Lotus applies GT3 upgrades to Exige Cup 260

A reduction in weight sees the Exige Cup 260 achieve a 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds, with lighter motorsport wheels and the liberal use of carbon fibre contributing to a weight loss of 38kg. Lotus Director of Vehicle Engineering Roger Becker says, "The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is the epitome of the Lotus brand philosophy of performance through lightweight."

As the name suggests, the Exige Cup 260 has 260bhp, and is being pushed as a "road legal car" that is perfect for track days. It also gets adjustable two-way Ohlins dampers, and a rear chassis that is 30% stiffer thanks to the structural shear panel and rear diffuser.

Combined, this gives the Exige Cup 260 a power-to-weight ratio of 288bhp per tonne, with the car weighing in at just 890kg. The unpainted carbon composite rear wing seen on the 2007 Exige GT3 concept is also found on the Exige Cup 260, and produces 42kg of downforce at 160km/h. The Exige is also more fuel efficient, using 8.5 litres of petrol per 100km.