cup R. Based on the Exige S, the V6 Cup is built to be a dual-purpose street and track machine. The 0-60 dash should take just under 3.8 seconds thanks to a full 345 horsepower from a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. Weighing in at 2,380 pounds, the V6 Cup should be an absolute riot to drive, and with a full FIA-approved roll cage, fire extinguisher and six-point race harnesses on board, it's plenty safe, too. Two-way adjustable dampers are standard, as are AP Racing four-piston calipers on all four corners. More importantly, drivers can expect to find the Lotus Dynamic Performance Management system in the cockpit, complete with Touring, Sport and DPM Off modes.

The V6 Cup R, meanwhile, is both lighter and offers more horsepower than the standard V6 Cup. The same blown V6 dishes out 366 horsepower in R trim, and the whole contraption tips the scales at 2,292 pounds. Of course, the same spate of race hardware is stock, minus the DPM system. A lightweight battery, track-spec tow loops and quick-release engine cover help separate the Cup R from its more civil sibling, as do performance brake pads and better oil and water cooling systems.

Check out the brief press release below for more information. Both of the new models are headed for a debut at the 2013 Autosport International Show.

LOTUS RACING SET TO REVEAL ITS MOTORSPORT METTLE AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL WHERE VISITORS CAN WIN A DRIVING ACADEMY EXPERIENCE

09 JAN

Lotus Racing, the motorsport arm of Group Lotus Plc, tips a nod to its enthusiast racing heritage with its plans to unveil two new Exige models, both set to wow race car aficionados during the 2013 Autosport International show.

With links to its award winning cousin the Exige S, the two new derivatives are set for their first public debut and will be another exclusive for the show. The cars, the Exige V6 Cup, the latest Cup version for track or road and its pure race-bred sibling the Exige V6 CupR will be unveiled on stand 2550, in Hall 20. Both new

Exige race cars will make up part of a three car line-up, where the race winning Evora GT4 will also be on display as a perfect contender for race teams looking to compete in, amongst others, the newly announced SRO GT4 European Trophy. Plus, for those that visit the stand there is the opportunity to win a Driving Experience Day courtesy of the Lotus Driving Academy*.

Around the show, visitors can also get close to the championship winning Evora GTC, the car that romped to victory last season in the MSA British GT Endurance Championship under the guidance of Richard Adams and his Bullrun Team. The car will be on display courtesy of Britcar, stand 2200.

In addition, the award-winning Exige S and Evora S road cars will also be drawing the fans as they have been selected to take part in Autocar's 'Best of British' parade which can be seen at regular intervals in the Live Arena. All models are in current production at the Hethel factory and available to order.

By Zach Bowman