
Overview
Weight
Responding to motorsport customers’ demands falls so easily within the Lotus remit. The Elise Cup R is a prime example of making a totally track focused model. Using the Elise lightweight chassis and composite body, the Elise Cup R is the uncompromised result that exudes the Lotus spirit so succinctly. Despite boasting the same power as the Elise S, the overall kerbweight of the Elise Cup R is around 900kgs (1,984lbs, dependent on specification). As a result, its excellent power to weight ratio, combined with an aerodynamic package that maintains zero lift but increases downforce, enables a 5km lap time of around 4 seconds faster than the standard Elise S. This is high performance guaranteed to excite. Driving purity is no finer.
Performance
With the 1.8-litre engine, its induction supplemented by an Eaton supercharger, it means that the power is at an outstanding 217hp (220PS). Select the first of the Elise Cup R six, close-ratio gears and the forwards trajectory is simply stunning. A V-max of 145mph (234kph), within a purposefully equipped cockpit, provides proof positive that Lotus makes racecar ownership focused and both enticing and affordable.
Torsion
Underpinning every Elise Cup R is the most efficient, structurally rigid and low weight extruded and bonded chassis-tub. Based on more than 60 years of racing car developments, its torsional rigidity is phenomenal, especially in race guise. It allows the adjustable suspension to work even more efficiently, to provide unparalleled grip, a comfortable ride and a dynamic balance that is exquisite. An electronic differential lock (EDL) helps to tame any on track over-exuberance, while Sport mode Dynamic Performance Management system enhances performance.
Aerodynamics
The Elise Cup R is the most focused Elise ever. It is the car that critics call ’fresh’. One look at the Cup R highlights its attractive, well designed, yet purposeful aero package. From its front splitter, to its prominent rear airflow diffuser, it is every inch the purpose-built racing car. The lateral barge boards, fixed hardtop, engine cover, rollover hoop cover, side vanes and the rear wing are not only finished in black but are styled for optimum airflow. Because it is a Lotus, the Elise Cup R features ‘zero-lift’, although the aero package increases downforce by 145lbs (66kgs) at 100mph (160kph), although this increases to an impressive 275lbs (125kgs) at V-max.

