The Exige S is yesterday's news. Lotus will launch a lighter, track-ready version at this weekend's Lotus Festival at Brands Hatch, which is occurring simultaneously with Pebble Beach and Woodward for some reason.
More than 200 pounds lighter than its more pedestrian counterpart, the Exige V6 Cup can reach 62 mph 0.2 seconds faster than the S, although its 174 mph top speed is the same.
Lotus used the same engine as in the Exige S — a 345bhp 3.5-liter supercharged V6 — but along with weight reductions, the V6 Cup will feature a number of racing gadgets, including adjustable suspension, aerodynamic stabilization parts, a full roll cage, four- or six-point harnesses, a removable steering wheel, and, of course, a fire extinguisher. The V6 Cup will also get a standard performance management system with Touring, Sport and Race traction modes.
Think of it as an even nastier version of what Chris Harris fell in love with
None of this comes cheap, however. A plain jane track car will cost just shy of $100,000, while a full on competition spec version will go for $118,000. But that doesn't include the 20 percent VAT. The tax man's extraction puts the track car at $118,000 and its competition cousin at nearly $142,000. But when you're shopping for a Lotus race car, what's 20 grand anyway?
While the V6 Cup is intended for Lotus Cup series racing, Lotus will also show off a U.S. model at this weekend's other fancy pants festival.
Photo credit: Lotus