Lotus Sport Exige Cup

[Variance]

Lotus Sport Exige Cup

Los Angeles, CA (November 30 2006) – Lotus Cars USA, the subsidiary of Lotus Cars in

North America, today unveiled the MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup. Unveiled at the Los Angeles

International Auto Show, the 252 hp, supercharged and intercooled sportscar is a completely

out-of-the-box track car with a specification designed to prepare the budding driver for the grid

at some of the finest and most challenging circuits in North America.

Weight has been kept to an ultra low 1800 pounds and the phenomenal power to weight ratio

has been further enhanced by increasing the power output from 243 hp to 252 hp. Weight

saving (or adding lightness!) has been achieved through the effective use of lightweight

materials and through the eradication of all non-essential components such roof trim, carpets,

front mudflaps, central locking and bulkhead trim. Of course just having fantastic power to

weight doesn’t make a car a high performer on the track, so the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has a list

of standard equipment that includes track only slick tires, uprated 4-piston front brakes,

adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-sway bar, the latest SCCA-compliant roll cage, FIA

approved Lotus Sport branded driver’s seat with six-point driver harness (there is no passenger

seat) and a lightweight rear screen (instead of glass). The options are even more race focused

with a FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell, air-jack system and level two stainless steel exhaust with

de-cat pipe, a plate type limited slip differential and Star Shield.

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible

performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 90 pounds of downforce at 100

mph increasing grip and ultimately safety at higher speeds.

With a top speed of close to 160 mph and a zero to 100 mph slingshot in just less than 9.8

seconds (the 60 mph sprint takes just under 3.9 seconds), the MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup

is the perfect partner to a serious track day enthusiast. Even the most exotic supercars would

struggle to keep up! At a MSRP of just $84,990, plus options, delivery and taxes, customer will

have to queue on a first ordered, first delivered basis.

Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup:

Engine

The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has a maximum power

output of 252 hp at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 179 lb-ft, at 7000 rpm. This

vast amount of extra power and torque now available means that the cam change between the

low-speed cam and the high-speed cam is variable to ensure that there is a smooth and linear

surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm. 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 cooling air enters via the roof scoop) before being fed into the

engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes

making sure that the bends in these ducts are not too tight, to the benefit of throttle response

and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high

speed driving.

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfers the engine power and torque to

the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminum casing) – with the same perfectly

spaced ratios as the Exige S. A plate type limited slip differential is fitted as an option as is the

Lotus switchable traction control system (LTCS). The LTCS system works through the engine,

reducing power to maintain traction, is active above 5 mph and operates much more quickly

than many brake-based systems.

An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir

backup for extreme track use ensuring that, under these conditions, the engine oil pressure

remains constant.

Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.

Wheels and Tires

5-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels in silver are shod with Lotus specific Yokohama slick

tires to maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

Brakes

The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece aluminum belled 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, stainless steel

braided brake hoses all linked to the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS

system that enhances braking performance and minimising stopping distance without taking

over from the skill of the driver.

Suspension

Suspension is provided by Öhlins springs and two-way adjustable dampers (which have 22

compression and 60 rebound settings and ride height adjustable perches to reduce the ride

height from 130 mm to 120 mm) and an adjustable front anti-sway bar (five settings). Full

instructions and recommended settings are provided to allow customers to tailor the handling

characteristics of the car to their own requirements.

As the Lotus Sport Exige Cup cars are modified for track use, a double shear track control arm

brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during racing and hard track day

driving.

Safety Equipment

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup cars have the safety equipment that is expected for a track car with

6-point seat belt harness on the driver’s side (with an FIA approved Recaro / Lotus Sport seat) –

there is no passenger seat. The full roll cage is SCCA compliant and completing the additional

safety equipment is a mechanical ignition kill switch with cockpit and external activation and a

plumbed electrical fire suppression system, again with cockpit and external activation.

Exhaust System

A “Level One” stainless steel sports exhaust is fitted with the bifurcated exhaust pipes exiting

from the centre of the anodized-finished 3-piece rear diffuser. A “Level Two” stainless steel

exhaust with de-cat pipe is a no cost option.

Option costs:

FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell – $3095

Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) – $1595

Lotus Traction Control System – $495

Air jack system (special conditions apply) – $5495

Air-conditioning – $2495

Metallic paint – $590

Lifestyle Paint – $1200

Star Shield protection – $995

[source: Group Lotus]

[Camino LS6]

Very cool.

[ocnblu]

I never thought I'd say this, but the wing actually looks like it belongs there. Hot.

[C.H.U.D.]

2500 bucks for A/C? At that price, I'd expect my boogers to freeze to my face.

[CSpec]

Fabulous car.

[Sixty8panther]

NOthing new but very sexy none the less.

I never thought I'd say this, but the wing actually looks like it belongs there.  Hot.

221877[/snapback]

Nope... big decklid spoilers only belong on FWD Acuras so that the

maximum downforce to the rear wheels helps handeling & traction.