MAX POWER
220
PS

MAX TORQUE
250
NM

MAX REVS
7,000
RPM

WEIGHT
900
KG
Features
- Focused minimalism
- Trimmed in ergonomic padding
- HANS-compliant ultra-lightweight seats
- Hip-hugging driving position
- 6-point safety harness
- Small diameter, quick-release steering wheel
- Stripped out interior
- Pushbutton start
- Electric windows
- Face-level air vents
- Head-turning presence
- Compact packaging
- Designed for zero-lift
- Advanced aerodynamics package
- Race developed barge boards and spoilers
- Taut and poised
- Motorsport developed
- Manual 6-speed
- Close ratios
- Light shift weight
- Slick changes
- Balanced clutch weight
- Lotus throttle management
- Fast rev-drop between shifts
- 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds)
Specifications
- Performance and Emissions
- Engine, Transmission and Dimensions
- Body and Suspension
- Steering, Brakes and Wheels
- Interior Specification
- Options and Option Packs
- Race Eligibility
PERFORMANCE* | |
Max power | 217 hp at 6800 rpm (220 PS) * |
Max torque | 250 Nm at 4600 rpm (184 lbft) |
Max engine revs | 7,000 rpm |
Engine Position | Transverse mid-mounted |
Unladen Vehicle Mass | 900 kg** |
Fuel Rating | 98 RONminimum |
* Performance results may vary depending upon the specification of the particular vehicle, environmental conditions, driving style and other factors. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing and intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. Published MPG figures and performance results are intended for comparisons between vehicles only. Verification of performance results should not be attempted on public roads . Lotus recommends that all local speed and safety laws must be obeyed and safety belts worn at all times. | |
** Dependant on specification. |
ENGINE | |
All alloy, 1.8 litre DOHC 4 cylinder, dual VVT-i, 16-valve with chargecooled Magnuson R900 supercharger utilising Eaton TVSTMtechnology, Lotus EFI controller engine management, MIL diagnostics | Standard |
Mid-mounted, transverse, rear wheel drive | Standard |
Multi-point sequential fuel injection and direct ignition system | Standard |
Lotus Electronic Throttle Control system | Standard |
Exhaust system sports stainless steel silencer | Standard |
Exhaust noise 98 dB [A] at 75% of maximum rpm | Standard |
Lightweight performance battery | Standard |
Triple-pass radiator with aluminium end tanks | Standard |
Pump style fuel tank filler system | Standard |
TRANSMISSION | |
6 speed manual with sports ratios | Standard |
Gear shift H pattern | Standard |
Electronic Differential Lock [EDL] | Standard |
DIMENSIONS | |
Length | 3824 mm |
Width excluding mirrors | 1719 mm |
Height | 1117 mm |
Wheelbase | 2300 mm |
Unladen vehicle mass | 900 kg** |
Fuel tank capacity 40 litres | Standard |
Fuel tank capacity 70 litres FT3 fuel cell | Option |
** Dependent on specification |
CHASSIS/ BODY | |
Standard Lotus colour range | Standard |
Aerodynamically optimised body incorporating advanced composite front splitter with moulded end plates, larger rear diffuser, sculpted rear wing and barge boards with shaped aerodynamic aids to reduce drag coefficient, all in matt black | Standard |
Fixed hard top roof | Standard |
'Elise Cup R' decal to rear clamshell and above side repeaters | Standard |
Union Jack Flag decals to rear wing end plates | Standard |
Matt silver mirror backs | Standard |
Lightweight, extruded aluminium bonded chassis structure, FIA approved roll cage, front and rear towing eyes | Standard |
Composite front energy absorbing crash structure | Standard |
Door side impact beams | Standard |
Composite body panels | Standard |
Additional wiring harness to accomodate retrofit of FIA approved fire extinguisher and electircl kill switch systems | Standard |
SUSPENSION | |
Fully independent double wishbone suspension with one-way adjustable dampers, coaxial coil springs, sports anti-roll bar | Standard |
STEERING | |
Solidly mounted, mechanical rack and pinion with quick release steering wheel | Standard |
BRAKES | |
Lotus/Bosch track-tuned ABS | Standard |
Standard front and rear calipers with race pads | Standard |
Hydraulic Brake Assist [HBA] | Standard |
Electronic Brake Distribution [EBD] | Standard |
Cornering Brake Control [CBC] | Standard |
Lotus Dynamic Performance Management [Lotus DPM] | Standard |
Sport mode Dynamic Performance Management [DPM] system | Standard |
WHEELS & TYRES | |
Black forged alloy, 10 spoke wheels | Standard |
Front Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 tyres 175/55 R16 | Standard |
Rear Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 tyres 225/45 R17 | Standard |
INTERIOR SPECIFICATION | |
Atom cloth and Suedtex® interior scheme and sport seats with white contrast stitching, red and white 'Cup R' logos to back rest and white Lotus roundel to headrest | Standard |
FIA approved competition seat on fixed mounting frame - HANS compatible [drivers only - passenger optional] | Standard |
FIA approved 6-point competition harness - HANS compatible [drivers only], 4 point belt supplied with passenger seat option | Standard |
Lotus Dynamic Performance Management [Lotus DPM], fire extinguisher and electrical cut-out | Standard |
Individually numbered Lotus Motorsport build plate | Standard |
OPTION PACKS | |
Passenger eat with 4-point harness | Option |
70 litre FIA fuel cell | Option |
54 litre alloy fuel tank [USA only] | Option |
Air-conditioning | Option |
Elise Cup R paint scheme | Option |
Ultra lightweight forged wheels | Option |
Eligible to race in the following series: |
Lotus Cup Europe |
Lotus Cup UK |
Lotus Cup USA |
Lotus Cup Italy |
Lotus Cup Thailand |
Lotus Cup Japan |
Elise Trophy |