The Exige Cup 260 is fully homologated for the road, but aimed at track-day users, with its emphasis on light weight and vehicle dynamics.
The most notable exterior changes are to the rear wing, which is 7 inches wider and mounted higher and farther back on the body, and the front end, which gets a revised carbon-fiber splitter and larger air intakes to improve cooling. A high-flow, full-length carbon-fiber scoop is mounted on the roof.
The rear diffuser has been revised, and lateral stiffness has been increased. In an effort to further reduce weight, Lotus has applied carbon-fiber to the roof panel, tailgate, side air intake ducts and seats. It has also fitted ultra-light five-spoke forged alloy wheels shod with Yokohama A048 LTS tires.
The weight-reduction regimen includes the removal of such non-essential gear as the carpeting, mud flaps, battery cover, rearview mirror, sun visors and rear tailgate strut. The result of these efforts is an ultralow weight of 1,962 pounds.
The 2010 Exige Cup 260 features launch control and traction control, as well as new Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers and cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes (AP Racing front, Brembo rear).
Thanks to its lower weight, the car's supercharged 257-horsepower engine propels the Exige Cup 260 to a top speed of 152 mph, with 0-60 acceleration in 4.0 seconds and 0-100 in 9.9 seconds. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, driving the rear wheels through a torque-sensing limited-slip differential. Average fuel economy on the combined European cycle is 28 mpg.
European prices range from $74,000 in the U.K. to $92,375 in Italy.
Inside Line says: A favorite of trackies on both sides of the Atlantic. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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