Press Release from Lotus, Lotus Sport Exige Cup

[Randy Chase]

MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup - adrenaline boosting fun from the l
atest Lotus track car

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.

[slaughtr]

But an air-conditioner option on a track specific car?

[babak]

Let me be the first

Edit: Ok second

[Alphonse]

where's that dag-nabbit winning lottery ticket when you reaaly need it!

[Randy Chase]

Originally Posted by slaughtr

But an air-conditioner option on a track specific car?

Anyone that was at the Buttonwillow Track day at the West Coast Lotus Meet, recall the temps at the track and poor Malcolm driving the cup car all day. I think the idea here is that the trade off is something that could be considered worth it, depending on your location. AC would not make sense at Hethel for example, but in SoCal, it might be a reasonable trade off.

Any track guy knows that the most important part of the performance is the driver and a soggy, washed out, overheated driver..is a slower driver.

And yes...

[aerospike]

Is this Sport Exige Cup the same one that is being referred to as the Sport Exige in the following article?:

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/fe...t_elise_exige/