Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd., has developed two higher performance versions of the 2006 Model Year Lotus Exige, the Lotus Exige Cup and the Lotus Exige Cup 240, both developed for track use straight out of the box.

The Lotus Exige Cup cars are based on the new 2006 Model Year Exige and are completely track ready sports coupes with uprated clutch, sports exhaust, adjustable suspension, uprated brakes, limited slip differential, switchable traction control, a T45 steel roll-over hoop and A-Frame with harness mounts, fuel and ignition kill switches and a fully plumbed in fire extinguisher system. An FIA approved 6 point roll cage is a no cost option.

The Cup 240 uses a supercharged and intercooled high revving 1.8 litre four cylinder engine producing 243hp (181 kw). This vast amount of extra power and torque mean that the cam change between the low and high speed now takes place at around 4000 rpm, giving a smooth and linear surge of power from 4000 rpm all the way to the maximum 8300 rpm. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger is run from the crankshaft, and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation.

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A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfers the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox. It connects to a torque-sensing limited slip differential which works in harmony with the Lotus switchable traction control system.

The brake system includes cross-drilled and ventilated discs and upgraded sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (AP Racing on the front and Brembo on the rear), high grade silicon brake fluid, stainless steel braided brake hoses all linked to the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and minimising stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

Suspension is provided by Ohlins springs and two-way adjustable dampers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar. As the Cup cars are modified for track use, a double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with hard track day driving.

A Level One stainless steel sports exhaust is fitted with the bifurcated exhaust pipes exiting from the centre of the anodised-finish 3-piece rear diffuser. Front driving lamps, twin oil coolers and optional air conditioning complete the equipment package for the Lotus Exige Cup cars.

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