Lotus Exige V6 Cup: lightweight Brit goes hardcore

Available in two specifications - a track day version and a full-on competition car - the Lotus Exige V6 Cup only requires simple mathematics to work out its biggest draw card: power to weight.

With the mid-mounted 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine from the Lotus Exige churning out 258kW in a car weighing 1080kg, the numbers speak for themselves - 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 274km/h.

Add into the mix an aerodynamically optimised front splitter, rear diffuser and rear wing, adjustable suspension, a heavy-duty roll cage, optional four or six-point harnesses, isolator switches, FIA-approved fire extinguisher, removable steering wheel, HANS-compliant race seats and Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tyres and you can see this little lightweight means business.

Further, while it does seem somewhat redundant in a vehicle designed to be racetrack-bound, the Exige V6 Cup also features Lotus Dynamic Performance Management allowing engine and traction settings to be switched between Touring, Sport and Race modes.

Initially intended to compete in current and new Lotus Cup series around the world, Lotus says the Exige V6 Cup can be purchased through Lotus Cars’ dealer network and direct from Lotus Racing.

Australians keen to have a drive of the Cup car will have to make do with the 258kW/400Nm road-going Lotus Exige V6, hitting Australian showrooms in November attached to a $120,000 price-tag, or order one for track-only use.

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