The true epitome of the Lotus brand philosophy of "performance through light weight", the Exige Cup 260 is one of the most exhilarating, focused and pure sportscars on the road today.

Take the significant weight savings introduced in last year's model, extensive body and aerodynamic improvements as introduced on the 2010 Exige, together with some exciting new components and technologies and you have the purest Exige yet.

Compared to the already lightweight Exige S, use of additional carbon fibre and other weight saving components and removal of other non-essential components gives a weight saving of 38kg.

This reduction in vehicle mass is complemented by an impressive 30% increase in lateral stiffness to the rear subframe suspension pickup points (giving better tyre contact patch). There is a new restyled front end including a new more efficient front splitter, balanced aerodynamically by the introduction of the larger GT3-style carbon chord composite rear wing.

Time to have some supercharged fun...

Engine
260PS 2ZZ-GE engine, Featuring Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) & aluminium lightweight and compact construction, chain driven Double Over-Head Camshafts (DOHC) exploiting a Variable Valve Timing & Lift - intelligent (VVTL-i) system, Lotus T4e engine management system, multi-point sequential fuel injection, electronic ignition and electronic throttle control, Lotus Sport developed supercharger installation including intake manifold, plenum and induction system and air to air intercooler, lightweight flywheel.

Performance
0-60 mph 4.0 seconds*
0-100 km/h 4.1 seconds*
0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) 9.9 seconds*
Max Speed 152 mph (245 km/h)*
Max Power 257 bhp at 8000 rpm (191 kW) ( 260 PS)*
Max Torque 174 lbft at 6000 rpm ( 236 Nm)*
Combined fuel consumption 33.2 mpg (8.5 litre /100 km)
Unladen vehicle mass 890 kg

Emissions
CO² emissions 199 g/km

Transmission
C64 manual transaxle, aluminium lightweight construction. 6-speed, close ratio, constant mesh helical gears. Uprated Clutch and cover. Torque-sensing limited slip differential (LSD).

Suspension
Fully independent suspension utilising unequal length wishbones. Bilstein adjustable dampers. Lotus Sport adjustable front anti-roll bar. Double shear track control arm brace

Wheels
Ultra light 5-spoke forged wheels in gloss anthracite.

Tyres
Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tyres. Front: 195/50 6.5J R16 & Rear: 225/45 8J R17

Brakes
Servo-assisted track tuned 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS). Lotus/AP Racing 4-piston fixed aluminium alloy front brake calipers. Brembo single piston sliding rear calipers. 308 mm diameter 2-piece aluminium bolted cross-drilled and ventilated front discs. 282mm cross-drilled and ventilated rear discs. Uprated Pagid RS14 front and rear pads. Stainless steel braided hoses.

Extensive Use of Carbon Fibre Components
Roof panel with full-length roof scoop, rear tailgate, rear wing, front splitter, side air intake ducts and front access panels, one piece dash top interior, centre console, FIA and HANS compliant driver and passenger seats**, oil cooler intake vanes.

Use of Lightweight Components
Ultra-light 5-spoke forged alloy wheels, lightweight engine flywheel, lightweight rear bulkhead panel, lightened supercharger air feed ducting and lightweight motorsport battery.

Safety Equipment
FIA and HANS compliant carbon fibre lightweight sports seats**. 3-point "Webb Lock" harnesses. Body coloured Lotus Sports A-frame. Lightweight rear bulkhead panel. FIA compliant electrical ignition kill switch (cockpit and external switch location). FIA compliant plumbed electrically activated fire extinguisher system. Chassis drillings to allow dealer fitment of front roll cage. Built in high tensile steel A-frame in body colour†.

Options
Air conditioning, metallic paint, lifestyle paint, premium paint, NVH sound insulation pack and carpets.