Lotus has announced the Elise S Cup R will be showcased between 9 and 12 January at 2014 Autosport in Birmingham.
Evolving from the road-going Elise S, the latest track model coming from the British carmaker is powered by a supercharged 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE four-cylinder engine that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
The car also comes with a sport-tuned suspension (with adjustable springs and dampers), high-performance brakes, a "triple-pass" radiator and 16- / 17-inch forged alloy wheels with Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS tires. These upgrades have allowed the Elise S Cup R to be around 4 seconds quicker than the standard Elise S over a 2.2 mile lap.
Inside, the cabin has a quick release steering wheel, a FIA-compliant roll cage and a HANS-compatible racing seat. Optional goodies include FIA-compliant fuel cell, ultra-lightweight motorsport wheels, air conditioning system and a race-spec passenger seat with four-point harness.
Rupert Manwaring, Head of Lotus Motorsport, said: "Developing the Elise S Cup R was a natural step following the success of the Exige V6 Cup R, with so many new markets becoming interested in motorsport, the Elise S Cup R gives us the perfect entry level track-car. Whether the focus is racing or simply developing your driving skills on a race circuit and having fun, the incredible handling and ease of use with low running costs make the Elise S Cup R an intelligent choice."
The 924 kg Elise S Cup R will have a starting price of £39,125 and the racer can be used in this year's Lotus Cup racing series.
