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Lotus Unveils The Elise Race 250, The Fastest Elise Racer Ever Made

Lotus Elise Race 250 4 photos
Photo: Lotus
Lotus Elise Race 250Lotus Elise Race 250Lotus Elise Race 250
Lotus has unveiled the most focused racing version of an Elise ever built by the factory.
The British automaker calls it the Lotus Elise Race 250, and it is so hardcore that it ditches headlights for a set of blanking plates. This model is built so that it is eligible and compliant with multiple racing classes around the world, and it comes with performance-oriented features as standard.

The 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine provides 246 HP at 7,200 rpm, while peak torque is 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) between 3,500 and 5,500 rpm. The unit is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and they can propel the British race car at speeds of up to 248 km/h (154 mph).

The exterior features a full aerodynamic package, and the car has a maximum downforce of 155 kilograms at its top speed. At 100 mph (162 km/h) the rear wing generates 66 kg (145 pounds) of downforce. The cabin has a fire extinguisher, an FIA-approved carbon fiber racing seat, a front FIA-approved roll-cage section, a battery isolator, a removable steering wheel, a polycarbonate rear windscreen, and a six-point racing harness.

The car has been optimized to be as light as possible, and its dry weight is less than 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds). According to Lotus, the best time achieved around their Hethel test track was 1 minute and 33.5 seconds, making it 0.5 seconds faster than the previous Elise Cup 220 R. The automaker from Hethel also states that this time is also the best achieved by a race variant of the Elise.

Concerning rolling gear, the Elise Race 250 comes with an adjustable front anti-roll bar, one-way adjustable dampers from Nitron, Eibach coaxial coil springs, and a double-wishbone suspension. The front brakes come from AP Racing in the form of two-piston calipers, while the rear features Brembo single-piston calipers.

The ABS has been maintained, and it must slow down a set of ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, available in 16 inches for the front axle, and 17 inches for the rear axle. This car leaves the factory with a set of Yokohama AO48 tires.

In the USA, excluding local taxes, a Lotus Elise Race 250 starts at $76,200, but we believe it can do more than most of its drivers. In the UK, including a VAT of 20%, it starts at 53,500 GBP. Refer to your local Lotus dealer for availability in other markets.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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