Lotus unveils 2009 Lotus Exige cup 260 (lighter too!)

[cpforyou]

Lotus unveils even lighter 2009 Exige Cup 260 - Autoblog

Lotus released its Exige Cup 260 for the 2008 model year to terrorize much larger and pricier cars on race tracks 'round the world. For 2009, the British automaker has spiced things up by 'adding lightness' in the marque's grand tradition. Weight drops by over 80 pounds this year to just under a ton thanks to copious use of carbon fiber. Coupled with a 257-horsepower 1.8-liter Toyota-sourced mill force fed through an intercooler by an Eaton M62 supercharger, the '09 Exige Cup 260 should hit 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Electronic goodies such as launch control combined with variable traction control, plus 40 kilograms of downforce at 100 mph, do their best to keep the car planted on the track.

Race-ready bits like forged wheels wearing Yokohama A048 LTS tires, Eibach springs over one-way adjustable Bilstein dampers and cross-drilled and ventilated discs at all four corners highlight the serious intent of this car. Plus, a standard roll over hoop, dealer-installed full front roll cage and FIA compliant electronics are there to keep your track days safe.

Those masochists wishing to drive the Exige Cup 260 on the streets can do so anywhere in the European Union where it's road-legal, but that would be missing the point entirely. Get yours in the U.K for £45,995. Full specifications and ordering information are after the break.

[Exigent]

New Lotus Exige | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

So do you think we can just add the supercharger and new ECU to our older cars? With regard to the engine and power output only -- what's involved in upgrading the Exige / Exige S / Exige S 240 ?

[Wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Exigent

New Lotus Exige | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

So do you think we can just add the supercharger and new ECU to our older cars? With regard to the engine and power output only -- what's involved in upgrading the Exige / Exige S / Exige S 240 ?

For your NA Exige, you'd also have to mount that rear-visibility-robbing intercooler.

I'm not sure of the other changes involved, but I can't help but think it would be easier/cheaper to go aftermarket than OE.